Redskins Select White in Seventh Round

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Senior defensive end Markus White became the third and final Florida State Seminole selected in the 2011 NFL Draft when the Washington Redskins picked up White with the 224th overall pick.

"I'm very happy for Markus and his family," Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said. "He had a tremendous senior year for us. He was one of our team leaders. He's very competitive, one of the hardest-working players and practice players day in and day out that we had on our football team. I'm very happy for him and think he can do a great job for the Redskins."

White along with quarterback Christian Ponder and offensive lineman Rodney Hudson finished out Florida State's 2011 draft class. It was the third straight year that at least three Seminoles were selected in the NFL draft and the eighth time in the last nine drafts that at least three FSU players were taken.

A two-year starter at defensive end on the right side at Florida State, White was widely recognized for his relentless motor on the field. He enjoyed his best season with the Seminoles in 2010, posting career-highs for tackles (64), tackles for loss (12.5) and quarterback sacks (8.0). He ranked fifth on the team in tackles, which included 40 solo stops and started all 14 games for the `Noles. White put together a seven-game streak with at least a half-sack in each game. He teamed with left defensive end Brandon Jenkins to form one of the most dynamic pass rushing tandems in the nation, combining for 21.5 sacks.

FSU tied for the nationally lead with 48 sacks in 2010. White posted a career-high eight tackles against NC State, which he matched a week later against North Carolina, He ranks 15th all-time at FSU in career tackles for loss with 28.5, passing Marvin Jones on that list with 1.5 against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game.

"He's a guy whose motor never stops," Fisher said. "He's going to give effort whether he's a special teams player or defensive end. He's going to chase the ball. He's going to play hard. He's going to play aggressive. He loves to play. His effort and toughness can never been questioned."