All it takes is one look. James Starks came to Green Bay a new player this season.
For one, he's finally healthy. Injuries have dogged the running back since his junior year at the University at Buffalo. And two, he's bigger. Following a strict diet, Starks added eight pounds this offseason. He's up to 225.
Considering Starks is already taller than his peers at 6-foot-2, adding bulk was a good idea. Now, he hopes it helps him in the battle for carries with Ryan Grant.
"I'm just going to go out there and play," Starks said. "I'm sure coaches will put me in a great situation to perform. If I do what I'm supposed, everything will work out for itself."
Once he was finally healthy and in the lineup, the rookie had a postseason-high 315 yards a year ago. Green Bay's lackluster rushing game received an antibiotic when it mattered most. Heading into year two, Starks didn't want to weather another nagging hamstring injury.
So this offseason, he visited a nutritionist. After the consultation, he got onto a gluten-free diet. No more regular protein shakes for this guy. In the past, the Niagara Falls, N.Y., native thought that carbohydrates were paramount.
Not anymore.
"My body didn't react to it the right way," Starks said. "That played a big part in the healing process taking so long. As soon as I got on the diet, I started picking up weight and feeling a lot stronger."
New and improved, Starks has had a strong camp so far. He has been decisive, all while playing with a lower center of gravity. To avoid injury, he knows that's key. And whereas last year was about learning plays and getting acclimated, Starks says he's taking more a take-charge approach this summer.
Case in point, Thursday night. During red zone work, Starks violently barreled over safety Anthony Bratton.
Grant remains the No. 1 back right now. Back from his season-ending ankle injury, he's been working with the first team and playing well himself. But as all players at this position know, things can change on a dime during the course of the season.
Mike McCarthy prefers the hot hand. Sorry fantasy football junkies.
"We have a lot of backs," Starks said. "So if somebody's not doing what they're supposed to, I'm sure (McCarthy) will be able to count on any one of us. All of us are like brothers. We stick up for each other. If one's slacking, we try to pick that person up."
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