Nov 9, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) reacts after being introduced prior to the Ravens
In preparation for the 2015 NFL season, we are continuing to look at some profiles of the most important players on the Baltimore Ravens current roster. Today it’s the turn of the 2014 season’s breakout player, running back Justin Forsett.
No. 29
Full Name: Justin Forsett
Birthdate: October 15, 1985 (29)
Place of Birth: Lakeland, Florida
Height: 5ft 8in (1.73 m)
Weight: 195 Lbs
Professional Career Highlights:
Pro Bowler (2014)
PFWA All-AFC (2014)
2x AFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 10, Week 12, 2014)
FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week (Week 12, 2014)
Ranked #65 in the NFL’s top 100 Players (2015)
NFL Career Statistics (As of week 17, 2014)
Rushing yards: 2,958
Rushing average: 5.1 yards
Rushing touchdowns: 16
Receiving yards: 1,113
Receiving touchdowns:1
How did Justin Forsett become a Raven?
From 2004-2007 Forsett attended the University of California where he played mostly as a backup during his first three years behind Marshawn Lynch. In his sophomore year, Forsett filled in when Lynch was injured and ran for 235 yards against New Mexico State, which was the fourth highest single game recorded in school history.
More from Ravens News
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
In his senior year (2007) Forsett started all 13 games and rushed for 1,546 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns. He was also selected to the All-Pacific-10 Conference first team and played a huge part in Cal’s 42-36 victory over Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl, where he rushed for 140 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Justin Forsett was drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. During his first few months in the NFL, he bounced back and forth between the Seahawks and the Indianapolis Colts. Forsett stayed with the Seahawks mainly as a backup until the end of the 2011 season. He then had short spells with the Houston Texans (2012) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (2013).
In April 2014, Forsett signed a one year deal with the Ravens. With Ray Rice suspended, Forsett was signed to bolster the running back corps and split reps with Bernard Pierce in Rice’s absence.
2014 Stats
Forsett played in all 16 games and rushed for 1,266 yards, scored eight rushing touchdowns, averaged 5.4 yards per carry, and gained 263 yards receiving. He was fifth in the NFL in rushing yards and helped the Ravens rank 12th in overall offense.
Overall
Forsett had a great year in 2014 and with the offensive line healthy, he looks like he will be even better at toting the rock in 2015. He fits well into what the Ravens do on offense, and he handles all parts of the job effectively, including blocking and receiving. Forsett is a tremendous leader and will help mentor younger backs.
I expect him to have another season of over 1,000 yards on the ground and double figure touchdowns. You can also expect to see him more involved in the receiving game, like Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte was when new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman was in the Windy City.
Next: Ravens Revealed: John Urschel
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?