Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi: 'I know how great I can be'

[DKphin]

DAVIE, Fla. -- One year ago the Miami Dolphins were very excited to land running back Jay Ajayi in the fifth round of the NFL draft. The former Boise State product had a monster college career -- rushing for 3,796 yards and 55 total touchdowns -- but concerns over multiple knee injuries greatly impacted his draft stock.

The Dolphins believed they potentially landed a future starter -- and the time is now to prove it.
Ajayi will enter the season as the hands-down favorite to replace starter Lamar Miller, who bolted to the Houston Texans in free agency. The spotlight is now on Ajayi to become the centerpiece of Miami's running game after he posted just 187 rushing yards and one touchdown as a rookie.

The Dolphins' Jay Ajayi spent the offseason working on being more patient and elusive as a runner. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

"Everyone else has opinions on what I can do and if I'm worthy enough, and I know how good I am," Ajayi said. "I know how great I can be. That's my mentality coming in, day in and day out -- to work, so that when I step out on that field, I can produce the way I know that I can and be the great back that I know I can be."
Ajayi showed several flashes last year when he rushed for 41 and 48 yards in his first two games. After that, his production tailed off as Miami's offense struggled overall during an abysmal 6-10 season.

This offseason Ajayi worked on being more patient and elusive as a runner now that his carries will significantly increase.

http://espn.go.com/blog/miami-dolph...lphins-rb-jay-ajayi-i-know-how-great-i-can-be

 

[DuderinoN703]

He's great, the OL can be the best in the league, Tannehill has all the freedom in the world to shine.....

Vegas has Miami winning no more than 7.5 games. Miami is only favored to win 4 games this year.

Something's got to give.

 

[Dajesus]

Based on what I saw last season, I have no worries about Jay's talent. I think he can definitely be a #1 RB, and will benefit from an improved o-line, Gase's offense, and too many options at WR for teams to sell out on the run.

What I am terrified about is Jay's shaky knees holding up over a 16 game schedule, and no depth at RB.

 

[maralieus]

I like the potential, he reminds me of Ricky with his running style....minus the innate ability to find the hole, stick his foot in the ground and blast through it. The potential is there though if he can increase his awareness.