Rashad Jennings Says He’ll be the First to Welcome Maurice Jones-Drew Back

Rashad Jennings Says He’ll be the First to Welcome Maurice Jones-Drew Back
August 15, 2012 – 6:00 am by Brad Gagnon
Maurice Jones-Drew continues to hold out in Jacksonville, but the Jags are likely a little less stressed about that because they have a healthy Rashad Jennings back in the lineup. Remember Jennings? He averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2010 and was expected by some to cut into MoJo’s carries last season. He’s back after missing 2011 with a knee injury, and that’s a great thing for Jags fans — regardless of what happens with Jones-Drew.

Jaguars running back Rashad Jennings joined Bull and Fox on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland to discuss the injury that cost him the 2011 season, his opportunity with Maurice Jones-Drew holding out, the MoJo holdout in general, and his confidence in young quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
On missing all of last season with a knee injury:
“I tell people that I had the best season of my life last year, and they look at me funny and say, ‘What are you talking about?’ And through life you go through seasons, and that season of my life I was able to be healed physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. And I was humbled in a lot of areas, and I’m excited and ready to come back to play this season.”
On the opportunity he has with Maurice Jones-Drew holding out:
“As far as the opportunity that’s out there, I prepare myself as a starter year in, year out. High school I prepared as a starter regardless of the situation and college I prepared as a starter regardless of the situation, and nothing changes in the NFL. So I’m excited just to be back healthy, out there with the guys.”
On how the team is reacting to Jones-Drew’s holdout:
“It’s a nice vibe that’s rolling around here in Jacksonville. … Whenever everything’s taken care of from the other side, which as a ball player we all know our lanes, but when that day comes that everything’s taken care of, when he walks back in the locker room, I’ll be the first person — of many — to welcome him with open arms.”
On Blaine Gabbert at quarterback:
“No question, he’s more than good enough to lead the Jaguars. And with that being said, nothing is all one person’s fault, especially at the quarterback position. The quarterback position takes a lot of burden, a lot of weight of the offense, but if a receiver’s not running his route at the right speed, if the offensive linemen isn’t making the right blocks, if us as the running backs in the backfield, if we’re not keying in and making the right blocks and routes…if everybody’s not on the same page, then obviously the finger has to go to somebody. But we’re completely comfortable with Blaine.”
Listen to Rashad Jennings on 92.3 The Fan here
Tags: Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars, Maurice Jones-Drew

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