Jordan eager for fresh start

Depth added to crowded backfield

LaMont Jordan, who gets by linebacker Eric Alexander in practice yesterday, is looking to catch on with the Patriots. (ROBERT E. KLEIN/FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE)

FOXBOROUGH - The game turned sour for LaMont Jordan in Oakland. The bullish running back signed with the Raiders in 2005 as a free agent after spending his first four years in the NFL backing up the Jets' Curtis Martin. His first year in Oakland was full of promise and performance as he rushed for 1,025 yards, caught 70 passes, and scored 11 touchdowns.

The second season was not so strong, as Jordan was limited by a back injury. He lost his starting job last season (12 games, 144 rushes for 549 yards and 3 touchdowns, 28 catches for 247 yards) to Justin Fargas, and when the Raiders drafted Arkansas running back Darren McFadden in the first round, Jordan was no longer welcome at training camp.

The Raiders tried to trade the 29-year-old Jordan, and finally released him July 25. The Patriots quickly called his agent and said please come to Boston.

"As soon as I was available, my agent called me and told me that he had spoken with the Patriots and that they wanted me to fly up," Jordan said yesterday after practice. "That put a smile on my face.

"It's a great feeling. I definitely know what I'm stepping into, coming to a winning organization and I just want to get in here, make the team, and do my part and ultimately get this team back to the top."

The Patriots backfield is getting crowded, but coach Bill Belichick finds comfort in depth. Jordan joins Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans, Kyle Eckel and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

"I think Lamont adds some quality depth to our backfield," said Belichick. "We played against him a number of times, he's a real tough guy to tackle, a hard runner, good in the passing game, good with the ball in his hands. He's a good football player that we'll put into that mix and it gives us a little more depth at that position."

In fact, according to Belichick's review, Jordan can play all over the field. "He's a big kid," said Belichick of the 5-foot-10-inch, 230-pounder. "He can run inside, he can run outside, he can catch the ball, he's a good pass receiver in terms of his route running, and he's returned kicks. We'll see how all that manifests itself going forward. Right now, LaMont's just got to concentrate on learning the offense and techniques and his assignments and so forth, but I think he's already got off to a pretty good start at that, he's working hard at it."

Jordan watched Randy Moss leave a troubled situation in Oakland and blossom with the Patriots. He's hoping he can follow in the footprints of his old friend.

"Randy and I have been keeping in touch since we played together out in Oakland," said Jordan. "We spoke earlier, just catching up. From Day 1, from the first time Randy and I stepped onto the field together, I knew he was just about one thing and that's winning.

"When I heard that the Patriots were interested, I said, 'Randy left Oakland and came in and had a good year so hopefully I can do the same thing.' I'm excited. I'm excited."

Jordan's versatility works in his favor. He has a blocky build, but he can catch passes as well as run.

"I have all the motivation that I need," he said. "I know the backfield is stacked, but that's what training camp is for. Everybody's coming out here trying to make the ball club and I know what I'm capable of doing once I get my legs up underneath me. It's up to the coaches to decide what players they decide to keep."

It's also up to the coaches to puzzle out who fits where in a suddenly overpopulated backfield. Evans, for one, said it's always good to add a veteran presence.

"Depth in this league is always a great thing," said Evans, "because this is an unpredictable game. You can have three studs in your backfield and a week later, they could all be gone. Obviously, we never want those things to happen, but he only makes our team better. I think that was the reason for bringing him in."

As for Jordan, he's beyond ready to put his Oakland days behind him. Looking at Gillette Stadium from the practice field, he said, "I don't think about the past. I can't get bitter or worry about the past. I know right now I'm waking up in the morning and putting on a Patriots uniform. I know I'm very enthusiastic about that.

"When I really sat down and looked at the body of work that the organization has done, you can't help but accept the fact that they're just great players that come through here that have worn this uniform. I'm hoping that I can come through. I remember Tom Brady had a No. 32 behind him in one of the Super Bowls [Antowain Smith played in the 2002 and 2004 victories] and I'm hoping I can make the team and that can be the case again."

Barbara Matson can be reached at matson@globe.com.