Miami Welcomes Pat White
Kevin Schultze
Wildcat. Undersized. X-factor. Intriguing. Pundits galore have used similar superlatives to attempt to put their label on Miami Dolphin Pat White. Alas, Miami Dolphin is the only title Mr. White can be officially labeled – for now. When Bill Parcells and the Miami front office selected White with the 44th overall pick in the 2009 draft, it was evident to most fans that the Dolphins’ 2008 unique play-style was more than a one-year experiment. After going 11-5, perhaps that success motivated the Dolphins to enhance their personnel to run such an offense.
Let’s assume first that the Dolphins want White to play an assortment of positions in the wildcat offense. Well, who better to be an integral member than NCAA’s all-time rushing QB. Holder of 17 school, Big East and NCAA records, we can go over stats all day. However, not listed in those quantitative statues are his intangibles that make him such a rare player. The intangibles like his elusiveness make him a valuable wildcat member where misdirection, reverses and lateral play-calling are abundant. Second, if we examine White as a potentially traditional receiver, it can be assumed that he will compete for 1st team or at least number 3 on the depth chart. Last year Ted Ginn Jr. and Greg Camarillo had a mere two receiving TD’s apiece with 790 and 613 yards respectively; hardly numbers that solidify 2009 starting roles.
Lastly, we look at the most tantalizing place for White – gunslinger. By majority, he was considered the top performer at the Combine’s QB drills as well as the Senior Bowl’s MVP quarterback, so there should be little reservation about his mechanics or ability. What does concern critics are his small pocket stature (where O-linemen are bigger and harder to throw over) and sub-200lb weight. Though after glancing at the QB depth chart, the two Chad’s currently with the club leave White the optimism that he can climb the ranks soon. Although Pennington is coming off one of his best seasons, it is still hard to forget his mediocre and unreliable previous seasons. Henne, like White, is barely battle-tested and does not bring the spark or energy that White is known for. As someone who has watched every game Pat White played in college, I am instilled with confidence that White can be a successful and impactful QB in the NFL, but as a fan, I will also accept any role that puts him on the field. In all likelihood, White will be placed in the wildcat system as all of the above. Jon Gruden was quoted after the pick as describing White as a “wildcat that can throw the football. He’s an electric guy.” That electricity is why watching Pat White on TV is so exciting. August 22 can not come soon enough – Dolphins vs. Panthers.
