PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : White Signs 3-Year Contract

Russell White, eager to compete for the Rams’ starting tailback position, signed a three-year contract Monday, guaranteeing his timely arrival at camp Sunday.

White, 5 feet 11 and 214 pounds, became California’s all-time rushing leader after a successful career at Crespi High in Encino and was one of the Rams’ most impressive rookie performers in minicamp workouts.

“To compete for the tailback spot, I think it was essential for us to be in on time,” said Angelo Wright, White’s agent.

The Rams, like the other teams in the NFL, are dealing for the first time with a rookie salary cap. They are restricted to spending $2.139 million this year on their nine draft selections and rookie free agents.

“It’s obvious there isn’t as much money out there now as there was in the past,” said White, the Rams’ third-round pick. “ . . . Hey, I’ve never really looked at this on the money side anyway. I’ve been concentrating on what I have to do on the football field to get ready. My job is to go out there and play well and have fun.”

The Rams also announced the signing of Deral Boykin, a defensive back drafted in the sixth round from Louisville.

The Rams’ rookies and selected veterans will begin practice at Cal State Fullerton next Monday.