History Student Rachaad White
July 20th, 2023
It’s quite rare for NFL players to dive into the performance history at their position within their current team.
For example, Joe would wager that Luke Goedeke is unaware of Demar Dotson’s 106 starts in a Bucs uniform and Jamel Dean has no idea Donnie Abraham had a whopping 31 interceptions for the Bucs over just six seasons (1996-2001).
Second-year Bucs running back Rachaad White, however, is not that guy. He told The Rich Eisen Show yesterday (Joe listens on SiriusXM Ch. 992) that he’s been studying the history of Bucs running backs and named Warrick Dunn, Mike Alstott, Doug Martin and Cadillac Williams.
“I want to be on that list [as a franchise leader] when it’s all said and done,” White said. He added that studying Bucs running back history is about “understanding where I’m trying to go every day, writing things down.”
Nicely done, White. Respecting history is a beautiful thing, though it still irks Joe that White keeps saying the Bucs haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Martin in 2015. Somebody hand White the rushing stats of Ronald Jones during the 2020 regular season and postseason. If White can be 80 percent as productive and efficient as Jones was that season, the Bucs will have a heck of a running back in 2023.
White added that his offseason homework also includes studying a load of his own film — “the good and the bad.”
July 20th, 2023 at 12:19 pm
This kid seems to really get it. I like the additional touch…he studies his good film…and his bad. I think Canales is the perfect OC for him…another young and very dedicated guy.
July 20th, 2023 at 12:23 pm
Bro, enough with the R.White worship-fest. Dude has done absolutely NOTHING. Has it really come to this with Bucs coverage? If so, it is a very dark time to be a fan.
July 20th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
I mean seriously, at best he is an average running back. He’ll never make a pro-bowl either imo
July 20th, 2023 at 12:44 pm
This is why White is getting the opportunities for the local and national exposure as a rep for the team because his level of maturity/character lines up with the work he put in to even be in this position.
White is right he should be chasing Doug Martins’ and his 4.9 ypc avg, and not looking at Rojo needing 3 extra games in 2020 to rush for 285 yards less than Martin did in 2016.
July 20th, 2023 at 12:45 pm
Let’s hope he got stronger and learned how to use his size to his advantage this offseason. Pulling for him, but I hope he can cash all these checks he’s writing.
July 20th, 2023 at 1:03 pm
I believe!
July 20th, 2023 at 1:42 pm
Alstott & Dunn both rank in my top ten Bucs of all time. Loved watching both of them play. Dunn was silky smooth with great balance and vision, and Alstott’s battering ram running style was a sight to see. Great players, and highly entertaining to watch. White has a long way to go to earn the same respect in my eyes. Glad to see him set targets. He has potential, and reminds of Lev Bell with his own style.
July 20th, 2023 at 1:54 pm
I give everyone on offense last year a free pass. The offense was vanilla the defenses were keying on almost every play. The team made up for a lot of the unimaginative play calling and game planning because it’s full of talent. I hope canales is an average or better oc. This offense in my opinion can be very good with the talent we have.
July 20th, 2023 at 1:55 pm
Wilder?
July 20th, 2023 at 2:03 pm
Any word on if sean tucker has been medic cleared to participate in camp?
July 20th, 2023 at 2:12 pm
Paper bag headwear … I love these articles. I am excited about White. I love his attitude and commitment. I enjoy being part of his journey.
This is the new breed of Bucs. A winning culture is new to Bucs fans, but all these cats have known is winning — Super Bowls and 2x NFCS the last three years. It’s tough forget 2-3 decades of losing, but drop the negativity and get onboard. Drink the Kool-aid. It’s way more fun.
July 20th, 2023 at 2:14 pm
This reminds me a little of the stories about Jameis’s notebooks from when he was 10 years old. A real student of the game.
July 20th, 2023 at 2:20 pm
@Chark
Tucker got re-evaluated in April, right before he held his own pro day at Syracuse which was a week before the 2023 draft. My opinion, is the team probably held him out of OTAs and camp to evaluate Ronnie Brown who’ll probably be pushing Pat Laird for a practice squad spot. I think we held Tucker back because we want to give him a shot at challenging Chase Edmonds for an active roster spot.
It’s late in the eval process, but I’m not even close to the doom & gloom some are in a rush to embrace in what seems is mostly a game of name recognition and not projected capability of the talent on-hand.
July 20th, 2023 at 2:34 pm
If memory servees Jones came ip short during the regular season of 1000
yards and since some RBs dont hit the postseason the regular season yards are what are recognized. To me White is correct althoigh BA made no effort to get Jones 1000 yards and called all pass plays on his last game when it was right there for the takung-
July 20th, 2023 at 2:34 pm
@Paperbag you’re a cynical as your name. White is the leading rusher, showed signs last year behind as atrocious run blocking line (all 3 inner dudes this year will be different), oh and…IT’S THE DEAD OF THE OFFSEASON & A BUC GAVE A NATIONAL INTERVIEW. You’re like a part (i.e. most) of the internet that just registers the first complaint that pops in your head with no consideration for nuance or context.
July 20th, 2023 at 2:36 pm
Thank you Joe for a positive twist from our running back. It’s a breath of fresh air.
July 20th, 2023 at 2:52 pm
Joe Says:
“If White can be 80 percent as productive and efficient as Jones was that season, the Bucs will have a heck of a running back in 2023.”
Hardly….
80% of Rojo’s 2020 regular season #s = 782 rushing yards and 132 receiving yards. And throwing in the 139 total yards (minus 20% = 111 yards) that Rojo got in 3 post season games doesn’t help much – still would be less than 1000 total combined yards in 19 games.
That would not represent a “heck of a running back” – that would represent a desperate need to find a better RB….
I believe in 2023 – that Rachaad White will have over 1500 combined rushing and receiving yards. THAT would represent a “heck of a running back”.
July 20th, 2023 at 4:18 pm
Nick2 says: ” If memory servees Jones came ip short during the regular season of 1000
yards ”
True Nick, but only because the last 3 or 4 play didn’t call his number. Instead the wack job AB got fed so he could make his bonus!!
July 20th, 2023 at 4:23 pm
Is that hope I hear coming from Joe?
That 4 letter word is just what we need to hear. At this point it’s all we got.
The offense hinges on the revamped O-line, I hope they’re great but I’ll settle for good.
July 20th, 2023 at 4:24 pm
Eckwood, Dubose, Bell. Gary Anderson, Tate, Cobb, Rhett. Good times lol
July 20th, 2023 at 5:03 pm
White should study Ernest Graham #34 was an all around player, good hands and power.
July 20th, 2023 at 5:20 pm
What are we whining about today? I don’t want to be, off topic.
July 20th, 2023 at 6:13 pm
Wow – that pic. I really miss the WD-40 days…
I believe the Bucs could have a solid running game this year – IF – they sign one of the free agent running backs that are currently available.
I wonder if we could make a deal for either S. Barkley or D. Cook.
I know it’s far fetched but that would give me a stiffie…
July 20th, 2023 at 6:15 pm
LOL!
That would give me a “stiff arm”…
July 20th, 2023 at 6:44 pm
I like this dude. Quality person that gets this sport. Hope he has a great career.
July 20th, 2023 at 8:20 pm
Thank you, Sky pirate. I couldn’t say it better.
“This is the new breed of Bucs. A winning culture is new to Bucs fans, but all these cats have known is winning — Super Bowls and 2x NFCS the last three years. It’s tough to forget 2-3 decades of losing, but drop the negativity and get onboard. Drink the Kool-aid. It’s way more fun.”
PS: A little positivity can get us far. I trust the process. I believe we gone be alright.
July 21st, 2023 at 1:15 am
Good list to aspire to Rashaad!
Go for it!
Go Bucs!
July 21st, 2023 at 1:43 am
what about james wilder.. sounds like the media darling needs to study up? How about not fumbling and actually make an impact?
July 21st, 2023 at 7:22 am
Kids never met a microphone he didn’t like