April 28, 2012

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford cornerback Corey White was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2012 National Football League Draft Saturday afternoon.

White, who was the 162nd overall pick in the Draft, becomes the fourth player in Samford history to be drafted, and the first since Cortland Finnegan was taken in the seventh round of the 2006 Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He is the highest draft pick in Samford history.

The other Samford players to be drafted were Gary Fleming in the seventh round of the 1969 Draft by the Baltimore Colts, and Rex Keeling, who was taken in the 16th round by the Houston Oilers in 1967.

White was the second Southern Conference player taken in this year's draft after Appalachian State's Brian Quick was taken in the second round by St. Louis Rams.

For his senior season in 2011, White tied for second in the Southern Conference in interceptions with four. He also ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 58, including 52 solo stops. White had three tackles for a loss and five pass break-ups.

In his Samford career, White tallied seven interceptions and 18 pass break-ups. He finished his career with 140 total tackles, including 118 solo stops.