In the Carolina Panthers’ retooled offense, there are opportunities for the unit to maximize their strengths and make those skill sets fit. One such opportunity is being a glue guy that’s willing filling the gaps – whatever and wherever they are.
This is Raheem Blackshear’s approach coming into his third season with the Panthers. The running back/returner is locked in, and he sat down with Carolina Blitz to share his hopes and exceptions heading into a new year.
It’s the first day of practice with pads. How you’re feeling?
“It feels great. It’s fun to get out there with my brothers grinding. It was a great day.”
You have a new regime once again. What does that look like under Dave?
“He brings great energy everyday. He’s never going to change. He’s that same guy everyday. He’s going to bring that energy and that intensity. We all stand behind him and trust the process.”
As a team you all struggled, but you didn’t run from the grind. How did that take a toll and what does this year look like for you?
“We’re going to leave last year in the past. We’re going to move on. It’s a new year and a new season and we’re looking to take over.”
What are you looking for this year individually?
“I’m just looking to leave my mark. This year, I want to be more involved in the offense and be more involved in special teams; so any way possible that I could get on the field.”
You mentioned leaving your mark. What does that look like?
“Whenever my team needs me, I want to be someone they could trust. So when they need a big play, I want to be the one that makes the play.”
You’re also one of the vets and OGs on the roster. Does that translate to off-the-field matters as well?
“I just want to be a leader in any type of way. If a rookie needs me in any way, I want to help him out. With Bryce being in there and he asks me a question, I can help him out any way he needs me to, but I won’t have to because Bryce knows everything. He knows everything. We’re good.”
Speaking of Bryce, how does he look out there right now? Is there a difference? What does it look like from your perspective?
“I love how Bryce is playing this year. I feel like he’s very comfortable. He’s ready to take the next step and he knows that he has the whole team behind him and we’re ready to take that next step with him.”