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11:32 AM Thu, Jul 30, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
It took two serious toe injuries to other tailbacks for Tashard Choice to get a real opportunity as a rookie. He took advantage of it by excelling against four elite defenses while the rest of the offense struggled in December.
"They didn't know how good I was," said Choice, who is still perturbed that he slipped into the fourth round after twice leading the ACC in rushing. "I had to prove it to them."
Choice's goal during training camp is to remind the Cowboys how good he is on a daily basis. He got off to a good start this morning, bursting through the defense for several big gains. The highlight was his first carry of the inside run drill, when he displayed the "unbelievable vision" RB coach Skip Peete raves about by bouncing outside for a TD after getting to the second level on a run up the middle.
Choice believes he's a better back now than he was in December, when he averaged 122 total yards per game, showing that he can be efficient running between the tackles and has big-play ability as a runner and receiver despite stopwatch speed that didn't impress scouts.
After an off-season in the Cowboys' strength and conditioning program, Choice is confident that he's quicker and faster than he was as a rookie. He also said he has a much better feel and understanding of the offense, which allows him to run instinctively.
Marion Barber (closer, red zone) and Felix Jones (big-play threat in open field) have somewhat defined roles with the Cowboys' three-headed RB monster. But there is room for Choice in the RB rotation.
"I think he's going to have the opportunity to play a lot this year," Peete said. "In what situations, you don't know right now."
Choice doesn't worry about his role. He's simply determined to make sure the coaches know he deserves a share of the carries ... and prove that he's much better than a fourth-round pick.
"I've got to show them every day. Every day," Choice said. "I've got a chip on my shoulder when I'm out here. Believe that."
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Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
It took two serious toe injuries to other tailbacks for Tashard Choice to get a real opportunity as a rookie. He took advantage of it by excelling against four elite defenses while the rest of the offense struggled in December.
"They didn't know how good I was," said Choice, who is still perturbed that he slipped into the fourth round after twice leading the ACC in rushing. "I had to prove it to them."
Choice's goal during training camp is to remind the Cowboys how good he is on a daily basis. He got off to a good start this morning, bursting through the defense for several big gains. The highlight was his first carry of the inside run drill, when he displayed the "unbelievable vision" RB coach Skip Peete raves about by bouncing outside for a TD after getting to the second level on a run up the middle.
Choice believes he's a better back now than he was in December, when he averaged 122 total yards per game, showing that he can be efficient running between the tackles and has big-play ability as a runner and receiver despite stopwatch speed that didn't impress scouts.
After an off-season in the Cowboys' strength and conditioning program, Choice is confident that he's quicker and faster than he was as a rookie. He also said he has a much better feel and understanding of the offense, which allows him to run instinctively.
Marion Barber (closer, red zone) and Felix Jones (big-play threat in open field) have somewhat defined roles with the Cowboys' three-headed RB monster. But there is room for Choice in the RB rotation.
"I think he's going to have the opportunity to play a lot this year," Peete said. "In what situations, you don't know right now."
Choice doesn't worry about his role. He's simply determined to make sure the coaches know he deserves a share of the carries ... and prove that he's much better than a fourth-round pick.
"I've got to show them every day. Every day," Choice said. "I've got a chip on my shoulder when I'm out here. Believe that."
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