Jason Licht Pays Rachaad White A Huge Compliment
July 28th, 2022
Rookie running back Rachaad White.
New Bucs fans may not understand the depth of what happened after practice today at One Buc Palace.
Joe asked general manager Jason Licht to name a standout to date from his April rookie draft class. After all, Licht has studied these guys since they arrived in April.
Of course, Licht said all the rookies are catching his eye, but then he went to rookie RB Rachaad White, the Bucs’ third-round pick.
“I would say Rachaad White has done a fantastic job. He’s a got a very mature approach; he reminds me of [Chris] Godwin when he came in as a rookie and wanting to get all his ducks in a row before training camp so he could focus on football,” Licht said.
The Godwin reference is key. Godwin blew away Bucs management when he arrived after the 2017 draft and instantly established himself in the community, moved into an apartment, etc. Most rookies show up, live in the team hotel and then get assistance from the club in getting settled, relocating, etc. Godwin had that all locked down before the the team was even aware.
That may seem like no big deal, but it spoke to Godwin’s maturity. And then after that 2017 season, Ryan Fitzpatrick, a veteran of so many teams, said Godwin was a once-in-a-lifetime rookie.
“He was really a veteran presence as a young receiver, which has never happened in this league,” Fitzpatrick said of Godwin.
That comment really blew Joe’s mind. Fitzpatrick was entering his 14th season and was not a guy to sling a lot of BS.
Recently, backup QB Ryan Griffin reflected on Godwin’s rookie year.
“He came in and acted like a Grandpa,” Griffin said of Godwin’s first-year demeanor. “We’re used to rookies coming in and being a little immature. But Chris from Day 1 has been super mature and I think that’s why guys want to follow Chris. Because he always does stuff right; he’s always cared more about the team than he cares about himself.”
And that’s who Licht just compared Rachaad White to. Trust Joe, that’s a very impressive sign.
July 28th, 2022 at 10:24 pm
Nice.
Underwear football.
I reserve judgment until Tom Brady throws him more than two passes and let’s him be in the backfield when a blitz is likely.
July 28th, 2022 at 10:44 pm
Watching college highlight reels of Rachaad is pretty jaw-dropping. He has such explosiveness, speed and agility, plus catches passes like a top WR. Super psyched to watch him this year to see what he can do! GREAT addition to the Bucs and love that he’s getting compared to Godwin for his maturity, preparedness and positive outlook.
July 28th, 2022 at 11:23 pm
Moses Madu looked great in college too.
July 28th, 2022 at 11:29 pm
The thing about remember most about early Godwin was that he couldn’t take the Tampa heat. That was a common thing for his first couple of years in training camp, but you don’t hear about it anymore. That, btw, is a compliment – means that once he experienced those camps, he adjusted and then it was no longer a major issue.
July 28th, 2022 at 11:56 pm
I will always remember Godwin draft. At some point I heard the Bucs were talking to him, looked at his film and said damn I want him. Keep telling myself we wouldn’t get him until we did. Let’s get it third rounders! See if Hainsey can show up through camp.
July 29th, 2022 at 12:07 am
Love it!
July 29th, 2022 at 12:31 am
It doesn’t surprise me at all that Rachaad White is receiving compliments from Jason Licht. He’s a hardworking, resilient, responsible young man that is very competitive & motivated. I’m stoked he’s on the Buccaneers!! #KeepGrinding #BELIEVE #GoBucs
July 29th, 2022 at 7:14 am
Thanks for sharing!
July 29th, 2022 at 8:23 am
He gonna be a
Smooth Operator ~~~~~
July 29th, 2022 at 9:06 am
Rod, White played in Arizona. I think he knows what hot is.
July 29th, 2022 at 2:00 pm
It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.
Arizona is, well a completely different state and in the desert.
July 29th, 2022 at 9:15 pm
Jason Licht may well have “Belichicked” Rachaad White In the draft.
While “everyone” else was looking for classic wide receivers in the draft, they weren’t thinking about receiving-RBs.
This is, however, what Brady never -stops- thinking about, and the enormous advantage break-out plays by James White gave the Brady-offense in New England.
If Rachaad is ready for year #1, whoa!
July 29th, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Been saying it since he got here…CG is a pro’s pro. Has been and will continue to be one of the most important players on this roster.