Running backs coach Bobby Turner said Devonta Freeman’s quickness and hand-eye coordination in his first two starts at running back have earned him a nickname on the field.
Turner said he calls Freeman “Free” on the field, not just as abbreivation for his last name, but as motivation for how he wants Freeman to play.
“I’ll say ‘Free, I want you to play free and be free’,” Turner said. “In other words, be creative and make plays with the ball in your hand.”
Turner said what has made Freeman successful in his first two starts with the Falcons is his ability to catch the ball as a running back and the trust he’s earned with his coaches.
“He’s running through arm tackles and he’s making plays on critical and crucial down,” Turner said. “Fourth down, third down, whatever it is, we’re not afraid to give it to him.”
Turner said he always wants Devonta Freeman to work hard and not get complacent in his talent becuase he is still in competition for the spot.
Turner said the three running backs Freeman, Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward are competing with each other every day in practice and he wasns them giving 100 perecent every day.
“On gameday I want him to play and he’s been doing that,” Turner said. “I don’t want him comfortable and I don’t want (the running backs) looking over their shoulders. They’re competing every day.”
