Now that the Bucks have a firm grasp on starting the running back job thanks to Leonard Fournette’s offseason release, Rashard White needs a better grip on football. His third-round pick from Tampa Bay last year had a promising rookie his season with three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing), but also had three fumbles. .
that is high number A running back, especially for just 190 touches, including 11 kick returns. White’s regular first fumble of the season came in his opening kickoff against Kansas City in Week 4. He then fumbled the ball in consecutive games against New Orleans and in the San Francisco offense later that year.
Tennessee running back Derrick Henry will lead all running backs in the league with six fumbles in 2022, but last year he had 382 total touches (349 carries, 33 receptions). ) was recorded.
Bucks head coach Todd Bowles told media at the NFL Annual Meeting that he has high hopes for White this year, but that Arizona State’s product should clean up his blunders.
“Just get better. We talked about him becoming a more complete back,” Bowles said of White. , noticed he was gripping the football first. Mind the football, with the new offense, he kept accelerating and getting better every step of the way to be a perfect 3-down back. I expect.”
Bucs RB Rachaad White – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
White talked about his fumble Exclusive interview with Pewter Report this off-season.
“Yeah, sure — it’s tough. Football is football, after all,” White said. “In my entire college career, I have never failed football. is.
“You’re just passionate. I was passionate, trying to play more and do more for the team, but also trying to help get more out on the field. Nothing forced.” Certain things I had to understand and learn not to do – things happen and grow over time.
During his rookie season at Tampa Bay, White rushed for 481 yards, scoring one touchdown on 129 carries (3.7 average), and caught 50 passes for 292 yards and two scores.
Rachaad White eager to work with new Bucs RBs coach Skip Peete
In addition to his three all-season fumbles, White also fumbled once during his preseason with Tennessee. White was keen to make plays last year, which led to some turnovers, but White is eager to learn from new running back coach Skip Peat. and Tony Pollard, Pete’s running back in Dallas never failed.
“Coach Pete’s track record proves itself,” White said. “The guys like Tony and Zeke didn’t play the ball at all last year.
New Bucs RB Coach Skip Peete – Photo Credit: USA Today
Not only will White be open to more carries and catches as a Tampa Bay starter this season, but he’s also willing to embrace Pete’s coaching style. The 60-year-old veteran coach has been coaching his back in running for 30 years.
“The first conversations we had went well,” White said. “I like Director Pete. Just on the phone, I could tell he had a lot of swag, even though he’s a seasoned, older guy. I got to know his way of speaking and his attitude.
“Yes, I am ready to learn. We have talked about it a lot. I don’t know everything I’m not perfect I don’t understand it all When my mindset is like that and you have a coach like Skip Pete it’s max His track record and the same thing he had You’re just eager to learn and eager to get better I’m in great hands.
Bucks hopes Pete can help White have safer hands in 2023.
