Jaguars like Toby Gerhart’s ‘ability to gain yards after contact’
By Mike Dyce
The Jacksonville Jaguars let running back Maurice Jones-Drew leave in free agency, and to replace him they brought in former Minnesota Vikings ball-carrier Toby Gerhart. On March 12th, the Jags signed Gerhart to a four-year, $10.5 million deal.
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What attracted the Jaguars to Gerhart, who had primarily served as a back up to Adrian Peterson with the Vikings, was his style. Primarily they were interested in Gerhart’s ability gain yards after contact and his effectiveness on third down.
“Toby is a very good football player and a very intelligent player,” running backs coach Terry Richardson said, via the Florida Times Union. “And he’s a great person so it’s not hard for him to fit into this environment. I’m very pleased and happy that we have him.”
Richardson added: “He’s a horse. He’s a big guy, and I talked to one of his former [position] coaches, and he was saying Toby had the strongest legs he’s been around in terms of his leg drive and leg power. We’re excited about that.”
Gerhart was fourth in the NFL in yards after contact per rushing attempt (3.8) in Pro Football Focus’ 2013 ratings. Gerhart is also an above average pass blocker and receiver. The Jaguars are hoping that Gerhart can become the team’s new featured back and potentially carry the ball 15 to 20 ties a game.
Gerhart is confident that he can be that player now that he is removed form Peterson’s shadow.
“I had the skill set to be a starter from the onset, but I was playing behind one of the best in the game,” Gerhart said, via the Florida Times-Union. “I’ve gotten comfortable with the speed of the game, but don’t have the wear and tear on my body of someone carrying it 250 times a year. I think I’m in a unique situation. Even though it’s my fifth year in the league, I can come in and be a dominant guy. I’m ready for my shot now.”