Packers rookie running back won’t shy away from high expectations

GREEN BAY, Wis. — There’s a lot of curiosity about one of the Packers’ third round picks. It’s because he was a running back from one of college football’s most famous programs.

MarShawn Lloyd from USC memorably said he was the best running back in the draft. He’s out to show the Packers and everyone else that he was right.

“Honestly, I feel like just being able to be used in any way possible,” said Lloyd recently at the Packers rookie camp. “I can be used on special teams. I could be used on third down. I can be used anywhere, really. I can be used on kickoff returns. I feel like I have that shiftiness, quickness and explosion.”

Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich has already talked about finding opportunities to get Lloyd on the field as a rookie. Catching balls is one way.

“Catching is everything,” said Lloyd. “The more you can do, the better, especially as a running back. The market is changing for running backs. I feel like it’s a pass first league. So the more you can do, catch the ball in the backfield, the more they can move you out to slot, the better it is for not only the team, but for you as well.”

Lloyd calls it a blessing to join the Packers and doesn’t shy away from high expectations.

“We’re a young offense,” said Lloyd. “We were like one of the youngest teams last year, that we were able to go as far as they did. We got a couple more young guys coming up. So I think we’re going to we have a chance to be special for quite some time. I was not expecting to be here. I was definitely not. And when I got the call, the first thing I thought was like Super Bowl, instantly going. This is insane. Just seeing exactly what they did last year and how great the team has been, I think this team is upwards going up, for sure.”

And now Lloyd’s former teammate at USC, quarterback Caleb Williams, is with the rival Bears.

“We played against each other in Little League,” said Lloyd. “We were rivals in high school. We played together in college, and then we’re rivals again. So, that’s special.”

Lloyd says A.J. Dillon and Jordan Love sent him texts after he was drafted, welcoming him to the Packers.