Nick Brossette is making a strong case to earn a roster spot.
The former LSU running back did not hear his name called during the NFL Draft in Nashville earlier this year but the New England Patriots saw potential in Brossette as the franchise signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent.
The 6-foot, 212-pound running back has been making a impression during the NFL Preseason. Brossette led all rushers in the NFL preseason as he amassed 200 yards in four games.
The former Tiger 1,000-yard rusher showcased his skills in New England’s 31-3 victory over the Detroit Lions in week one. Brossette led all rushers with 66 yards on 22 carries, scored a 1-yard touchdown and caught the ensuing two-point conversion pass.
The following week in a 22-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, Brossette rushed for 19 yards on 9 carries, scored a 1-yard touchdown, and caught 1 pass for 18 yards. Then in last weekend’s 10-3 win over the Carolina Panthers, Brossette led all rushers with 14 carries for 53 yards.
Brossette wrapped up his strong preseason in Thursday’s 31-29 loss to the New York Giants. The former Tiger rushed for 62 yards on 20 carries and scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Brossette also caught four balls for 18 yards.
Whether or not Brossette makes the 53-man roster for the regular season (cut down day is Saturday) remains to be seen because the Patriots are loaded at that position.
Sony Michel, who was a first-round pick out of Georgia last year, led the Patriots with 931 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns and is the projected the starter at running back. A pair of veterans in James White (425 rushing yards, 5 TD) and Rex Burkhead (186 rushing yards) also return, and the team drafted Damien Harris out of Alabama in the third round of this year’s draft.
Brossette was a late bloomer at LSU.
After spending his entire Tiger career backing up future NFL backs Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice, Brossette finally got to show what he could do as a senior for the Tigers in 2018. The former University High star led LSU with 1,039 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns and helped the Tigers to a 10-win season and a win over UCF in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.
Prior to LSU, Brossette was one of the best running backs in the state.
Brossette was a five-year starter at U-High and led his team to a state championship victory as a senior when he rushed for a state title game record 272 yards and three touchdowns.
Brossette holds the LHSAA record for most rushing touchdowns in a four-year span with 141. In his five years at U-High, Brossette rushed for 9,214 yards and 163 rushing touchdowns.