Injuries have slowed Roddy White in recent seasons, but the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver remains confident that he’ll contribute as a starter in 2015.
According to ESPN’s Vaughn McClure, White isn’t concerned that newly signed Leonard Hankerson will overtake him on the depth chart and receive more snaps. White said:
“That’s not going to happen. I’m not a guy that’s going to go out there and tell people what they should do and what they shouldn’t do. I’m just going to play, do what I’ve got to do, and be Roddy White. You know what I’m saying? [The coaches] can love whoever they want to love, but I’m just going to be me. I’m going to go out there and make the plays that I can make.”
White’s comments suggest he isn’t much of a veteran leader to teammates, though the 34-year-old certainly would have plenty of pointers to give Hankerson and rookie Justin Hardy.
That’s not intended to be a jab at White, who very well may provide valuable lessons to his fellow wideouts. Regardless, Hankerson and Hardy—the NCAA record-holder for career catches—will challenge the 10-year pro for his starting position opposite Julio Jones.
White tallied 80 receptions, 921 yards and seven touchdowns last season, but he’ll need similar production to retain his spot over the youngsters.
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