Stu Jackson
IRVINE, Calif. – The alternative offered itself not lengthy after the NFL Draft.
The Rams have been excited by bringing operating again Sony Michel again. It later labored out, as Los Angeles agreed to phrases with him in late June.
As Rams Training Camp offered by UNIFY Financial Credit Union will get underway, Michel is grateful to get a second alternative with the crew.
“I was just thankful for the opportunity,” Michel advised theRams.com after Thursday’s coaching camp acclimation apply. “Right now, I’m trying to take advantage of it. Just trying to maximize every opportunity I get, no matter where it’s at, (whether that’s) offense, special teams. Whatever I can do to one, earn a spot on this team, and two, potentially help this team win some football games.”
In his first stint with the Rams, Michel recorded 208 carries for 845 yards and 4 touchdowns, including 21 receptions for 128 yards and one landing whereas taking part in in all 17 video games in Los Angeles’ Super Bowl LVI-winning 2021 season.
The bulk of that manufacturing got here in what was a vital month of December for Los Angeles, as he rushed for 497 yards and three touchdowns throughout a five-game win streak that spanned Weeks 12-16.
Similar to the signing of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon this summer time, Rams head coach Sean McVay mentioned signing Michel was about including veteran depth to a younger place on the roster.
“I think he was as key and critical to what we did in ’21 and probably didn’t get the recognition especially when you think about how instrumental he was in the month of December when we really leaned on him and he was averaging about over a hundred a game,” McVay mentioned this week. “But his professionalism, his toughness, his ability to be able to compete in both phases and then I think he is a great compliment. You got a lot of confidence in Cam (Akers), and Kyren Williams is a guy that did a great job in the spring. Love what we have seen from Ronnie Rivers and Zach (Evans) is an intriguing rookie, but Sony’s done it. He understands the standards and I think when you have some guys that are good compliments to the players that you already have in that room and then somebody that you are familiar with, that was a great opportunity for us to be able to bring him back. Excited for Sony and glad to have him back around.”
Michel mentioned the chance “means a lot” to him, whereas additionally reiterating the method of working to earn his spot on the roster.
“It means that they think I can potentially be another piece of the puzzle on this team,” Michel mentioned. “For me, I just gotta maximize it. I just gotta put my head down and work, earn everything. Nothing’s gonna be given. So that’s kind of the mindset.”
As for the management he can present the group, Michel needs to take action by naturally being himself and setting an instance. The younger operating backs on the roster likewise see him as somebody they will lean on.
“It means a lot having Sony in the running back room,” Akers mentioned. “Just his presence, that leader presence. He’s smart, he’s a ball player and he’s a leader. He’s more like a big brother figure in that room. So it’s great to have him back. I’m happy. I’m excited.”