Image courtesy of Sports Illustrated

First impressions are everything. If that is the case, then rookie defensive end Keion White made quite the impression last night in his preseason debut. 

White started the game at defensive end and played the first quarter and a half. He put consistent pressure on the Texans quarterbacks and was instrumental in a forced fumble that led to a Calvin Munson fumble recovery.

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White was a player who was on the Patriots short list of possible first round draft options when they traded down in this past April’s draft. Ultimately he fell to them in the second round and after last night, they are sure glad he did. 

After the game, White spoke to the media and in his typical all business, no bologna style he talked about his first NFL game experience.

“It was a good experience. Definitely have a lot that I need to learn and take from the game. Obviously I reserve all the rights to comment on it until I watch the film and assess it for myself.”

White was asked about his goals entering the game and he talked about the importance of playing physical. 

“Just play physical. I can fix all the rest of the stuff, technique and everything obviously needs to be corrected. Just play a physical and dominant style of the game was my main focus today.”

Physicality has never been an issue for White. If you watched any of his college tape, you see how consistent he is in terms of his game speed and level of physicality. His high motor style of play was evident on the play where he forced the fumble. When asked what he saw on the play, White referenced an old school defensive adage. 

” You see ball, get ball. Kind of just make a good football play, ball on the ground and I went to dive for it.”

If last night was any indication, we are going to see Keion White make a lot of plays this fall.