Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette begins 2019 in Wyoming
By David Levin
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette has begun his offseason training and preparation in Wyoming of all places.
Wyoming might be the last place you would think Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette would want to train in preparation for the 2019 NFL season, but the reason why might surprise you.
The former LSU star and the fourth pick in the 2017 NFL Draft is there with his former strength coach from college. The relationship between the two could mean a bigger and better your for the running back and the Jaguars.
Fournette’s 2018 season is one he might want to forget with injuries and a suspension. Now, with what appears to be a clean slate and a rededicated attitude, No. 27 wants to prove once again he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. And with this being his third season in the league, he has more incentive to prove to the Jaguars he can be a featured back for another five or more seasons in Jacksonville.
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"“I really believe he’s in a good place,” head coach Doug Marrone said Wednesday via Jaguars.com when he was asked about his running back and the start of the 2019 offseason."
As John Oehser explained, Fournette is working out at the University of Wyoming this offseason with Wyoming director of sports performance Ben Iannacchione, with whom Fournette worked at Louisiana State University. And he has been in communication with Marrone and the front office since their sit-down meeting after the 2018 season.
With everyone on the same page, and a new offensive coordinator in John DiFilippo on board to scheme a new system where the running game is still the major focus, Fournette could have his biggest season of his short NFL career.
Fournette has dealt with hamstring and ankle issues since coming into the league.
The health of Leonard Fournette is a concern since the running back room will look a lot different than last season. Corey Grant and T.J. Yeldon are free agents and don’t figure to return. David Williams is still on the roster and the team signed Thomas Rawls this offseason to a futures contract.
The team could look to add depth through free agency which begins in two weeks or could seek another running back in the NFL Draft.
"“When he told me about Wyoming, I was like, ‘Wyoming?'” Doug Marrone said. “He might be the first player ever — nothing against Wyoming — but the first player ever … I’m like, ‘Wyoming? I mean, why are you going to Wyoming?’“But I think hopefully the only thing I can look at is it’s just a sole focus for himself to go out there and train and really get away.”"