LeGarrette Blount isn't shy about wanting to be an every-down running back. "Man, I really don't want to come off the field," Blount said this week.
"I've been getting a lot of third-down reps," Blount said. "In the offseason I was working on catching the ball and things like that, so I've been getting a lot more involved."
Because Blount has the benefit of a Bucs camp this season — last year he was in camp with the Titans — he has a chance to concentrate on things that were never addressed last season after he was claimed off waivers in early September.
At 247 pounds and with a physical demeanor, Blount is more than willing. It's now a matter of coaches growing confident in his ability as well as his know-how.
"I've made a lot of progress since last season. A whole bunch of progress," he said.
Blount's lack of receptions is holding his stock down in PPR formats, but if he can prove that he can pass protect and catch the ball out of the backfield, watch out. Earnest Graham is an excellent receiver, so we don't expect Blount to be the Bucs' third-down back this season. But stranger things have happened.