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Patriots gridiron news: Mike Gillislee looking to bring it in 2018

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 17: Mike Gillislee #35 of the New England Patriots avoids a tackle by Trey Hendrickson #91 of the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 17: Mike Gillislee #35 of the New England Patriots avoids a tackle by Trey Hendrickson #91 of the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Don’t count Mike Gillislee out just yet.  The New England Patriots running back is staying “focused” in his second season with the team.

What a difference a year makes.  Last June, running back Mike Gillislee was the talented newcomer headlining a deep running back group.  This June, he is on the outside looking in as the New England Patriots have once again formulated a group of talented, versatile running backs.

Signed as a restricted free agent off the Buffalo Bills roster, Gillislee was predicted to be the latest former Bills player to join the Patriots and do big things.  It started off great.

Gillislee was the bright spot in the Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.  He rushed for three touchdowns and looked like he would the team’s lead back as the season got underway.

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Unfortunately for Gillislee, things went downhill from there.  Trouble with ball security, a lingering hamstring injury combined with the play of Dion Lewis buried him on the depth chart.

In fact, New England Patriots fans rarely saw a glimpse of Mike Gillislee in the final 11 weeks of the season.  As mostly a healthy scratch during those final weeks and throughout the team’s playoff run, the veteran running back knows he has bring it this spring and summer to burst the roster bubble.

"“You’ve just got to stay focused,” Gillislee said Thursday following minicamp practice, as transcribed by NESN.  “But at the same time, you’ve got to know that you’re blessed, because there’s a lot of people that want to be in my situation. …I’m still on the team and just working hard every day trying to get better.”"

In all, Mike Gillislee knows he has a second opportunity with the Patriots and looking to make the most of it.  With James White, Rex Burkhead, Jeremy Hill and first-round pick Sony Michel in the mix, there is not much room error or a lack of confidence.

Therefore, as long as he is healthy, he will make the running back battle a tough decision for the Patriots.

"“I feel a lot better than I did last year,” Gillislee said.  “Last year, you look back and I was on the sideline with an injury.  This year, I’m running around, and I’m healthy.”"

Mike Gillislee on Sony Michel

Speaking of healthy competition, Mike Gillislee was asked about his thoughts on the team drafted running back Sony Michel in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

As any veteran would say, he just sees it as more motivation to bring it on the field and do what he needs to do to make the 53-man roster.

"“I just knew I had to bring a little bit more to the table because more competition has come to the table,” Gillislee told reporters, via WEEI.  “He’s a great guy and a great player and he has a lot of talent.  He is a smart football player and it is good to have him in the room.”"

Gillislee is also a player with a lot of talent and a player who showed glimpses of lead back potential while healthy.  If he can get close to that 5.7 yards per carry average he had in 2016 with the Bills, he’ll ease his way back to the top of the New England Patriots running back depth chart.

Next: Patriots gridiron news: Why Julian Edelman will still be loved

Similar to how Dion Lewis did it in 2017.

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