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Former Oregon safety Verone McKinely III signs with Miami Dolphins as undrafted free agent

Jarrid Denneyby: Jarrid Denney04/30/22jarrid_denney
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Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon All-American safety Verone McKinley III is headed to South Beach.

McKinley III signed with the Miami Dolphins Saturday as an undrafted free agent and will be reunited in the organization with Dolpihins’ star safety and former Duck Jevon Holland.

When the Draft resumed for its third and final day on Saturday, McKinley III was tabbed by ESPN as one of the 25 best players available. But none of the 32 teams opted to select him.

After a junior season that was among the greatest campaigns ever by an Oregon player, McKinley III was named a consensus All-American, becoming just the 10th player in program history to attain the honor. He was also a finalist for the Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the top defensive back in the nation.

He led the nation with six interceptions and was second among all Oregon players with 77 tackles.

McKinley III concluded his four-season Oregon career with 168 total tackles, 97 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, 21 pass breakups, and 11 interceptions in 38 games.

Fondly referred to as “the general” McKinley III was the emotional leader of Oregon’s 2021 squad and was constantly praised by his teammates for his high football IQ.

McKinley III becomes the third player from Oregon’s 2018 recruiting class to sign with an NFL team, joining Penei Sewell (drafted No. 7 overall, 2021) and Holland (No. 36 overall, 2021).

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