With Damien Harris gone, Rhamondre Stevenson is embracing position as ‘the man’

Patriots

The third-year working again is anticipating a heavy workload.

Patriots working again Rhamondre Stevenson is anticipating extra touches and extra accountability this season after Damien Harris left in free company. Harris signed with the Payments in March.

“Damien is out of right here now, so I’m form of the man,” Stevenson mentioned Tuesday, after the Patriots’ OTA session. “I’m simply attempting to ensure I’m prepared for the top of the season this 12 months.”

Stevenson already had a heavy workload final 12 months with Harris sharing time within the backfield with him. Stevenson performed in all 17 regular-season video games throughout his breakout sophomore season, tallying 210 carries and 69 catches. The third-year working again topped 1,000 yards dashing for the primary time in his profession.

Harris accounted for 106 carries final 12 months, and a few of these touches ought to go to Ty Montgomery, who’s getting back from a shoulder harm that brought about him to overlook the 2022 season. Kevin Harris and Pierre Robust, who had been rookies final 12 months, additionally noticed restricted motion final season.

However, it’s clear that Stevenson will deal with the majority of the Patriots’ carries this 12 months.

As a much bigger working again (6-feet, 230-pounds) with extra of an influence working fashion, Stevenson highlighted the significance of getting in form to deal with the grind.

“I’d simply say the identical factor I used to be doing, simply extra consistency,” Stevenson mentioned. “Simply doing the identical factor daily, simply taking good care of my physique and simply attempting to be proactive.”

Stevenson additionally mentioned he’s engaged on being one of many crew’s leaders on offense.

“That’s what’s being requested of me proper now,” Stevenson mentioned. “I’m attempting to take that step. It’s nonetheless early, however I’m attempting to take that step to be a pacesetter.”

The Patriots have two extra OTA classes scheduled, one on Thursday, and one on Friday. Minicamp begins subsequent week, going down from June 12-14.

“It’s a psychological problem,” Stevenson mentioned. “Simply because it’s June and soccer is a pair months away, however you’ve simply obtained to lock in. We love the game, so I don’t suppose it’s too unhealthy, truthfully.”