WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ- Monmouth's all-time leading receiver Reggie White Jr. (Randallstown, MD/Milford Mill) has signed a high priority free agent deal with the New York Giants while three-year starting tight end Jake Powell (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) has signed with the New Orleans Saints.
 
White Jr. who earned All-America honors by the Associated Press and the AFCA as a senior, finished his career and Monmouth's and the Big South's all-time leader in receptions and reception yardage, finishing with 249 receptions for 3,373 yards. As a senior the three-time First Team All-Big South selection had 1,133 yards on 71 catches with 11 touchdowns. His 31 receiving touchdowns is second only to former Hawk and Pro Bowl wide receiver Miles Austin.
 
"I'm blessed, I'm excited," said White Jr. "I'm looking forward to making everybody proud. I went to their local days, they showed a lot of interest. Talking with the coaches, it felt like home to me, it felt like a big family and I want to be a part of that. I'm comfortable in Jersey being here the last five years so it wasn't hard making that decision and everything worked out."
 
The Randallstown, MD native played in every game over the last four years for the Blue & White, catching at least one pass in 43 out of 44 career contests. White Jr.'s father was drafted out of North Carolina A&T and played four seasons with the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots.
 
Powell was a two-time first-team all-conference selection for the Blue & White. The Marlton, NJ product finished his career with 641 yards on 54 receptions with six touchdowns in three seasons for the Hawks. This season Powell averaged three receptions per game en route to his second consecutive First Team All-Big South honor. He follows former Hawk tight ends John Nalbone, Tyler George, Mike McLafferty and Hakeem Valles to earn an opportunity in the National Football League.
 
"At first I was looking at mini camp offers between a few teams but then my agent called me and told me we had a free agent opportunity with the Saints," said Powell. "I couldn't be more excited, I love watching them play, the things they do on offense are impressive. The ball gets thrown around a lot and to have the opportunity to play with Drew Brees is unbelievable, it's going to be great to learn from him and the other guys down there. This is something I've dreamed about since I was in middle school, it became a reality once I started growing and getting older. I just can't wait to get started."
 
Powell and White Jr. join current Monmouth players in the NFL Chris Hogan (Panthers) and Neal Sterling (Jets). They are the sixth and seventh former Hawks to sign a free agent deal since 2010.
 
Monmouth concludes Spring Practice on Sunday at 1 PM. Follow Monmouth Football on twitter and IG @MUHawksFB