Globe says James White could be in for a major role

Photo via nesn.com

Yesterday Eric Frenz of the Globe wrote an article breaking down the Patriots' running backs and making predictions for the final depth chart. Obviously we know what to expect out of the returning squad (Ridley, Vereen, Bolden) but Frenz also broke down our new backs, and gave a particularly strong review of James White:

“At 5-foot-9 and 204 pounds, White is not considered a bruising back, but his compact build and low pad level can make him hard to bring down. He has quick burst and patience to wait for blocks to develop, a combination that often leads to positive yards. He is sure-handed with the ball in his hands, and fumbled only twice in his college career. He also has soft hands as a receiver and sound blocking technique in pass protection, making him a threat for touches in every phase of the game.”

With basically our entire backfield becoming a free agent next year, it would be great to see what kind of an impact White and undrafted rookie Roy Finch can make this season. I’ll be making sure to keep an eye out for both these backs come training camp.

Also, interesting side note: Frenz has Bolden getting cut in his final depth chart, to make space for both White and Finch claiming that Finch can play special teams (kick returning) and White and Bolden have a very similar game. I’m not sure if I’m ready to write off Bolden, who has been in the system for a while now and knows it well, but if White can seriously challenge Bolden for his spot on the roster, than this kid could have a nice future with the team.

- Pete Rogers
@ftcsports
@petahrahgas