James Starks came to Green Bay a new player this season.
For one, he's finally healthy. Injuries had dogged the running back since his junior year at the University at Buffalo. And two, he's bigger. Following a strict diet, Starks added eight pounds this offseason. He's up to 225.
Considering Starks is already taller than his peers at 6-foot-1, adding bulk was a good idea. Now, he hopes it helps him in the battle for carries with Ryan Grant.
Grant remains the No. 1 back right now. Back from his season-ending ankle injury, he's been working with the first team and playing well himself. But as all players at this position know, things can change on a dime during the course of the season. Mike McCarthy prefers the hot hand.
Grant is shaping up as a nice value in the middle rounds as a RB3, but this situation could be fluid if Starks starts to outplay him.