Arians on Devin White: ‘He’s really come into his own’

See what Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians had to say about rookie linebacker Devin White following the team’s win over the Jags.

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted LSU linebacker Devin White with the fifth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, the team had big expectations for the collegiate star. After all, White was the first linebacker Tampa Bay had selected in round one since Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks in 1995.

The hype surrounding White built up in training camp and the preseason, when some experts picked him as the favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

But, White’s season got off to a bumpy start. In the week leading up to the home opener against the 49ers, White lost nearly 10 pounds while dealing with tonsillitis. Then, in Week 2 he suffered a knee sprain early in the game that ended up sidelining him for several weeks, leading many to wonder if White’s rookie year was going to be a bust.

Fortunately, since the rookie’s return to the lineup he’s been a force to be reckoned with, and he has Bucs fans and coaches excited about the future of this young defense.

In Week 13’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, White made history by becoming the first rookie in franchise history to have an interception, fumble recovery and defensive touchdown in the same game. Did I mention he did all that in the first quarter?

White’s big day helped the Buccaneers secure the 28-11 win, and head coach Bruce Arians sung the rookie’s praises after the game.

Take a look.

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