FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Strong option: In a perfect Patriots world, veteran James White will recapture the form that made him the NFL’s most productive pass-catching running back before sustaining a serious right hip injury last September. From 2015 to 2020, no running back in the NFL had more receptions (364), receiving yards (3,161) and receiving touchdowns (25).
But White has opened 2022 training camp on the physically unable to perform list, which initially has the Patriots considering other options.
Pierre Strong Jr., the 2022 fourth-round pick from South Dakota State who posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among running backs at the NFL combine (4.37) this year, is one of them.
In an interview with ESPN.com, South Dakota State coach John Stiegelmeier described a player who appears to be an ideal fit for the role.
As a pass-catcher: “He’s phenomenal. That’s his greatest strength. He has unbelievable hands — very soft. We would like to isolate him on a linebacker and say ‘advantage Pierre.'”
Blitz pickup: “We never worried about him. I think he showed that in the [Shrine] Bowl game, where he blocked FBS All-Stars and stood in there. We work it; it’s not something we take for granted. We go full speed with a linebacker coming right at you [and] you can’t cut him. So Pierre’s courage and ability is right where it needs to be.”
In 48 career games with the Jackrabbits, who play in the Football Championship Subdivision, Strong Jr. totaled 62 receptions for 581 yards and three touchdowns.
He might have had increased production if he wasn’t as successful as a pure runner, where his speed and running style in a zone-based scheme helped him amass 4,669 yards on 631 carries (7.2 avg.) and 40 touchdowns.
“His ability to get his legs up in the air is unique, so you’re really…
Source : espn
