Rookie Spotlight: Rachaad White, Arizona State
Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 214 lbs
Hands: 9 3/4”
Arm: 31 1/4”
40 yard dash: 4.48
Age: 23
NFL Comparison: Kenyan Drake

College Production (Final Season)
38% team rushes
21% team receptions
29% total team yards
35% total team TDs

Pros
Smooth lateral agility
Workhorse experience
Patient for blocks
Prototypical size
Excellent pass-catcher (best receiving market-share in class)
Good vision
Adept body control
Gets to top speed quickly

Cons
Too patient at times
Probably not a volume workhorse-type
Runs upright
Goes down on first contact too often
Limited pass protection

Scouting Notes:
White is a thrilling combination of size and athleticism at the RB position. A former basketball player, he uses smooth lateral agility to sidestep would-be tacklers at the first level, before accelerating quickly down the field. An upright runner for the most part, White can get stood up on first contact more often than I’d like, but if he builds steam, he’s hard to corral in the open field. Patient for a bigger back, White knows how to wait for his blocks and then use his peripheral vision to find the best way through traffic. Sometimes, he waits a little longer than he should though, and his instincts will have to be keener in the pros if he wants to be able to break plays with any regularity. With adequate long speed for a potential workhorse back, and big, tacky hands, White makes for a superb receiving option (400+ yards, 10.6 YPR at ASU). He’s not the most creative runner with the ball in his hands after the catch, but White has a tricky hurdle in his arsenal and he finishes his runs with effort. As a blocker, I wish White would use the patience he possesses as a runner to look for defenders. When he does make a block, he’s effective though. Overall, White is a smooth, powerful back who could stand to play with a higher motor, but his trump card is his receiving ability, which will keep him on the field on third downs.

Fantasy Outlook:
White began his college career in JUCO, before working his way up to FBS ball, so we know the work ethic to succeed is there. Prolific at ASU, White is a dual threat who can hurt you on the ground and through the air, so he shouldn’t fall past the 3rd round in the draft if the NFL views him as highly as dynasty leaguers seem to. There isn’t a clear no.1 back in the draft this year, so he might find himself going even sooner. White’s drive and freaky athleticism can make him a consistent fantasy producer in the right offense. Best utilized in a zone scheme, he may begin his career as a third down back on a team that already has a solid starter, but he could work himself into a bellcow role in a weak backfield. He doesn’t flash the excitement you expect out of a premier back, but White is a solid prospect with room to grow as a blocker.