Murray State University Athletics
White, St. Louis sign with Titans
4/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Former Murray State tight end Jimmy St. Louis and defensive Marcus White went untaken over the weekend in the National Football League Draft, but both received the next-best thing when they signed free-agent contracts late Sunday with the Tennessee Titans.
"I had some other offers after the draft, and the one from the Titans was the best," said St. Louis, who finished a solid career last fall with the Racers. "There were only seven tight ends drafted, so there were a bunch of them floating around out there wanting to sign, and I feel fortunate to get the opportunity with the Titans."
White is also confident with the opportunity given by the Titans.
"I just want to get there and show them what I can do," White said. "They didn't draft any other defensive lineman, so that is encouraging for me."
White, from Theodore, Ala., is the son of a former NFL player. His father, Maurice White, played one season with the Atlanta Falcons in the '70s.
"My dad is very proud," Marcus White said. "I'm glad he can share this with me."
St. Louis said he feels good about his situation in Nashville because the team is likely to keep four tight ends on the roster. Six-year veteran Erron Kennedy and two-year player Ben Troupe are already on the roster, and the Titans did draft a tight end when they selected Bo Scaife from Texas in the sixth round.
"It's a great step for me, and now I've got to work even harder to show them that I can make the Titans and be a contributor to the team," St. Louis said.
St. Louis and White report Thursday for mini-camp at the Titans' complex in Nashville.
St. Louis, who hails from Cullman, Ala., played three seasons with the Racers. He finished his career at Murray State with 32 receptions for 294 yards and three touchdowns.
White played two seasons on the Racers' defensive line and was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference team in both seasons.
Murray State defensive back Laroni Gallishaw was also considered a prospect, but did not get drafted and has yet to sign a free-agent contract.
Murray State head coach Joe Pannunzio is pleased with the weekend developments.
"All three of those kids are perfect examples of what I-AA football can do," Pannunzio said. "Jimmy is only 12 hours from his master's degree, and the other two will graduate. All three became great players here at Murray State.
"Marcus is a kid. Had he stayed at Auburn, he would not be where he is today, and Jimmy was behind two NFL guys at Auburn and would have never gotten to play. I hope Laroni gets the chance that Jimmy and Marcus got."
