Searching for a long-term replacement for Steven Jackson, the St. Louis Rams received a boost last season from the performance of fifth-round draft pick Zac Stacy.
However, St. Louis elected to add to the competition at running back when they selected Auburn running back Tre Mason in the third round of last month’s draft.
Appearing at the rookie premiere in Los Angeles, Mason doesn’t plan to sit back and be a complementary option as a rookie.
According to Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation, Mason said the Rams coaching staff said he’ll be in competition for the team’s starting running back job.
Stacy earned a starting role for 12 games last season over second-year options Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson. Stacy rushed for 973 yards and seven touchdowns for the Rams. Pead, a former second-round selection, also remains in the mix.
Mason will likely have to put together a substantial push during the lead up to the regular season to supplant Stacy as the starter.
Stacy averaged 80 yards per game in his 12 starts and carried the ball upwards of 25 times in five games last season. He’ll remain the favorite to win the game, though Mason could add an extra dimension to the St. Louis backfield.