In 2021, the Miami Dolphins struggled to get anything going on the ground, rushing for the fourth-fewest yards per game (92.2).
Going into the offseason with a new head coach and a new offensive gameplan, there was a concerted effort by the team to improve their running game. They signed Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert early on in the process as well as Sony Michel just a couple of weeks back.
Between those signings, Miami signed undrafted free agent running back ZaQuandre White. White began his collegiate career as a linebacker at Florida State before transferring to Iowa Western Community College and then South Carolina.
In his final two seasons, White rushed for 642 yards and two touchdowns on an impressive 6.2 yards per attempt.
The former Gamecock was invited to the Senior Bowl this past year, and that’s where executive director Jim Nagy got a close look at the back.
In a conversation with the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Nagy evaluated White as a prospect.
“I know some teams that had as high as fourth round grades on him before the pre draft process,” Nagy said. “Late bloomer as a running back. History on defense. He didn’t test quite as well as you thought he might [in Pro Day measurables]. There was word he might be one of the top testing running backs. He tested well but not quite to that level.
“You put on the tape and he has explosiveness. He can put his foot in the ground and there’s a noticeable burst when he plants his foot. He’s got physicality that projects well on special teams. You feel good about that with ZaQuandre – physicality and explosiveness on contact and a background on defense tackling people that should help on special teams.
“Nice get for Miami. He has make-it talent.”
If White wants to make the roster in 2022, it would likely be as a special teams contributor, but there’s a chance that he sticks around as a member of the practice squad this season. He seems to have some traits that could make an impact player at the NFL level. At this point, Miami has a lot of talented veterans at the position, but if White were to refine his skills, he could be an impact player down the line.
