For the first time in his NFL career, Alex Collins is expected to head into a season as his team’s No. 1 option at running back. Coming off a breakout sophomore NFL campaign, his first with Baltimore, Collins displayed to the Ravens what he can do when given an opportunity on the field.

Collins rushed for 973 yards and six touchdowns with a 4.6 yard-per-carry average last season. He also showed off his ability to make plays as a receiver, added 23 catches for 187 yards last season.

For the Ravens’ top running back, this offseason is all about working hard to improve on his strong first impression.

“I know I’m durable, I can handle the load, and I can do whatever it takes,” Collins said to Ryan Mink of the team’s website. “Throw me out into the fire and I’ll show you guys my capabilities. That’s my main focus when I’m out there. Let them know in here now that I can do it, I want to do it, and I can take the load. It’s just as far as if they’re ready for me to do that or not.”

Collins may have a point. After being selected by the Seahawks in the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Arkansas standout was never really given an opportunity to play in Seattle. The team gave him 31 rushes as a rookie before releasing him the following preseason. Despite arriving in Baltimore late in the preseason, Collins quickly emerged as the team’s best option at running back.

“I can catch, I can protect, and I would love that role as well,” Collins said. “I just want to be groomed into it.”

The Ravens appear more than eager to give Collins that opportunity once again this fall. Will he make the most of it?