The Facts: Third-down backs usually aren’t rated highly on the importance meter. Although, there’s at least one notable exception to the rule in the NFL. If you take on that role in New England, you’ll soon become one of Tom Brady’s best friends. With Shane Vereen gone, that pivotal role is up for grabs. So where will Brady turn? Well, at the head of the class is White.

Diehards Line: So wrote Herald staffer Karen Guregian, who noted that White was, after all, drafted last year as the third-down back of the future. After watching two organized team activity sessions, Guregian believes it now it appears he’s the man in the driver’s seat. He’s definitely taking more of the quality reps. But it’s early, and he doesn’t have the versatility of some of the other candidates. He also fell off the map after looking great in training camp last year, so White knows he still has a lot to prove. In addition, former Saint Travaris Cadet and former Panther Tyler Gaffney also factor into the third-down back equation. But White appears to be the guy to keep an eye on.