7 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber, who led the team in rushing last year with a career-high 423 yards, worked hard on his physique in the offseason in order to try and remain the starter, even after the Bucs drafted Ronald Jones in the second round. Barber also had three touchdowns and 3.9 yards per carry on 108 carries while adding 16 catches (7.1 yards per catch). General manager Jason Licht continues to have confidence in Barber, but the presence of Jones could change things. In order to get faster, Barber went on a strict diet in the offseason and trimmed weight. “I took my excess fat and turned it into lean muscle,” Barber said. “I’ve been more prepared for my diet. I’m still a power back but this year I’m faster and quicker than people think. I feel like I’m only going to keep getting faster. At the Combine I ran a 4.62 or a 4.64, and then at my pro day I ran a 4.58. I’m getting closer to 4.5 right now.” It remains to be seen who will be the starter in the backfield for the Bucs in 2018, but that could be sorted out in training camp. The best bet is that both Barber and Jones split the workload, with Jacquizz Rodgers also pitching in. Tampa's backfield could be frustrating for fantasy owners.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Pewter Report - Scott Reynolds