TAMPA, Fla. — Rachaad White and Bucky Irving are the epitome of iron sharpens iron.
It’s hard to mention one without the other because that’s how close-nit and competitive the running back room is.
“Our relationship speaks for itself. Bucky has done a great job in our relationship and does not go based off of who gets the most reps,” Bucs running back Rachaad White said. “We both try to help each other out, and that’s what it’s about.”
White is in his last year of his rookie deal. He posted on his social media “one last ride” some thought he meant with the Bucs, but White said it was his music.
“Really, I was just vibing to some country music,” White said. “I was in country mode. I had a cowboy hat on. Some people saw my post from camp. I had a cowboy hat on. I was just vibing.”
However, the fourth year running back has motivation coming into this year White came back to one buc in tip top shape shape
“I just wanted to try and slim back down last year,” White said. “I wanted to go back and look at some of the things I did like back at Arizona State and coming into the league, my body-wise and what it looked like, and I just wanted to shape it up right and be able to move around more.”
He shed 10 pounds which has allowed him to improve his game.
“I’ve been feeling smooth, maybe go a little longer,” White said. “I might be quicker in my cuts, just able to put my body in certain positions which I haven’t been able to do as well as my rookie year.”
Bucky Irving has emerged as the lead back, but Bucs head Coach Todd Bowles made it clear white has a huge part in the offense as well.
“He is a pro,” Bowles said. “He is going to play football. He’s going to do his job when he gets in there. He’s great around the guys. He is great for the team. We’ve been through this last year. It’s not anything that’s a surprise. It’ll be very similar to last year, nothing has changed.”
