In the practices I attended, the junior running back usually had at least one long run, or catch and run.

Bateman had an up-and-down 2015 season. Despite missing six games because of injuries, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry and totaled 253 yards in the season. Showing his versatility, he also caught 11 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.

I caught up with Bateman after a workout a few weeks ago:

Q: Spring go better than you hoped?

A: Yes.

Q: So how do you improve upon that in this offseason?

A: Just go harder and try to introduce the young guys to how we do things around here, and get rolling into the season.

Q: When you start camp in August, there will be at least six of you at running back competing for playing time. How do you approach that?

A: You go hard and compete. I’ve been competing my whole life. It’s nothing new. You just keep competing and try to perfect your craft.

Q: Are you OK with possibly sharing carries?

A: Yes. You have to. If we need a first down and it’s third and 1, then we have to let the bigger back take the load on that. Situations like that vary.

Q: What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this summer?

A: I went back home for a month. The coolest thing I did was go home.

Q: Do you surf?

A: I don’t surf, but I love the beach, I love the waves, the weather. I love the beach.

Q: Of the newcomers, who has caught your eye so far?

A: Both of them, Tra (Barnett) and (Darius) Stubbs, look good right now. They are willing to learn and are ready to compete.

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