New Orleans Saints Running Back Travaris Cadet - Post-Practice Media Availability - Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Even with all the depth at the running back position, it seems that you are getting all the first team snaps. What are your thoughts on being able to do that within the first two weeks of training camp?

“I really don’t think about the depth too much. I know we have a loaded backfield, but I just try and go out there every day and execute the play and my assignments the best way I know I can do them.  I have to take each play at a time, constantly ask coach questions when I have questions, and make the sacrifices I have to make to make this squad.”

How much do you look at this team’s history of taking undrafted guys and how much does that help you make plays regardless of where you came from?

“I look at it as if, especially like Pierre Thomas he took me under his wing. Guys like, Chris Ivory and Junior Galette, guys that have made the team, guys who have made sacrifices to make the team, and guys who have gained that respect and that trust within the players and the coaching staff. I look up to those guys because they came in here from square one like I did and they had to make all the sacrifices you have to make to make this team.  I play special teams of course, execute the plan on offense and basically take it a play at a time.  I stay in the film room and just try to get better every day.”

Is it a surprise to you how much they have used you in the passing game or did you do a lot of that at Appalachian State?

“At Appalachian State, every time we went four wide, I was in the slot primarily.  I played running back mainly when we brought in a tight end in the game. At Appalachian State in 2009, the only reason I ended up at running back was because I fractured my thumb in 2010, which was my second year playing running back.  I also started off playing quarterback so I was kind of position hopping where they used me in certain packages to create mismatches when I got in the slot, from the backfield I did punt and kick returns. Receiver is kind of natural to me and is mainly my first position.”

Is it all about vision in learning the running back position?

“Yes.  It’s really all about vision.  It doesn’t matter how fast you are, how athletic you are, if you are missing the holes you aren’t going to make it.  In the NFL, in my first two games, I’ve always heard, from the outside looking in, they always say the speed of the game changes, but when you get out there, I don’t care if you run a 4.1, if you are missing the holes and not following behind your linemen and not making that right cut, you will get hit in the mouth.  Vision does play a big part of playing running back.”  

Talk about your spin move.

“The spin move, actually, I never did it in college, it’s just something that I picked up when I got here.”

What type of role do you think you will have on this team?

“The first is to make the team.  And then probably going to be that versatile guy, and use me in certain packages, certain pass packages, maybe run packages and of course being on punt return, kick return, running down on kick offs.”

Do you think being able to do all of those things helps your ability to make an active roster with this team?

“Yes, because it’s like you taking a position of about five guys. You can bring one guy in to catch kickoffs, you can bring one guy in to catch punts, you can bring one guy in to be a running back and you can bring one guy in to be a receiver.  I feel like I have all those talents and that I can do all of those things at once.  I really think it gives me a chance to make this football team.”

Would it be acceptable to you to make the practice squad?

“I can’t really say.  I shoot for the stars.  I go out there and work hard every day and if it comes down to that point, I’ll just let God make the decision. I will just go out there and continue to work, not complaining, because you know I never complain about anything in life. I just take advantage of every opportunity that has been given to me.  If I’m put on the practice squad, maybe I’m doing something I’m not supposed to be doing right at the time.  But right now, I’m just trying to take it a day at a time and at the end of the day hopefully I’ll be on the active roster.”