Photo: adifansnet, Flickr BY SEAN DONOVAN
“I want the rushing title,” Bush said in an interview with WSVN television in Miami. “This offseason I’ve been working towards that goal. Just being effective like I was this past season."
Many thought that Bush wasn't capable of being a primary running back after five mediocre and injury-riddled seasons in New Orleans. He has never lived up to his hype coming out of USC and being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft.
But Bush still refuses to buy into the "bust" label some have given him.
“Every time I rush the ball I want four yards,” said Bush. ”I’m keeping my focus simple and small, but at same time helping my team progress.”
Bush rushed for a career-high 1,086 yards in 2011, more than 500 yards more than his previous career high. He also scored six touchdowns on the ground and averaged a very respectable 5.0 yards per carry.
Winning the rushing title would be another huge leap for a player who has never carried the ball more than 157 times in a season prior to last year. No player has won a rushing title with less than 1,476 yards in past 20 seasons.
Though entering the final year of his deal and facing replacement by second-year back Daniel Thomas and 2012 fourth round pick Lamar Miller, Bush said he continues to diligently work to improve and prepare for this upcoming season.
Bush is a locker room leader and model of hard work and high character in addition to being a productive player on the field for the Dolphins. He understands his role as he looks to guide a team that is young and in a rebuilding phase.
"I’m 27, I’m one of those veterans,” Bush said. “Sounds crazy!”
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