LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Shortly after the Chicago Bears took Kevin White in the first round the wide receiver participated in a conference call with the Chicago media members assigned to cover the Halas Hall portion of the draft Thursday night.
Below is part of White’s conference call: (Note: White is also scheduled to speak in-person at the Bears’ facility Friday around 2 p.m. C.T.).
On coming in to replace a guy like Brandon Marshall: “I’m very confident. Brandon Marshall has done so much. For me to step in and try and take his place and produce on the field is pretty big time. I’m pretty excited. I plan to do big things. I’m going to work, earn my stripes and I just want to help the team win games.”
The areas White feels he needs to work on coming into the league: “Of course route running and technique. I think when I’m around NFL coaches and learn the system then I’ll be fine.”
What clicked for him to have a successful last season: “I had a healthy quarterback, first of all. My head coach, coach [Dana] Holgorsen, wanted to put the ball in my hand and I think I did a great job with that. Off the field, I just worked extremely hard. Of course it wouldn’t be possible without the man upstairs, so I’m definitely blessed.”
White’s familiarity with the Chicago Bears' offense and what they try to do: “I’m very familiar. I know they like throwing the ball, especially deep to the big guys. When I went there for my visit, it was awesome. They explained everything, explained the route concepts. It actually seemed pretty simple but I’m going to hit the playbook hard so I can help the team win some games.”
His thoughts about the city of Chicago: “It’s great, I love it. I think it’s second to none, a lot cleaner, a lot better than New York. Maybe I’m a little biased because I’m from New Jersey and went to New York all the time. I love it here. It’s very clean, a lot of atmosphere. I love the city.”
On where the Bears told him he would fit into the offense immediately when he came on his visit: “When I got there and we talked, they said they want me to come in right away and basically be alongside Alshon Jeffery. They feel that will create mismatches. I’m willing to learn and do anything I have to do to get better and help this organization win some games.”
What he knows about Jay Cutler and what he’s looking forward to playing with him: “I know he’s a great competitor. I know he hates losing, just like myself. He’s a great quarterback. He’s been doing it for a long time. He’ll give you a chance downfield.”
When he knew he was a Chicago Bear and if he was surprised at all: “When my agent said the pick was on the Redskins and he said the Bears were planning on taking me so be ready. When my good friend Leonard Williams went to the Jets, the Bears called my agent and put me on the phone. I was very excited, very happy. This is where I wanted to land at. I’m excited to be a Bear.”