There Is A Reason Rachaad White Is Getting So Many Snaps
August 9th, 2022
Big fan of Rachaad White.
Now Joe hasn’t sat down at training camp and jotted down how many snaps each skill position player had. There are only so many seconds to document what happens on each play and sadly, there is no DVR to rewind at training camp.
One rookie getting a boatload of snaps, including with the first team, is running back Rachaad White. In the first week, White primarily was used as a receiver out of the backfield (but did take a couple of snaps lined up wide)
The second week of training camp? White mostly has been busy at running back. And it seems White is passing the test at all three elements: running, catching and blocking.
So it was telling to Joe that when Bucs ground control coordinator and offensive line coach Harold Goodwin on Sunday was asked about White, one of the very first things out of his mouth is how well he can block.
“He’s going to be a good football player,” Goodwin said. “He can protect the quarterback, he can run the ball, he can find the smallest creases to get into. He’s smart, he pays attention to detail, so I look forward to seeing what he can do once we get to real ball.”
What more do you want in a running back?
The third-round pick out of Arizona State seems to be the complete package. And of course, blocking for a running back is underrated. Probably the big reason Ronald Jones isn’t here is that he was a galling turnstile of a blocker.
And when your quarterback is an immobile 45-year-old, pass-pro is a big deal.
“He’s willing to put his face in – that’s half the job right there, willing to put your face in,” Goodwin said of White. “The other half is knowing what to do and he’s conquered both of them so far. Knock on wood, he continues that.”
Generally when rookies or lesser players don’t get snaps with the first team in practice is either they haven’t earned the honor or gagged their chances when they did get a few snaps. White has shown he can catch and last week demonstrated he can run.
And to coaches, he’s a proven blocker. When you prove yourself, that’s when you stick with the first team and log so many plays.
If an offensive line coach says you can block, Joe’s going to take the man’s word that White can block.
August 9th, 2022 at 10:06 am
Great news! Like coach said can’t wait to see him in a game.
August 9th, 2022 at 10:20 am
Blocking might give White an edge over Bernard.
It’s interesting how they’ve been testing his ground game. It gives me the impression that he’s already passed the preliminary tests as a receiving back.
In terms of development time, transitioning from college RB to NFL RB doesn’t take much time. But as a receiving back, the development timeline is longer despite a limited route tree.
August 9th, 2022 at 10:23 am
Hall, Goedeke, White, McCollum, Otten, Carmada! This draft was extremely underrated. The Bucs may have drafted 6 guys with future pro bowl potential. And Anthony could be a real sleeper also. I have a feeling in 10 years we’re going to look back at the Draft of 2022 and drop our jaws to the floor!
August 9th, 2022 at 10:24 am
Sleeper alert? Love our RB room.
August 9th, 2022 at 10:28 am
This is a great report. I’ve been skeptical about him and hope to be fed a big plate of crow. Prove me wrong, rook.
August 9th, 2022 at 10:35 am
I know Gio is getting good reviews this camp, but his pass pro was horrible last year. Rojo wasn’t much better, so White’s ticket might be protecting Brady when called upon. All backs can run, pass pro will determine who plays.
August 9th, 2022 at 10:48 am
The more I hear about this draft class, the more I like it….
August 9th, 2022 at 10:48 am
This is excellent to hear! He’s going to be an absolute weapon for us this year!
August 9th, 2022 at 11:01 am
I second that TBBF… Sounds like they’re all ascending in camp. Can’t ask for much more than that. Crazy how different this team suddenly looks on paper. If we win the division and make another run at the SB this might go down as the best off-season for Licht.
August 9th, 2022 at 11:07 am
Great read Joe’s!!!!
August 9th, 2022 at 11:12 am
That he can block well is a big deal, that’s usually what limits rookie running backs snaps early on in season. Maybe sneak Vaughn is in trouble!!!
August 9th, 2022 at 11:28 am
Lenny and Rachaad are gonna make for a very fearsome duo. So psyched the Bucs got him. Especially psyched to see what Rachaad can do as a receiving back once the season starts.
A lot of defenses had us very figured out the past two years. But this year, with so many new and versatile weapons, opposing Ds are gonna constantly be on their heels trying to figure us out.
August 9th, 2022 at 11:33 am
RB blocking is want to , timing and technique
#28 FSU
August 9th, 2022 at 11:46 am
It’s great that Goodwin likes his pass pro–White was the top receiving back in college last year and could be a great addition.
August 9th, 2022 at 11:56 am
Vaughn has struggled with dropsies and blocking
So I disagree. I think vaughn may be #4. And i know bernard is a tiny guy but he at least throws his body into someone (which is half the battle apparently). And he can catch. And he may be our number 1 or 2 return guy
And i dont dislike vaughn. Just saying. Vaughns name being called is a ghost right now at practices
August 9th, 2022 at 12:11 pm
Good! We need some nasty on the O – someone not afraid to stick their face in and lay some wood.
All we need now is for the blockers on O to sign up for Jensen’s “Creative Blocking Nastiness” class.
August 9th, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Oh ! BTW
Devin Thompkins
August 9th, 2022 at 12:21 pm
“He can you protect the quarterback”
That says a lot. That is huge.
August 9th, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Suh.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:59 pm
After we drafted him and I watched his highlights, then started watching more of his tape, that if he can pass block, he’s going to be the primary back at some point in the season. On tape, the guy looks like a pro already and has amazing hands for a RB, the only stumbling block is if he can pass block, if you trust him to do that as a rookie. If he can, it’s going to be interesting, and hopefully it really pushes Fournette to be his best. If White does that, if he pushes Fournette to be his best, he’s going to make the team better even if White doesn’t play the number of snaps that I think he will.
August 9th, 2022 at 6:19 pm
^ Agree.
If White is the real deal, the 1-2 punch of him and Fournette could be better than RoJo & Lenny were in 2020.
Would be great if he was a long term, every down back for us as well. Great value for a 3rd rounder.
August 9th, 2022 at 7:01 pm
Don’t look like many of our drafted rookies will be cut. We shall see.