When the Bucs used a second-round draft pick in April on flash-and-dash Southern Cal running back Ronald Jones, it was reasonable to think the third-year pro from Auburn, Peyton Barber, would let him go to the front of the line.
Instead, Barber announced that if somebody wanted the ball, they would have to take it from him.
It's not boasting if you can back it up, and Barber is backing it up.
One guy who doesn't sound like he needs any more convincing is coach Dirk Koetter. When asked if Barber is performing like the starting running back, Koetter said yes.
"That's exactly what he should be doing. He only had (six) carries (Saturday) night, but he averaged over five yards a carry (5.3). He had an explosive run," Koetter said.
This is at least the second story we've seen that Barber is out-performing Jones through camp. The writer said if Barber keeps it up, he'll be starting at New Orleans on Sept. 9. Barber did say he and Jones are a potential one-two punch with Barber likely taking on the role as the strong, inside runner. The story said expect Barber to shoulder more of the load early on, perhaps until Jones gets up to speed, especially in the passing game.
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