FOXBORO — Patriots defensive end Keion White is using training camp to get better.
That might sound like the most generic summation of a player’s summer, but in many ways it’s unique. White isn’t out to impress the coaching staff by using traits he already knows he possesses. He’s testing himself because his goal is to come out of training camp as a better, more well-rounded player.
That’s why he wants to go against the Patriots’ best offensive lineman, Mike Onwenu, in as many 1-on-1 reps as possible, even if he knows he’ll lose.
“Mike’s a really good guard. I challenge myself to go against him every day,” White said. “That’s kind of the guy I want to go against every day. And a lot of times, he gets the better of me. But I like that, because that makes me better at the end of the day.”
And it’s why White hasn’t used his most dependable pass-rush move this summer.
“To be honest with you, I haven’t used a power move all of camp,” White said. “I’m trying to develop other moves outside of power.”
White was singled out by head coach Jerod Mayo as a player who stood out in the spring. When asking a team source who stood out during OTAs and minicamp, White was a name who was mentioned.
The 25-year-old was a standout last summer, as well, and gave the Texans’ offensive line fits in Week 1 of the preseason as a rookie last year. The 2023 second-round pick was quieter during the season, however. ranking 147th out of 172 defensive linemen with a 6.2% pass-rush win rate.
He has lofty goals for the 2024 season, both individually and team-wide.
“Personally, just being a dominant player, striking with my hands, getting a knockback vertical separation and then getting off the ball and making my tackles,” White said. “As a unit, being the No. 1 defense. That’s always the goal, being No. 1, for sure.”
White added to his overall arsenal by moving over to offense and playing fullback in Monday’s practice. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound defensive lineman played tight end at Old Dominion before transferring to Georgia Tech, so he comes with some pass-catching prowess if the Patriots elect to use him as an extra blocker.
White is one of the Patriots’ defenders who will have to step up if Christian Barmore misses time after being diagnosed with blood clots.