Jay Ajayi Says He Feels Like 'A Workhorse' and Is 'Completely For' More Carries

Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi is ready to assume a larger role in his team's offense in 2017. 

"I feel like I'm a workhorse and I get better as the game keeps going and I continue to be a part of the game," Ajayi said Tuesday, per the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero. "So, yeah, I feel like if I continue to get a certain amount of carries, that will be good for our team as well."

Ajayi also said he's "completely for" registering a high volume of carries in his third year in the NFL.

Arian Foster's abrupt retirement opened the door for Ajayi to become Miami's primary ball-carrier. He ran for 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns on 260 carries in 2016. Football Outsiders ranked him seventh among qualified running backs in DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement).

PFF Fantasy Football showed he excelled after contact as well:

The 23-year-old said he feels in a good position to emerge as one of the league's top running backs after having gained some experience, per the Palm Beach Post's Jason Lieser: "Having a few years under my belt and knowing what I want to be, I want to be the best. I strive for that. I know to be considered the best at the running back position, you have to be a guy that can do it all."

Ajayi's desire to improve will be music to the Dolphins' ears since they'll need him to take some of the offensive burden off Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill turns 29 in July, so the time has likely passed for him to become an elite passer.

Fantasy football owners would also welcome the opportunity for Ajayi to become an every-down back. He had the 11th-most fantasy points in NFL.com standard leagues in 2016, and his production would climb even higher if he was afforded more touches.