With LeGarrette Blount gone to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots are looking for a new workhorse in the backfield, and they may have found that with one of their later round draft picks, Wisconsin’s James White, who has already been turning some heads on the coaching staff.
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Following the first day of camp on Thursday, running back coach Ivan Fears went out of his way to praise the rookie, who went for over 1,000 yards last season in Madison, and has continually showed that he can shoulder the load when he has to.
“I like his running style,” Fears said. “He runs like a big guy for a little guy. He plays big. He’s a great person. He works hard. He works hard off the field, to study, to learn, to do the things we need him to do. We’ll see what he’s like when the pads come on. Right now, he’s doing everything right. It’s hard not to be in love with him.”
While even having to split some time during his entire collegiate career with both Montee Ball and Melvin Gordon, White was still able to be one of the more productive backs in the Big Ten, and the Patriots may have found themselves a gem in the Wisconsin product going forward if he continues to impress throughout camp like he did the first day.