Getty Image / Mike Ehrmann
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going through some major changes right now after Tom Brady finally retired.
They’re now giving Rachaad White a chance to be the starting running back, as the team named him the starter on their latest depth chart.
Now, the second-year running back shares his reaction to being named the starter. However, he sets the bar high for himself.
According to Kevin Patra, “General manager Jason Licht recently praised running back Rachaad White as a ‘stud’ who can carry the load in the backfield.”
White appreciates those kind words and explains how he’s going to live up to expectations.
“For me, I’m blessed that Mr. Licht feels that way about me, honestly. I expect myself to be a stud — that’s just kind of who I am. I put that kind of pressure and expectation on myself, especially with the journey I had to take. That feels good, like I said, that Mr. Licht and everybody upstairs believes in me. It’s just up to me — I’ve got a great opportunity ahead of me, as well as the team, so it’s up to me to do what I do.”
Rachaad White played behind Leonard Fournette throughout his rookie year. But, White did show some promise as a prospect. He has the ability to be a threat in the passing game, which could prove to be vital for the Buccaneers next season.
He now has the opportunity to lead a backfield that also consists of Ke’Shawn Vaugn and Chase Edmonds.
Even so, Rachaad White is still under the belief he must earn his role, which is a great mindset for anybody to have, per Kevin Patra.
“For me, it’s just a blessing to be able to have an opportunity. For me, I think that’s how I go about things — to be RB1. I wouldn’t say I’m RB1 yet — we’ve got a lot of great guys in the room. We’re all going to compete. I like the energy, I like the good vibes in the room right now [with] Chase — meeting him earlier — and ‘Sneak’ (Ke’Shawn Vaughn) and Pat. It’s a good room. I’m pretty proud of that. But being able to compete and things like that — that’s all you can ask for: an opportunity in life.”
Humble and motivated. Those are the two words that seem best to describe Rachaad White right now.
The Buccaneers could opt to select a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, it appears the backfield belongs to White, for now.