The New England Patriots have signed running back Montee Ball in order to cover the injury suffered by starting running back LeGarrette Blount.
The 5'10, 215 lbs Ball was a 2nd round pick in 2013 by the Denver Broncos, selected one pick before the Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson. Ball held the NCAA record for most career touchdowns (83) upon his graduation, as well as the most touchdowns in a single season (39).
Ball was a college teammate of Patriots running back James White where they combined for 8,196 yards and 112 touchdowns between 2010-12.
Ball ran a 4.66 40 yard dash at the combine, with a 1.62 10 yard split, and a respectable 9'10 broad jump and 6.88 three cone time. Ball upped his 40 yard dash to 4.51 seconds at his Wisconsin Pro Day.
The running back failed to gain traction with the Denver Broncos as C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman provided better options out of the backfield.
Ball can catch out of the backfield and he has quality vision; his struggles are rooted in a questionable burst to the holes in the line.
ESPN's Adam Schefter notes that Ball has been signed to the practice squad, which means that the Patriots remain hopeful that Blount might not miss any time.
The Patriots have also signed 5'8, 190 lbs wide receiver DeAndre Carter.
Note: The initial article noted that Ball held the NCAA record for career touchdowns. This record was broken by Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds.