The tweets from his new teammates and texts from quarterback Carson Wentz went a long way in welcoming Jay Ajayi to Philadelphia.
Ajayi had no idea that he would be traded by the Dolphins nor the reason behind it all.
He simply called the past day, "A whirlwind of emotions."
All Ajayi knew was that he woke up this morning as an Eagle and was ready to unveil a new chapter in his young career. One that begins with Wentz and the NFL’s best team at 7-1.
“He basically just expressed his excitement to get me out here and let’s just get ready to keep this thing rolling,” Ajayi said of Wentz’s text. “Just being able to be around him today and even just watching his game throughout the season, you can tell he’s a special guy. He’s got special talent. I’m excited to be in the backfield with him and however they want to use me in this offense, I’m excited.”
Perhaps it was a good omen that running backs coach Duce Staley and Ajayi shared a moment following the joint practices with the Dolphins during Training Camp in Philadelphia. Ajayi remembers Staley during his playing days as an Eagle and believes Staley can bring the best out of him.
Already a Pro Bowl selection in just his third NFL season, Ajayi’s running style fits well with Philadelphia's offense. He’s seeking to mesh with LeGarrette Blount and the rest of the talented players in the Eagles running back room as well, by any means.
“I see myself as a three-down guy. A guy that can be counted on to do anything that the offense needs me to do,” said Ajayi. “Whether it’s blocking, catching the ball out the backfield, or running hard for this team. I’m ready to do anything.”
Blount will remain the team’s starter at running back and has run the ball well, currently sitting eighth in yards per carry this season. Ajayi and Blount developed a respect for each other when the two were division rivals in the AFC East. Ajayi says the two now have an interesting dynamic as teammates. Being the new guy, Ajayi just wants to make the room better.
“They’ve got a great dynamic in that room and it just so happens that now I’m here and just want to be another part to that,” he said.
Head coach Doug Pederson now finds himself with another gifted running back for the stretch run of the season.
“This guy's a tough, powerful runner, first thing. He's got great vision. He's got a great first step, quick back inside behind tackles and guards. One guy doesn't necessarily bring him down all the time," Pederson said. "You have to go back a little bit to really watch him run routes and see that he's very capable of being a route runner out of the backfield. He brings a very aggressive run demeanor to our offense."
Pederson would not speculate on how soon the new back would be able to contribute but expects that he will fit well with the chemistry the Eagles have. After his first practice Wednesday afternoon, Ajayi seems to be relishing the opportunity.
“Enjoyed my time as Dolphin but at the end of the day God had another plan for me and that was to be here, to be on the Philadelphia Eagles,” Ajayi said. “We’re 7-1 and I’m excited about that, for the opportunity to go get this thing. I’m just here to be a part of that, however the coaches and the staff want to use me.” Source
: www.philadelphiaeagles.com