One standout performance for the team came from none other than their rookie running back Zamir White. The fourth-round pick got going from the jump, opening up his NFL preseason career with a 14-yard gain in the first quarter. White finished with 52 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards.
It was the type of performance McDaniels was hoping for White to have, coming off 11 rushing touchdowns his senior season in college.
“He did that in Georgia. He ran hard with the ball in his hands and is tough to tackle,” McDaniels said. “He finishes runs the right way, brings a physical element to the game and the team. It was a good opportunity for him to get in there and do that at our level and play in the kicking game some. Like I said, there’s going to be some things that we have to tweak and clean up, but I thought for him to get out there and establish – that’s the style of runner he was at Georgia, and then to see him do it here was good.”
While many were impressed with the stat line of the promising rookie, White said he is simply “blessed” to have the chance to suit up in the Silver and Black for the first time.
“I love ball; it’s my life,” he remarked postgame. “[I’m] blessed to be out there for this first game and grinding with these guys.”