Pats Pulpit
Previewing the Patriots running back heading into his first NFL season.
With Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson returning as the 1-2 punch, the New England Patriots entered the 2025 offseason seemingly well-set atop their running back depth chart. However, that did not stop them from bringing in some competition, including undrafted rookie Lan Larison.
Name: Lan Larison
Position: Running back
Jersey number: 32
Opening day age: 23 (10/11/2001)
Measurements: 5’10 1/2”, 209 lbs, 73 3/4” wingspan, 30 1/8” arm length, 9 3/4” hand size, 4.57s 40-yard dash, 6.93s 3-cone drill, 4.21s short shuttle, 35 1/2” vertical jump, 9’11” broad jump, 21 bench press reps, 7.02 Relative Athletic Score
NFL: New England Patriots (2025-) | College: UC Davis (2020-24)
Despite being a productive dual-threat quarterback at Vallivue High School in Caldwell, ID, Larison flew largely under the radar. A two-star recruit, he eventually found his way to UC Davis, where he spent his entire five-year college career. During that time, he developed into one of the most productive players in school history and one of the top performers in the FCS.
Larison appeared in a combined 50 games as an Aggie, gaining a school record 6,504 all-purpose yards and scoring 52 total touchdowns (plus one passing TD). Productive as a runner, receiver and kickoff returner, he was named All-Big Sky each of his five seasons (first team 2022, 2023, 2024; second team 2020, 2021) and honored as the conference’s offensive player of the year in 2023.
Despite his standout career in Davis, Larison did not hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft. He signed with the Patriots as a free agent shortly after the conclusion of the seventh round.
Strengths: Larison combines a low center of gravity with a solid athletic skillset as well as the contact balance and strength needed to break tackles. A “fight for ever yard”-type of runner, he averaged 3.6 yards after contact and forced 132 missed tackles over the course of his college career. His ability to keep his feet moving and power through defenders is complemented by some good vision and patience; he reads his blocks well and can adapt accordingly when things start to break down or holes begin to open up elsewhere.
Larison’s running abilities also serve him well as a receiver. He is dangerous in open space and with the ball in his hands, averaging 10.5 yards after catch over his time in college. He runs routes at a consistent speed and makes decisive and quick breaks, uncovering quickly against linebackers. He also has natural, fairly big hands as well as the concentration to keep drops at a minimum.
The aforementioned play strength also allowed Larison to impress as a pass protector in college. Despite a lack of size, he showed the power in his upper body to hold his own against players bigger than him. The numbers speak for themselves: he gave up only two pressures, including zero sacks, during 124...
