Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Rachaad White "loves" the doubters.
The sophomore back shared his thoughts on ESPN personality Mike Clay’s ranking of every NFL position group, in which he assessed Tampa Bay's RB group as the "shakiest" in the league.
Buccaneers RB1 Rachaad White responds to ESPN labeling Tampa Bay as the “shakiest” RB room:
— Max Steele (@NFLMaxSteele) August 16, 2023
“I love it trust me I do ” pic.twitter.com/aY48iOJlWs
In 2022, the Bucs finished dead last in rushing yards (1,308) and rushing touchdowns (five). Leonard Fournette led the ground game with 668 yards and three TDs, with White complementing for 481 and a single score.
Now, with Fournette gone, White has taken over the reigns and been very vocal on his plans to turn things around. The 24-year-old predicted he’ll have “at least” 1,450 rushing yards and 700 receiving yards in 2023. No Buccaneer has achieved an 1,000-yard rushing season since Pro Bowler Doug Martin tallied 1,402 in 2015.
"I plan on being that 1,000-yard rusher this year," White said on "The Rich Eisen Show" in July.
White has the perfect opportunity to do so this season. With questionable QB play, an improved offensive line and no real threat to his expected workload, he’ll have every chance to step up, make plays and cement himself as the franchise guy he plans to be.
During his senior season at Arizona State University, White racked up an impressive 1,462 total yards and 16 touchdowns — amounting 30.5% of ASU's total offensive yards and 35.6% of total touchdowns. He's proven he can handle a workhorse load — now he just needs to do it on the biggest stage.
Rachaad White with the nasty stiff arm in Germany. His coming out party as RB1. pic.twitter.com/gFAn9vudo9
— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) November 13, 2022
Tampa Bay management, coaches and players have all expressed confidence in White's capabilities, including veteran RB Chase Edmonds, who signed a one-year contract with the Bucs this offseason.
"He reminds me of myself, younger," Edmonds said during a training camp interview.
He emphasized his plan to mentor White throughout the season, along with his backup responsibilities.
“I love Rachaad White”
— Jay Recher (@jayRecher) August 9, 2023
Chase Edmonds with a lot of great stuff here on his relationship with his fellow #Bucs RB @Chaad_1 @ChaseEdmonds22 #GoBucs @953WDAE pic.twitter.com/pJQpFIE22G
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