Keion White’s humble answer to early praise from coaching staff

After being drafted in the second round by the New England Patriots in 2022, defensive end Keion White showed flashes of promise despite an early-season injury preventing him from making consistent contributions. Those flashes had White in the spotlight as a player poised for the famous 'Year 2 jump' heading into 2024.

Early indications were White was on track to take his game to the next level. Back during spring practices, head coach Jerod Mayo was asked which players had surprised him during that period of workouts.

"Look, Keion White is doing a good job for us and I’d say also, Keion has kind of taken that step forward as far as being a leader," Mayo answered at the time. "Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well. So if you need a name, that is a good one.”

Through spring practices and the first few days of training camp that improvement has been apparent. White looks explosive and has made an impact on the defense.

Still, it is early and the real test for any player on the line of scrimmage will come when the pads come on. White himself isn't getting too far ahead of things.

"I feel like I'm still trying to earn my spot and just earn my stripes," White told reporters after Thursday's practice. "I'm only going into year two. I may be older going into Year 2, but I'm still only going into Year 2. I still feel like I need to prove myself. Not only to my teammates, but the league."

Even when asked about the praise from Mayo back in the spring, White only wanted to talk about his current approach.

"I don't know why he said that about me. You'd have to ask him that," White said. "I've still got to come out here every day and do my job, and work to get better. At the end of the day, I still feel like I have a bitter taste in my mouth from what we did last season. Ain't nothing changed about that until we prove it this season."

While White may want to downplay his progress, it has been apparent. That may be due in part to his comfort in the Patriots' defensive system.

"Last year I was focused on doing my job and not messing up," White explained on Thursday. "And now, I kind of have a grasp on the defense and so I can focus on - I already know what my job is, I'm confident in it, and now I can focus on winning and beating my opponent."

With the Patriots expected to play a more 'aggressive' brand of defense this year, White's type of attacking mentality on the edge should play well. If he can make the 'Year 2 jump' he should be in line for more praise from the coaching staff - whether he's willing to accept it or not.