CLEVELAND, OHIO - Former South Dakota All-American running back Jamel White has agreed to a four-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. While complete details of the deal were not released, White received a $1.3 million signing bonus.

White told CBS Sportsline.com, that he was happy that the deal was worked out. "It is also a sense of relief to have it off my back. I think I have paid my dues and played hard. I am glad that it is done, so I can just play football," said White, a 26-year old running back.

White is one of the Browns' leaders, evidenced by his selection as a team captain during the 2002-03 season.

Originally of Los Angeles, Calif., White set or tied 14 USD school records during his two-year stay at USD (1998-99). In 1999, he earned All-American status by rushing for a school-record 1,796 yards and scoring 24 touchdowns. A first-team all-NCC pick, White was the NCC leader in all-purpose yards with 2,403 and had 41 receptions for 607 yards. White rushed for more than 200 yards three times and broke the 100-yard barrier on 10 occassions. During his career, he totaled 2,220 yards in 22 games as a Coyote.

In his three-year NFL career, White has rushed for 1,058 yards on 279 carries or 3.8 per carry. He has a career-long run of 54 yards and eight touchdowns. In addition, he has caught 120 passes for 970 yards (8.1 avg.) with one touchdown. White has also served as a kickoff return specialist. He has 54 returns for 1,145 yards or 21.2 per return.

A year ago, White rushed 106 times for 470 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 63 passes for 452 yards. His 63 receptions were the second most ever by a Cleveland running back.

Helped by White's play, the Browns advanced to the AFC Playoffs. Cleveland was 9-7 in 2002-03.