This class of running backs is so unique; there is a guy for every style of runner that you want. If you want a downhill runner that doesn’t play with any nonsense, Zamir White might be the top guy. Despite being the lead back for the National Championship winning, Georgia Bulldogs, White is still flying under the radar. The University of Georgia could be considered RBU based on all the talent they produce: Nick Chubb, D’Andre Swift, Sony Michel, and now White looks to be the next big dog to come from the Bulldogs. When it comes to a pro comparison, White reminds me a lot of Damien Harris, and I think he’d be a perfect fit in the Belichick system. While the Patriots don’t need a running back, I could see Josh McDaniels pairing Josh Jacobs up with White. Saquon Barkley would also benefit from having a guy like White behind him. Based on the trajectory the NFL is going, it is rare to see one back handle every carry throughout a season. I believe White is going to be a really solid NFL back that gets around eight to ten carries per game. 

 

Zamir White is a punishing downhill runner who embraces contact. He doesn’t shy away from physicality which is why scouts will love him. If your team needs to get a yard and the defense is stacking the box, White is the guy you want handling the ball. Whether it be on the goal line or fourth down, I believe White will be an impactful short-distance runner at the next level. With that being said, he can also make things happen in space. White has elite North-South speed; if given a tunnel he is going to find the light at the end of it. When making contact, White does a great job at staying on his feet even if defensive backs are trying to go at his knees. While White is a powerful back, he also has a quick twitch to him. He is able to make defenders miss with an effective side-step. I have also seen White pull a stiff-arm out of his bag, but running through defenders is usually his go-to. White was extremely explosive on counter runs and has quick feet. In pass protection, White takes pride in his blocking skills and embraces his role as a blocking back in passing situations. That is a trait that running back coaches love and might result in him getting drafted higher than expected. At the next level, I believe White will be a running back that splits carries in a north-south running system. 

 

While Zamir White is destined for a role as a short-distance runner that blocks in passing situations, there are areas in his game in which he doesn’t have a lot of experience. He had only nine catches for 75 yards and 0 touchdowns in his final year at Georgia. To get on the field in the NFL as a running back, you need to be able to catch the football. In his limited role as a receiver coming out of the backfield for Georgia, he did show that he can run routes, but catching the ball is another story. The first thing White will need to do once he gets to the league will be sure-ing up his hands. As a runner, my only real concern with White is how he comes up when meeting a defender in the hole. While he does have good contact balance, standing up through contact can get him either injured or stuffed out. He will need to work on keeping his pad level low through contact. I love the fact that White loves to block people, but I don’t think he has the situational awareness as a blocker yet. He often either picks up the wrong rushers or takes bad angles to make blocks. With that being said, it’s coachable; the good thing is that he embraces his blocking role. Zamir White will be a good running back in the NFL, the only issue is that he has limitations. Nowadays, very talented backs are falling to day three, and I anticipate that being the case with White. However, I believe White will find his role and be a very good player in the NFL.