Bruce Arians: Devin White Has “Once-In-A-Lifetime” Attitude
June 24th, 2019
Yeah, there’s a little pressure on rookie linebacker savior Devin White.
Make that a ton.
His big shoulders have the giant weight of the Bucs’ work-in-progress defense upon them. It’s White’s defense now. And head coach Bucco Bruce Arians believes White is unique qualified to take on that responsibility.
Consider this classic exchange with Arians and Sage JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman.
Ira Kaufman: Bruce, any concern, and I know you’re going to say, No. But, you’re putting a little burden on that No. 5 pick, Devin White, and I know you feel he can handle it. But Bruce, a kid who hasn’t even signed his first pro contract is supposed to be the face of the defense. Any concern too much, too soon for Devin White?
Bruce Arians: No, not at all. You’re right. He’s come in; he’s so mature. You know, and he’s in great condition. He’s extremely bright. He loves it. You know, you get these guys once in a lifetime. They all got physical skills, but they don’t love it. I mean, they wouldn’t do it for free. This cat would do it for free as long as he can ride his horses. … … Some guys just have that, so don’t be afraid of it. Tyrann Mathieu walked in; he wasn’t afraid of it. Now we had Patrick Peterson, we had Calais Campbell, no, he took over. Now he had really smart guys around him to help him, too, which we’ve got some guys like that.
Joe can’t wait to see White against real competition when the Bucs’ preseason kicks off August 9th in Pittsburgh. All this big talk is a bit much for Joe too digest.
A once-in-a-lifetime player wearing Bucs colors? It’s been a long time.
This all has Joe in a vintage Kelly Clarkson mood.
June 24th, 2019 at 9:04 am
Super Bowl!!!
June 24th, 2019 at 9:14 am
There you go again Joe with that ‘savior’ moniker. Devin White is a rookie, with all the tools to become an excellent ILB in Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme. He’s got excellent leadership POTENTIAL to go along with that, and seems to really enjoy being in the ‘middle of the action’ like it seems all great MLBs have.
But Devin White won’t any more be the ‘savior’ of the Bucs’ defense than Jameis was the ‘savior’ of the Bucs’ offense. And the Bucs don’t NEED ‘saviors’ … they NEED 11 professionals doing their jobs together as a TEAM to be successful. Talented players & strong FIELD LEADERSHIP is a big part IMO, and hopefully Devin White provides both in the future for us. But ‘savior’? Nah.
June 24th, 2019 at 9:23 am
Defense Rules…I think Joe had his tongue planted firmly in his cheek at how much they’re putting on Devin so early with the “savior” crack.
June 24th, 2019 at 9:36 am
Hyperbole. Old man Arians is full of hyperbole. LOL.
June 24th, 2019 at 9:52 am
not worried about white…..he’ll be special…..
GO BUCS!!!!
June 24th, 2019 at 10:08 am
Was watching some film in White from last year. His closing speed is almost super-human. Were I an opposing QB, I’d be appealing to management for a uniform change…at least the pants. Need them to be brown to save any on-field embarrassment.
“Shart, meet pants.”
June 24th, 2019 at 10:16 am
Ira thinks he’s so cool using Bruce’s name, so unnecessary to say it twice there.
June 24th, 2019 at 10:20 am
I’m more concerned about Joe! “Kelly Clarkson mood”?!!!
I don’t think I can ever say that I have been in a “Clarkson mood”! AC/DC, Guns & Roses, some OutKast perhaps!
June 24th, 2019 at 10:21 am
Just may be the savior. Confidence and desire bleeds off onto other players.
And the fact that he might just kick your ass for loafing.
June 24th, 2019 at 10:25 am
I think he is going to make a huge impact on our defense !
June 24th, 2019 at 10:32 am
LSU…..feeding the NFL spectacularly!!
June 24th, 2019 at 10:35 am
Actually I am hoping to see a lot of our new draftees play well together. As for savior,,lets not get carried away. Get a quality player at every level of the defense and you can save the day,Thanks Bruce,we needed that.
June 24th, 2019 at 10:36 am
But can he dance on the sidelines when we’re down by 3 scores though?
June 24th, 2019 at 10:59 am
Devin will be THE best MLB in the NFL in 2 years…..Wagner and Kuechly included! I’m not saying that as a biased Buc-fan either. He’s faster AND quicker than any MLB in the game. Not to mention he is country-strong in his upperbody, has a nasty on-field disposition, and can cover/run with the best MLB in the game. The only question marks…. he will need to prove is his ability to study, diagnose, read his reads, and make all the play he’s supposed to make. Some never get there, but if/when he does…..Ray Lewis II
June 24th, 2019 at 11:24 am
You are creating the narrative that DW45 is under so much pressure only because they passed on Josh Allen. If the Bucs took Allen you would be saying the exact same thing and even more so because of JPPs accident. C’mon..
June 24th, 2019 at 11:28 am
“It’s been a long time.” Maybe a lifetime?
June 24th, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Bruce, any concern, and I know you’re going to say, No. But, you’re putting a little burden on that No. 5 pick, Devin White, and I know you feel he can handle it. But Bruce, a kid who hasn’t even signed his first pro contract is supposed to be the face of the defense. Any concern too much, too soon for Devin White?
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What a stupid question. Wow. Teams put that ‘burden’ on high draft picks at QB. The good ones step up. So why wouldn’t that be ok for LB? White will be the QB of the defense. Either accept the pressure and succeed or back away.
June 24th, 2019 at 12:16 pm
White raises the anticipation level a whole bunch along with the young pass defenders.
June 24th, 2019 at 12:17 pm
R.O sadly I don’t know if joe would be calling allen a savior. He refers to Devin white like that bc he didn’t get the guy he wanted. Remember, you don’t draft mlb in the top 5. Ever. 🙄
June 24th, 2019 at 3:20 pm
bucs 16-0! Superbowl baby!
June 24th, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Joe didn’t get the guy he wanted, but the guy he got plays a lot like Polamolu, only faster.
I’ll take it.
June 24th, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Whites gonna be a stud. Now who was that we got replacing JPP??
June 24th, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Was bored yesterday so I cued up the Bucs Eagle NFC Champ game, always nice to relive the wonder year…
What jumped out on me, and its been awhile since I watched them – the attacking style, the speed, the anticipation
Yes, teams made a play here, a play there, but routinely and consistently DB55, Singleton, Spires, DJackson, Lynch, Barber, Kelly, Sapp, Rice – everybody!! – they just all took turns making plays, creating havoc in the backfield, knocking timing off with jams at the line, a relentless attacking style with a nasty disposition towards anyone in the wrong color – so many corner blitzes!!!!! Kiffin blitzed more than he got credit for when re-watching the tape
If we can just do the basics of our past and play with heart and pride, relentlessly attack the ball, good things WILL come
DWhite has that attacking personality that can rub off on his teammates and make someone like Shelton Quarles (DB55), or Tyoka Jackson/ Brad Culpepper (SAPP) look like a much better player than they truly are
You know, bring those around him up to his level of intensity –
He isn’t a savior as much as he needs to be the trendsetter for our new D
June 24th, 2019 at 7:31 pm
There is only one savior that is Jesus Christ!
June 24th, 2019 at 9:12 pm
Roll tide
If LSU ever got a great coach……..
It would be scary
June 24th, 2019 at 11:13 pm
DW is almost a shoe in for DROY.
This defense is gonna be nasty and WIN games.
If they do actually WIN 5 games, Bucs are in the Playoffs.
I’m actually thinking it takes 1/3 of the season to formulate an effective game plan offensively.
4-2 record at that point IMO.
Unless the offense does light up NO or the Rams.
If the offense scores points in the Red Zone, the Bucs are gonna blow out 3 or 4 teams.
Genius level coaching On The Way
June 25th, 2019 at 8:23 am
Ahhhh vintage Kelly…odd yet onpoint reference man!
June 25th, 2019 at 9:58 pm
ncbucsfan Says:
June 24th, 2019 at 10:59 am
I will echo by saying key phrase “2 years”. A bold prediction but we will only really see in 2 or 3 years. He will go through some “growing pains” earlier on I am sure. I don’t expect a “miraculous” performance this year. I don’t require him to be “rookie of the Year” to have him meet my hopes this year either.
Of course I am a bit older of a guy now also.
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Buccaneerscotty Says:
June 24th, 2019 at 7:31 pm
What in heaven’s name is wrong with you? There may only be one Savior but there are all kinds of saviors in all kind of situations here on earth. STFU. Take it elsewhere. No one is attacking my faith! I am not offended in the least.
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Go Bucs!!!
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