Despite Rumors, McGahee Working Hard

Rumors have flown among fans and media regarding his potential trade, but Willis McGahee is proceeding with his current team as usual.

McGahee was at the Ravens’ training facility this week to take part in the voluntary offseason conditioning program focusing on his own improvement.

“My goal is just to do better than I did last year,” McGahee simply said on Wednesday.

How can he accomplish that? Added yardage would be a place to start.

McGahee, a three-time 1,000-yard rusher who went to the Pro Bowl in 2007, gained a career-low 544 yards last year only 109 carries (5.0 average). But, he was deadly in the red zone, crossing the goal line 14 times (12 runs, two receptions) to set a personal mark and tie a Ravens’ record.

Last year, McGahee maintained his strength throughout the entire season, as evidenced by his 167-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 17 against the Oakland Raiders. McGahee credited a revamped workout regimen, where he continued to add weight to his lifting sessions even throughout the regular season.

“I did something different during the season, and that’s what helped me out in the long run,” said McGahee, who also was rested from playing behind Ray Rice.”I did a lot more free weights that really kept my legs strong. Usually I’ll back off, but I kept going hard. I kept going up in weight, like putting more weight on the bar to keep building muscle.”

McGahee said he wants to be a regular at the Ravens’ program again, and according to head coach John Harbaugh, that is a good possibility.
“I think McGahee will be on our team next year,” coach Harbaugh said at the NFL Scouting Combine in late February. “I’m just impressed with the guy. He’s a leader on our football team and one of the most fun guys to be around every day. I’ve told Willis, ‘If you want to start in the game, go be the best running back that week. Willis McGahee could gain 1,500 yards next year. That could easily happen, and I’m not ruling it out.”

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(blog.baltimoreravens.com)