The first set of preseason games are set to begin. Who are some rookies that could be making a name for themselves early?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Devin White
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a hit this offseason with the loss of linebacker Kwon Alexander. And while the team wished him nothing but the best on his way to San Francisco, they probably found his immediate replacement. It
didn’t take long for rookie Devin White to make an impact on the Bucs’ defense. In fact,
he’s been a standout early in camp.
LINK video clip
Grace Remington@GraceRemiWTSP
Are we sure he's a rookie? Tackling machine @DevinWhite__40 OWNED this series with back-to-back stops #Bucs #LSU
“The sky’ the limit,” Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said according to AP.com’s Fred Goodall. “Let’s let him fail before we pull him back.
See what he can’t do. Right now, he can do everything. So until he says: ‘Whoa, I can’t learn all this stuff or I can’t do that.’ I don’t think that’s ever coming out of his mouth, though, knowing him.”
Drawing early comparisons to greats such as Patrick Willis and Ray Lewis, White has already stepped into a leadership role for Tampa’s defense.
With Lavonte David now injured, the former LSU standout is set to become the focal point of the team’s front seven. So far, he’s seemed to adjust to the limelight quickly in practice.
Tampa is hoping for a greater turnaround under Arians, who has been known for his ability to correct under-achieving quarterbacks. The offense could succeed, but it will be the defense that either elevates this team or holds them back.
White is going to be a critical factor early.