CompetitiveEdgeFootball
Footballguy
Given many opportunities to carry take hold of the starting job, Spiller has failed to impress. His carries this year have yielded absolutely nothing. His receptions have been fair, but for someone with so much "game breaking talent" I'm starting to get the idea that this guy just can't play football. I've heard Johnny White mentioned more than once on the Audible.
Doing a little homework, this is what I'm finding:
He's 5'10 and 204. He's not quite FJax's size, but he's comparable. Slightly shorter and lighter.
Courtesy of CBS Sports:
Strengths: Runs low to the ground with a compact frame and shrinks himself as a target through the line. Shows solid lower-body strength when by churning his legs to pick up extra yards. Possesses some wiggle in tight spaces. Lowers his shoulder to run through contact despite a lack of elite size. Patient behind the line, waits for blocks to develop before hitting the hole. Has soft hands and good awareness to find space as a route-runner. Works hard and will play until the whistle.
Weaknesses: Undersized, will not consistently push the pile. Lacks elite athleticism and struggles to make defenders miss in space. Does not run away from defenders because of his below-average top gear. Fails to reach the edge consistently. Too often goes down after slight contact. Hesitant in the backfield, allowing defenders to get in position before he gets upfield. Not a consistent blocker, defenders beat him with quickness and strength in pass protection. Failed to break through as a runner until senior year and then missed the final four games due to a broken clavicle.
He is a tough, in between the tackles runner. Unlike his "talented" counterpart, Spiller. "A downhill runner"
McShay via Twitter: UNC's Johnny White is the most underrated RB in this class. Just watched 2 more games (mia/clem). Won't get out of Day 2.
McShay via Bleacherreport.com : Todd McShay gave big praise to the 5'10", 209-pound Johnny White when he called him "the most underrated running back in the entire class."
At UNC, White consistently provided the Tar Heels with a reliable second backfield weapon. His running style, although reckless at times, keeps defenses honest. The 720 yards on 130 carries he compiled during his senior season are pedestrian numbers that won't impress anybody, but his primary virtue appears to be his unique ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He runs routes better than most running backs, and his 24 catches for 288 yards in 2010 attests to his aptitude in that facet of the game.
Although versatile, his athleticism is dubious at best, and he is definitely undersized. That being said, he was never overworked in college and has plenty of room to improve—a solid pick for a team willing to use up a selection on a bit of a project.
The most interesting fact I could find on White? He's a converted CB and WR. The guy can catch the ball.
All this being said, I think that he has an honest to goodness shot to take all the early down work. If he can catch the ball as well as advertised, if Spiller continues to be impotent with his touches, White may end up with ALL the touches here, and we've seen the running game here in Buffalo has value.
He's certainly worth an add in all formats. Don't expect a breakout game against the Jets- but past that the Bills get the Titans, Chargers, Dolphins, Broncos and Pats. None of these teams should scare anyone defensively. Some of them are downright terrible.
Doing a little homework, this is what I'm finding:
He's 5'10 and 204. He's not quite FJax's size, but he's comparable. Slightly shorter and lighter.
Courtesy of CBS Sports:
Strengths: Runs low to the ground with a compact frame and shrinks himself as a target through the line. Shows solid lower-body strength when by churning his legs to pick up extra yards. Possesses some wiggle in tight spaces. Lowers his shoulder to run through contact despite a lack of elite size. Patient behind the line, waits for blocks to develop before hitting the hole. Has soft hands and good awareness to find space as a route-runner. Works hard and will play until the whistle.
Weaknesses: Undersized, will not consistently push the pile. Lacks elite athleticism and struggles to make defenders miss in space. Does not run away from defenders because of his below-average top gear. Fails to reach the edge consistently. Too often goes down after slight contact. Hesitant in the backfield, allowing defenders to get in position before he gets upfield. Not a consistent blocker, defenders beat him with quickness and strength in pass protection. Failed to break through as a runner until senior year and then missed the final four games due to a broken clavicle.
He is a tough, in between the tackles runner. Unlike his "talented" counterpart, Spiller. "A downhill runner"
McShay via Twitter: UNC's Johnny White is the most underrated RB in this class. Just watched 2 more games (mia/clem). Won't get out of Day 2.
McShay via Bleacherreport.com : Todd McShay gave big praise to the 5'10", 209-pound Johnny White when he called him "the most underrated running back in the entire class."
At UNC, White consistently provided the Tar Heels with a reliable second backfield weapon. His running style, although reckless at times, keeps defenses honest. The 720 yards on 130 carries he compiled during his senior season are pedestrian numbers that won't impress anybody, but his primary virtue appears to be his unique ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He runs routes better than most running backs, and his 24 catches for 288 yards in 2010 attests to his aptitude in that facet of the game.
Although versatile, his athleticism is dubious at best, and he is definitely undersized. That being said, he was never overworked in college and has plenty of room to improve—a solid pick for a team willing to use up a selection on a bit of a project.
The most interesting fact I could find on White? He's a converted CB and WR. The guy can catch the ball.
All this being said, I think that he has an honest to goodness shot to take all the early down work. If he can catch the ball as well as advertised, if Spiller continues to be impotent with his touches, White may end up with ALL the touches here, and we've seen the running game here in Buffalo has value.
He's certainly worth an add in all formats. Don't expect a breakout game against the Jets- but past that the Bills get the Titans, Chargers, Dolphins, Broncos and Pats. None of these teams should scare anyone defensively. Some of them are downright terrible.
I'll take a flier on most anyone...especially a guy Cecil is high on.
