Keion White is set to make his NFL Debut with the Patriots against Houston tonight

White was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Aug 10, 2023 1:40 PM EDT

In this story:

After last week's Hall of Fame Game between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets, the NFL preseason kicks into high gear tonight with two games. The Houston Texans will face the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings will face the Seattle Seahawks.

The former Georgia Tech pass rusher Keion White will make his debut tonight for the Patriots. After a terrific 2022 season in Atlanta, White was selected in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft and is set to get his first taste of NFL action.

White is not the only former Yellow Jacket worth keeping an eye on tonight. Former Georgia Tech stars Jalen Camp and Shaq Mason will be suiting up for Houston tonight. Mason has a secured roster spot as one of the league's highest-paid guards and probably won't play much tonight, but Camp is fighting to make the roster under the new coaching staff.

White is the highest draft pick for the Yellow Jackets since 2016 (Adam Gotsis, 63rd overall)

White began his career at Old Dominion and he was a tight end at first. He had his breakout college season at defensive end in 2019. He was named second-team all-conference in CUSA and was tied for 10th in the nation with 19 tackles for loss and he also had 3.5 sacks.

White was one of the most sought-after transfers and chose Georgia Tech, but injuries kept him sidelined for most of the 2021 season. The Yellow Jackets knew he was talented and that he would be needed if the defense was going to make improvements in 2022.

*Former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Keion White will make his NFL debut with the Patriots tonight*
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

White played in all 12 games for Georgia Tech last season and led the team with 7.5 sacks and was named third-team All-ACC. His best game was against North Carolina, which had one of the top offenses in the country.

In that game against the Tar Heels, White produced three sacks, four tackles for loss, and seven tackles. It was not only the best defensive linemen performance of the week but also one of the best of the entire season.

Georgia Tech held UNC to its season low in points, in total yards, and Heisman-contending quarterback Drake Maye to his season low in total passing yards.

Playing defensive end for only a few seasons makes me think that White is just starting to scratch his potential and he could see a big jump in the NFL. He is an extremely hard-working player with very good athleticism and can play multiple positions along the defensive line. He should be a perfect fit with what Bill Belichick and the Patriots want to do on defense.

The Patriots vs Texans can be seen on NFL Network at 7:00 p.m.

Facebook: All Yellow Jackets

Twitter: @AllYellowJacket

Follow Jackson on Twitter: @jacksoncaudell

Follow Madison on Twitter: @Madison_Meyers7

Follow Matthew on Twitter: @kistner__

See all of the latest Tech News at AllYellowJackets.com

Check out the Georgia Tech Homepage

Listen to the Goal Line Stand Podcast for the best Georgia Tech and national college football coverage!

Report: ACC's pursuit of adding Cal and Stanford has hit "significant roadblocks

2024 center Jaden Smith locks in official visit to Georgia Tech

Conference realignment: Notre Dame "pushing hard" for ACC to add Cal and Stanford