"The job is not going to be given to anybody," Ridley said, "You have to work to get it. With four of us in here, I think all of us can contribute."
FOXBOROUGH – No one knows what the LeGarrette Blount era will hold for the New England Patriots.
On one hand, he was once a talented runner who gained 1,007 yards as a rookie. On the other hand, due in part to the emergence of Doug Martin, Blount was gradually fazed out of the Tampa Bay offense before being traded to the Patriots during the draft as part of a package that sent Jeff Demps to the Bucs.
If his attitude is right and he shows up ready to work, the Patriots believe that Blount could be a valuable asset.
"You're looking at a guy that's 260 pounds, a powerful runner," running back Stevan Ridley said. "He's coming in here to a stable of backs. We just had lunch, talked a little bit. We're excited about it."
It’s doubtful that Blount will be able to unseat Ridley, who ran for 1,263 yards last season, but he could factor into goal-line situations and could possibly challenge Brandon Bolden as Ridley’s top backup.
"The job is not going to be given to anybody," Ridley said, "You have to work to get it. With four of us in here, I think all of us can contribute."
Shane Vereen figures to fill the other running back role that was occupied by Danny Woodhead last season. Woodhead was considered to be the leader among the running backs last season. His departure to San Diego hit the group hard.
“You hate to see the guy go like that, but it was the best move for him,” Ridley said. “It was him and his family. But we'll stay in touch and we can get across the country and see each other when we need to.”