ZaQuandre White NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running back
Height: 6’-0”
Weight: 206 lbs.
School: South Carolina
ZaQuandre White NFL Draft Profile
Once a linebacker, ZaQuandre White enters the 2022 NFL Draft as a running back with an interesting 2021 season at South Carolina behind him. White transferred from Florida State to South Carolina, and changed sides of the ball. His linebacker days were not poor either, and he understands how the game of football flows. He is a developmental prospect, but his understanding of the game will make teams interested in selecting the Gamecock running back.
White finished 2021 with 583 yards and two touchdowns on 88 attempts. He also hauled in three receiving touchdowns on 19 receptions and 202 yards. He is not the most prolific back statistically, but brings some solid fundamentals that could grow at the next level. White also contributed to special teams at Florida State and South Carolina, bringing in time as a returner.
Strengths
- Understanding of the way the game of football flows
- Versatile player with time on defense, offense, and special teams
- Can improvise in the running game and find additional lanes
- Explosive runner with power confronting or cutting away from defenders
- Special agility and cutting skills
Weaknesses
- Improvises too often at times
- May not be able to stay in running lanes strong enough for the NFL
- Relied on creativity against college defenders; may be unable to match up likewise against smarter NFL defenders
- Not a pass blocker
- Needs more time to develop
NFL Comparison: Latavius Murray
Teams With Need at Position: Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants
Projection: Round 5
Bottom Line on ZaQuandre White
ZaQuandre White will be a complicated player in the 2022 NFL Draft. He enters as a prospect with plenty of developmental upside. He is strong, has an understanding of the game, and provides raw fundamentals that should make for a decent change-of-pace or backup running back. White should find his way onto an NFL roster this summer, even if no one selects him this April.
Yet, White also fails to bring one of the most pressing needs for an NFL running back – pre-reading defensive tacklers. His reading of defenses before the snap should be fine; it is what happens when tacklers start confronting him that problems arise. He understands the strategy of the game, but may not be able to acquire the understanding of moving in the box to succeed at the next level. For that reason, it may not be surprising if White falls out of the NFL Draft, despite having the needed talent to go in round 5.
White also lacks massive production or workload in college. His one true season on offense at South Carolina will be enough to convince a team to sign, and likely keep him around. However, that team is unlikely to be a rebuilding roster in need of immediate impact. He is likely to find his way to a Denver or Tennessee team who can incorporate him into a standing committee, and give him time to develop without pressuring him to flow right into NFL Defenders.
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