While passing the ball has become the dominant method for winning games in the NFL, teams still need a dynamic running game to confuse the defensive play-caller of the opposite side, attack vulnerabilities in opposing defenses and make explosive plays, while keeping the QB safe by not having a stagnant offense.
Running backs also have to break tackles, block and receive the ball - which inevitably leads to a huge amount of wear and tear on an RB's body. Hence, the need for young RBs is constant. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having just won a ring in SuperBowl 55, felt the urge to update their running back room and hence drafted Rachaad White in the 2021 NFL Draft.
White began his career with the Bucs as a supplementary piece to the Bucs’ then-primary running threat, Leonard Fournette, but took over that mantle in his sophomore season in 2023. Being seen as a young dynamic option to lift the load off of HoF QB Tom Brady in the 2022 NFL Season, he has blossomed into an all-purpose threat in his sophomore season in the league.
In 2023, White racked up 990 rushing yards & 6 rushing touchdowns and paired that with 549 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns from his current QB, Baker Mayfield. Recently, White demonstrated that the bright lights don't faze him, as he gained 72 yards on 18 carries against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wildcard Round of the 2023 NFL Playoffs, a game that the Bucs won convincingly, with the final score of 32-9.
Rachaad White College
White has played for multiple colleges. He began his collegiate career at Nebraska–Kearney, where he redshirted as a true freshman. Transferring to Mt. San Antonio College - a junior college - for his sophomore season in 2019, to both find playing time and showcase his talent.
As a sophomore, White rushed for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. These stats got him a scholarship offer from the Arizona State University Sun Devils, where he rushed for 420 yards with five touchdowns on 42 carries while also catching eight passes for 151 yards and one touchdown in 2020.
In a season that was disrupted by COVID-19, White also became the first Arizona State player to lead the team in both rushing and receiving yards since 1949
He fully showcased his talents as a Senior in 2021, with White rushing for 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns on 182 carries and catching 43 passes for 456 yards and one touchdown. On a stacked Pac-12 conference, White also had highlight reel performances against powerhouse programs.
He rushed for 202 yards on 28 carries and scored three rushing touchdowns against the USC Trojans. A week later, White tallied 184 rushing yards on 32 carries and 2 rushing TDs against the Washington Huskies.
White’s stellar performances and stats earned him All-Pac 12 Second Team Honors in 2021 and also made him a prospect to watch out for in the 2021
2 NFL Draft.
Rachaad White Draft
White was drafted 91st overall, in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
White had set a 4.48s 40-yard dash time and a vertical jump of 38 inches At 6’ and 214 lbs at the 2022 NFL Combine. He was projected to be a three-down back who could produce between the tackles and serve as an outlet receiver. The Bucs valued his skill set and upside, dealing away a pair of later-round picks to move up in the draft in order to select White.
During his time in the NFL, White has played as a dynamic offensive threat. He has won contested catches and broken tackles due to his thick build, nimble footwork, forceful rushing style, and reliable hands. He also comfortably dodged arm tackles, evaded defenders in tight quarters, and caught passes comfortably.
Rachaad White college FAQ's
A. Rachaad White is 25 years old as of January 2024.
A. Rachaad White rocks #1 on his jersey for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A. Rachaad White set a 4.48s 40-yard time at the 2022 NFL Combine.
A. Rachaad White is 6 ft tall.
