Las Vegas Raiders

Del Rio: Raiders will give RB Murray a shot at the starting job

Published Jun. 11, 2015 12:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

Latavius Murray will get every opportunity to prove he's an NFL starter this season.

Raiders coach Jack Del Rio confirmed his team considers the third-year running back as its No. 1 option on Wednesday after minicamp.

“Right now he’s (Murray) been running with the lead group," Del Rio told reporters. "But he knows that he has to earn that through camp, through the preseason."

All Murray has to do is prove he's the same back that ended 2014 on a high note. He tallied 413 yards over the final six games of 2014 and averaged 5.17 yards per carry -- good for fifth among all NFL running backs.

His new offensive coordinator will only help the transition to full-time starter. Bill Musgrave is viewed as a bit of a ballcarrier whisperer. Musgrave coached Adrian Peterson and Michael Turner in previous stops.

If Murray keeps up the hard work, his name might be added to Musgrave's resume one day.

"He’s done a nice job this offseason," Del Rio said. "He’s taking steps and growing as a player.”

(h/t Oakland Raiders)