Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell Excited to See RB Zamir White's Potential

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell sees big things ahead for running back Zamir White in 2024.

The Las Vegas Raiders underwent a major change in the backfield this offseason. 

No longer will Josh Jacobs tote the rock for the Silver and Black when Week 1 rolls around. He spent the last five seasons as the Raiders’ starting running back, rushing for over 5,500 yards and 46 touchdowns. 

During the free agency period, Jacobs signed a four-year, $48-million contract with the Green Bay Packers. Now, it’s time for a new RB1 in Las Vegas. 

That role will likely go to third-year back Zamir White. White saw extended snaps toward the end of the 2023 season when Jacobs was injured. He played well in those contests, rushing for over 100 yards twice in four games. 

White may be taking handoffs from quarterback Aidan O’Connell for most of the season if he wins the starting quarterback role. O’Connell and White are two young players on this Raiders team looking to capitalize on an opportunity. 

O’Connell sees good things for White this upcoming season.

“Yeah, I think Z, really the whole year from the preseason on, we were super excited about,” O'Connell told media members on Monday. “We definitely knew he could be a great player. Obviously, we’re going to miss JJ because he was an awesome player and an awesome guy. But Zamir, especially the Christmas Day game against the Chiefs, took advantage of his opportunities. He’s a soft-spoken guy, but man, works his butt off. Does things the right way, the hard way. And it’ll be super exciting to see what he can do this year with a full offseason and definitely a head of steam and momentum.”

In his second season in the league, White went from 17 carries for 70 yards to 104 carries for 451 yards and a touchdown. Now that he is officially the Raiders’ No. 1 running back, he should see another increase in carries and overall production. 

The Raiders brought in Luke Getsy to take over as offensive coordinator. Getsy’s forte as a play-caller is his effectiveness at scheming up the run. White should have a solid season in a scheme that fits him. 

White could be in for a big year, and if he is named the starter, O'Connell could have a front-row seat for it.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.