Saints rookie running back excelling in passing game

METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) – Back up running back remains one of the key position battles for the Black and Gold, and following day eight of the Saints training camp, three ball carriers stand down: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Velus Jones, Jr. and the team’s sixth-round rookie Devin Neal, but the main thing setting Neal apart from the other two: His ability in past protection.

“This guy in protection is really, really good, and that’s a huge thing for us. His feel in the run game, and then his ability to make some plays in the pass game, he caught a choice route out of the backfield today in a team setting. We feel really good with where he’s headed,” head coach Kellen Moore said.

“I’ve always known how important it is to protect the quarterback. It’s just all about technique and working at and working at. Starting even my last year in college, I really wanted to emphasize that, and I just wanted to start out on a good foot when I came here,” Neal explained.

Now, although Neal is battling with Edwards-Helaire to be the backup running back, learning from players like the former Tiger and Alvin Kamara is helping the rookie with the NFL learning curve.

“For me to be able to pick up what they’re putting down each and every day and for them to keep giving me advice, it means a lot, and I definitely just look forward to getting better each and every day with them too; because I know they’re looking out for me and I just got to be a sponge and keep leaning into that,” Neal added.

Unlike the quarterback battle, though, there is no set rotation on which running backs run with the starters, the backups, or even the third stringers. However, Neal is more focused on when his opportunity comes and not who he plays with.

“I’m not really focused on who I’m running with, how many reps I’m getting today. Whenever, JT calls my name to go out there and go get the rep, I’m looking forward to go execute and do the best I can on that rep and just keep going, getting better,” the Kansas alum said.

Although the former Jayhawk is getting used to the NFL, the Kansas native is also getting adjusted to the Louisiana weather

“By the end of this, I’m gonna be in the best shape my life because it’s just so hot out there,” Neal finished.

The Saints held their July 31st practice indoors and have an off day on Friday, August 1st, but the Black and Gold have scheduled three fully-padded practices Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, before traveling to California on Wednesday, August 6th.

Click the video above for the full story.

Latest Posts