Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie RB Michael Smith wants to start this season - NFL News
As the start of training camp gets closer players are itching to get on to the field put on their shoulder pads and show that they deserve to be the starter at their position.
This is the same scenario playing out at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where competition for the running back spot is heating up.
Last season’s starter LeGarrette Blount and this year’s drafts first round and number 31st overall pick Doug Martin are expected to compete with each other for the starting spot.
However, a third contender has emerged in that race with third round pick Michael Smith also putting his name in to compete for the starting spot.
Smith speaking to The Tampa Tribune said that it will not be a two-horse race between Martin and Blount since he is looking to start games and make a big impact in his first season.
He said:
"I look at it very differently. Others may see it (as a two-man race), but I'm not out here just to be a third-down back. I'm going to be out here working and (looking) to start, to play immediately and to make an impact on the team."
Under new head coach Greg Schiano the running game is set to take more precedence for the franchise and all three running backs will be looking to impress the new Buccaneers head coach and cement their place in the starting line up.
Schiano on his part said that he has no favourite yet for the spot and he will know after training camp which player deserves to be named the starter.
Smith is ready for the challenge and said that he is 100% prepared to do anything the team asks him to do.
He said:
"I can do anything the team wants me to do. I'm just here for the team. I just want to be a Buccaneer all the way. I'm 100 percent in, so whatever they want me to do, I'm here."
The Buccaneers roster this year looks impressive on paper and with Schiano at the helm the team is unlikely to face the discipline issues that hurt their campaign last year.
It will be an interesting battle to watch in training camp as these three talented running backs fight it out for the starting spot.
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