RB Pierre Strong ready to help Patriots in many ways, including throwing the football

South Dakota State’s Pierre Strong Jr. profiles as a third-down back, but the fourth-round pick says he has the ability to help the Patriots in any number of ways.

He can run, using his 4.37 speed as a big-play threat. He can catch the football, as evidenced by the 22 catches he hauled in for 150 yards in 2021. And, he can also throw it, getting in on trick plays if necessary. Last year alone, he completed all four of his pass attempts, throwing four touchdowns.

“I love having the ball in my hands on trick plays,” Strong said during a conference call with the media. “I played quarterback when I was younger. It’s still with me a little bit. I can still throw it a little bit.”

Strong, a two-time captain, and two-time First Team All-American, said he was a “do anything for the team,” type of guy, so whatever role they have in mind, he’s going to embrace it.

“Anything they need me to do, that’s what I’m going to do. That’s just the kind of person and player I am,” he said. “I’m not coming in, just mainly focusing on one thing. I’m focusing on what Coach (Belichick) wants me to focus on. That’s just my mindset.”

Coming from South Dakota State, Strong wasn’t sure about his draft status. But his performance against Colorado State this year, when he rushed for 138 yards on 13 carries, with two touchdowns, gave him the confidence he’d hear his name get called at some point.

“I played a great game against a bigger opponent team, and that’s a game everybody looks at,” said Strong. “In a game like that, I just look at it like I can take my game to the next level.”

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/gcTQMBr