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

Patriots operating 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 type of the man,” Stevenson stated Tuesday, after the Patriots’ OTA session. “I’m simply making an attempt to verify I’m prepared for the tip of the season this yr.”

Stevenson already had a heavy workload final yr 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 operating again topped 1,000 yards dashing for the primary time in his profession.

Harris accounted for 106 carries final yr, and a few of these touches ought to go to Ty Montgomery, who’s getting back from a shoulder damage that triggered him to overlook the 2022 season. Kevin Harris and Pierre Sturdy, who have been rookies final yr, additionally noticed restricted motion final season.

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

As an even bigger operating again (6-feet, 230-pounds) with extra of an influence operating model, 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 stated. “Simply doing the identical factor daily, simply caring for my physique and simply making an attempt to be proactive.”

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

“That’s what’s being requested of me proper now,” Stevenson stated. “I’m making an attempt to take that step. It’s nonetheless early, however I’m making an attempt to take that step to be a frontrunner.”

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

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