After Josh Jacobs departed for the Green Bay Packers in free agency, running back Zamir White is entering what is a critical season for his career as he prepares to be the lead back for the Las Vegas Raiders for an entire season.
White got a taste of the lead role in 2023, when he was the starter over the final four games after Jacobs was unable to suit up due to injury. The Georgia product played well over those four contests, amassing 397 rushing yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.7 yards per tote.
Drafted in 2022, White has waited nearly two full seasons to really get an opportunity as Jacobs has maintained the starting role. White gave an emphatic answer when asked if he's ready for the new responsibility.
"Hell yeah," he said, per Levi Edwards of Radiers.com.
In his third season, White isn't just looking to do more on the field, he's trying to be more of a vocal leader like he was in college. He's also looking to get better at "everything."
"Last year, my role was more like a quiet guy just like, when they need me, I'm here. But yeah, that's about it last year-wise," White said "But now I have to grow back into that vocal leader and I'm just showing them on the field, every single day."
White's bid for the starting role isn't without some competition, though, as veteran Alexander Mattison was brought in to provide that and some depth. Mattison says that, despite the competition, the running backs room is getting along great.
"Even just as a group, we're able to come together and have goals as a group and just love on one another, teach each other, lending a helping hand to one another," Mattison said. "I'm excited for this running back room."
White has been getting most of the starter's reps in practice during OTAs, as expected. We'll see how much Mattison can push him in the months ahead.
