Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football Report: Top Badgers in the NFL

By Tanner Nestle

CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football James White
FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: James White #28 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

James White

New England Patriots – RB

One of the most underrated backs in Wisconsin’s history of great running backs is now one of the most underrated players in the NFL. White ran for over 4,000 yards as a Badger, but it’s his receiving ability that is setting him apart in the pros.

White leads the Patriots in receptions (32) and touchdown receptions (4) this season. He’s only second to Rob Gronkowski in receiving yards but could become the leader there too. He’s become one of Tom Brady’s favorite weapons and most reliable security blankets.

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Whenever he’s on the field, he has to be accounted for. If not, it doesn’t matter how good you are in the rush or in coverage. White will slither away and become available for Brady and pick up positive yardage every single time.

White has already caught 32 passes this year and is over halfway to his career high of 60 catches in a season, which he accomplished in 2016. He’s also only one touchdown catch shy of his career best in that category too. It’s safe to say that if White can stay on the field he’s on his way to a career year.

White wasn’t always this kind of back though. It wasn’t until his senior year at Wisconsin that he became a threat out of the backfield as a receiver. That year he caught more passes than in his first three years in Madison combined. If that wasn’t a foreshadowing of what kind of career to expect from him in the pros, I don’t know what is.

White is one of the best receiving backs in the NFL and will continue to be for the rest of his career. He’s laid the groundwork for running backs like Corey Clement to be successful, who maybe aren’t getting touches between the tackles, but can still contribute to their team in other ways.