Rookie RB Zamir ‘Zeus’ White looking to emerge in Raiders backfield
The Las Vegas Raiders selected running back Zamir White with the 122nd pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. After declining fellow running back Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option, the Raiders appear to have found a potential replacement for the former Alabama star.
White’s scouting report
Las Vegas landed a tough runner in White. The 215-pounder has a reputation for his “explosive style of play” and his ability to “push piles and drag defenders for extra yards,” according to Damian Parson of the Draft Network. With solid vision, balance and power, Raiders fans should see White’s success stemming from short-yardage situations.
“He is at his best when he’s quickly cutting and lowering his shoulder through would-be tacklers,” says Bleacher Report, “He can be an effective back very early in his career in an offense that features downhill runs that lets him set the tone.”
College days
White played college football at Georgia, where he helped carry the team to a national championship in 2021. The fourth-round pick also led the Bulldogs backfield in rushes (304), yards (1,635) and rushing touchdowns (22) throughout the 2020 and 2021 seasons. His statistics are even more impressive considering he lost seasons of play due to multiple ACL tears.
The origin of ‘Zeus’
White earned the nickname “Zeus” due to his athletic ability dating back to high school.
“I would probably say ninth grade. That’s probably how my name Zeus came (about), just running real fast and being powerful. So yes sir, ninth grade probably,” White told reporters, per Sports Illustrated.
As a track and football star, the North Carolina native was the top-ranked running back in 2018, fielding offers from schools like Clemson and Alabama before deciding on Georgia.
The latest on White
Today, White sits in the middle of Las Vegas’ depth chart. Behind veteran RBs Jacobs and Kenyan Drake, the rookie must make the most out of his touches. He did that during Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game matchup with Jacksonville.
