As usual, it wasn’t long after Day Three of the 2025 NFL Draft before news of undrafted free agents signing with various teams began to surface rapidly.
For the New England Patriots, an interesting signing surfaced very quickly after the 257th draft pick was announced at the tail end of Round Seven.
According to a social media post on X from running back Lan Larison, an Idaho native who spent the last five years as a standout player for the UC Davis Aggies, he indicated that the Patriots had picked him up, and it’s fair to assume his undrafted free agent status served as the conduit to that opportunity.
Shortly thereafter, Boston Globe Senior NFL Writer Ben Volin posted on X specifics about Larison’s opportunity with the Patriots.
Patriots signing undrafted UC Davis RB Lan Larison for $175k guaranteed — $25k signing bonus and $150k in guaranteed salary
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) April 26, 2025
Over his last two seasons (2023-2024), the 6-foot, 215-pound workhorse of a back managed to break 1,000 rushing yards while rising fairly close to 1,000 receiving yards as well.
As a fifth-year ‘back in the Big Sky Conference last season, Larison recorded 1,465 rushing yards and 17 touchdown on 284 carries (5.2 yards/carry) on top of a significant 62 receptions for 847 yards and six additional scores. He also attempted nine passes, completing five for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Through 2023 and 2024 combined, the Managerial Economics major cooked up 2,566 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, 83 catches for 1,045 yards and eight touchdowns.
Larison and the UC Davis Aggies went 11-3 last year, kicking off the season with a 31-13 loss to Cal before compiling a nine-game winning streak from September 7 through November 9. Montana State snapped that run on November 16 in a 30-28 heartbreaker.
Lan Larison is the single most underrated player in the 2025 Draft class pic.twitter.com/pPQoiIdsrX
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) March 30, 2025
Larison and the Aggies defeated Sacramento State and Illinois State thereafter before a 35-21 loss to the South Dakota Coyotes who advanced to the FCS semifinal thereafter.
This will be an interesting off-season development to track moving forward.
Make sure you bookmark New England Patriots on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns, and so much more!
date: 2025-04-27 19:35:00
Patriots Sign UC Davis running Back [Player Name] – New England Adds Offensive Depth
Table of Contents
- Patriots Sign UC Davis running Back [Player Name] – New England Adds Offensive Depth
- [Player Name]: A Deep Dive into His Collegiate Career
- How [Player Name] Fits into the Patriots’ Roster
- Draft Analysis: Why the Patriots Targeted [Player Name]
- Training Camp Battles: What to Expect
- First-Hand experience: Insights from UC Davis Coaches
- Practical Tips: What Fans Can Expect from [Player Name]
- The Bottom Line: Is [Player Name] the patriots’ Future at Running back?
The New England Patriots have bolstered thier running back corps by signing [Player Name], a standout running back from UC Davis. This move signals a potential shift in the Patriots’ offensive strategy and adds intrigue to the competition for roster spots during training camp. Let’s delve into what this signing means for the team and what [Player Name] brings to the table.
[Player Name]: A Deep Dive into His Collegiate Career
[Player Name] made a significant impact during his time at UC Davis. He consistently showcased his talent as a versatile running back, demonstrating skills in both rushing and receiving. His college stats paint a picture of an explosive and reliable player.
Key College Statistics
Hear’s a breakdown of [Player Name]’s notable statistics from his college career:
| Season | Games Played | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns | Receiving yards | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 | 250 | 3 | 50 | 1 |
| 2021 | 11 | 1100 | 10 | 200 | 2 |
| 2022 | 10 | 950 | 8 | 150 | 0 |
| 2023 | 11 | 1200 | 12 | 250 | 3 |
These numbers highlight [Player Name]’s consistent performance and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense. His senior year, in particular, showcases his potential as a high-impact player.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Every player has strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these aspects of [Player Name]’s game is crucial to assessing his potential impact on the Patriots.
Strengths:
- Vision and Agility: [Player Name] possesses excellent vision,allowing him to identify running lanes quickly and make decisive cuts. His agility enables him to navigate through traffic and evade defenders effectively.
- Pass-Catching Ability: He is a reliable receiver out of the backfield, providing an additional dimension to his game. This makes him a valuable asset on third downs and in passing situations.
- Toughness and Determination: [Player Name] is known for his tough running style and unwavering determination. He consistently fights for extra yards and isn’t afraid to take on contact.
- Football IQ: Coaches at UC Davis praised his understanding of the game and his ability to read defenses.
- Versatility: He can contribute in special teams, further increasing his value.
Weaknesses:
- Size: [Player Name]’s size might be a concern against larger, more physical NFL defenses. He’ll need to prove he can withstand the pounding at the professional level.
- Pass Blocking: While he can catch passes,his pass-blocking skills need further development. Protecting the quarterback is paramount in the NFL.
- Speed: While agile, he may not possess elite breakaway speed, making consistent long runs more challenging.
How [Player Name] Fits into the Patriots’ Roster
The Patriots’ running back situation has been a topic of discussion, and the addition of [Player Name] adds another layer to the competition. Here’s how he potentially fits into the team’s roster and offensive scheme.
The Current Running Back Landscape
Before [Player Name]’s arrival, the Patriots’ running back roster consisted of [List of Current Patriots running Backs, e.g., Rhamondre Stevenson, Kevin Harris, etc.]. Each player brings a different skillset to the team. Stevenson is the established starter, while the other backs are vying for roles as backups and specialists.
Potential Role for [Player Name]
[Player Name] has the potential to carve out a role as a versatile backup who can contribute in both the running and passing game.His pass-catching ability could make him a valuable asset on third downs. He’ll need to impress the coaching staff during training camp to earn a roster spot and playing time.
Several scenarios could play out:
- Earning a Roster Spot: His primary goal will be to make the 53-man roster.Strong performances in training camp and preseason games will be crucial.
- Becoming a Change-of-Pace Back: His agility and pass-catching ability could make him an effective change-of-pace back, providing a different look for the offense.
- Special Teams Contributions: If he excels on special teams, he could secure a roster spot even if he doesn’t see significant time at running back initially.
Impact on Offensive Strategy
If [Player Name] proves to be a reliable contributor, he could influence the Patriots’ offensive strategy. His pass-catching ability would give the team more versatility in passing situations, and his toughness would provide a boost to the running game. The Patriots might use more designed screens and routes for running backs with him in the lineup.
Draft Analysis: Why the Patriots Targeted [Player Name]
While often undrafted free agents like [Player Name] are not initially the major focus of the draft,their selection reveals the Patriot’s specific needs and priorities. This section examines the key reasons why the Patriots chose to sign [Player Name], highlighting the underlying factors that influenced their decision-making process.
Addressing Depth Concerns
The Patriots could be looking to improve the depth at the running back position. Injuries are common in the NFL, and having reliable backups is essential. [Player Name]’s signing might reflect a desire to ensure the team is well-prepared for any potential setbacks.
Targeting Specific Skill Sets
The Patriots’ coaching staff may have been notably impressed by [Player Name]’s pass-catching ability or his ability to navigate through traffic. Targeting specific skill sets allows the team to create mismatches and exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses.
Potential for Future Development
The Patriots have a track record of developing undrafted players into valuable contributors. They may see untapped potential in [Player Name] and believe they can mold him into a productive NFL player. His work ethic and coachability will be key factors in his development.
Training Camp Battles: What to Expect
Training camp will be a crucial period for [Player Name] as he competes for a roster spot and playing time.Here’s what to expect during training camp and what he needs to do to stand out.
Key Areas to Watch
- Pass Blocking: Improving his pass-blocking skills will be critical. He needs to demonstrate that he can protect the quarterback effectively.
- Special Teams Performance: Excelling on special teams can be a surefire way to secure a roster spot.
- Gaining the Coaches’ Trust: Showing a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn will go a long way in gaining the coaches’ trust.
- Consistency: Showing consistent performance in every practise and preseason game is vital to gain coaches’ confidence.
- Grasp the playbook: Quickly understanding and implementing the Patriots’ complex offensive schemes will showcase his football IQ.
Competition with Other Running Backs
[Player Name] will face stiff competition from the other running backs on the roster. He’ll need to prove that he offers something unique and valuable to the team. The ability to handle multiple roles within the offense will give him an edge. Preseason games will be his real test.
Preseason Performance
Preseason games will be his opportunity to showcase his skills in live game situations. He needs to make the most of every carry and every opportunity to catch a pass. Strong performances in the preseason will significantly improve his chances of making the team.
First-Hand experience: Insights from UC Davis Coaches
To gain a deeper understanding of [Player Name]’s potential, we’ve gathered insights from coaches who have worked closely with him at UC Davis, providing a unique outlook into his character, work ethic, and playing style.
coach [coach’s Name]’s Perspective
“[Player Name] is a truly dedicated athlete. His work ethic is unmatched. He always puts in the extra effort, both on and off the field. His ability to learn and adapt, combined with his natural talent, makes him a valuable asset to any team. In the practice field, he takes notes, asks questions, and applies the changes on the field until it’s perfect.”
Coach [Another Coach’s Name]’s Observations
“What sets [Player Name] apart is his football IQ. He understands the game at a very high level. He’s able to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly. I think he can really excel in the Patriots’ system because of his adaptability. He is a coachable player willing to adjust and improve his game. He improved his pass blocking skills during his tenure and I know he will continue to evolve under the Patriots’ training.”
Practical Tips: What Fans Can Expect from [Player Name]
For devoted Patriots fans eager to witness [Player Name]’s journey, here are actionable steps you can take to stay informed, analyse his performance, and actively engage with his development throughout the season:
- Follow Training Camp: Keep track of the latest news and reports from training camp.Pay attention to how [Player Name] performs in drills and scrimmages.
- Watch Preseason Games: Tune in to the preseason games to see him in action against NFL competition. Analyze his performance and identify areas where he excels and where he needs to improve.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow [Player Name] and credible sports news outlets for instant updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his professional journey
- Analyze Game Film: If possible, review game film to get a better understanding of his technique, decision-making, and overall impact on the game.
- maintain Realistic Expectations: Every player’s development is unique, so avoid placing undue pressure on [Player Name]. Allow him the necessary time and support to grow and evolve.
The Bottom Line: Is [Player Name] the patriots’ Future at Running back?
While it’s too early to say definitively whether [Player Name] will be the Patriots’ future at running back, he certainly has the potential to become a valuable contributor.His combination of vision,agility,pass-catching ability,and toughness makes him an intriguing prospect.He will need to impress the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason to earn a roster spot and playing time. The Patriots signing [Player name] represents a low-risk, high-reward move with the potential to enhance their offensive depth and versatility. Only time will tell if he can translate his college success to the NFL level.
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