Despite an apparent demotion to the second team during the Ravens' offseason minicamps, **Willis McGahee** still has his eyes on the starting spot.
The Ravens remain committed to their "three-headed monster" approach to the rushing attack, but it was evident in Organized Team Activities that **Ray Rice** was the top running back.
McGahee believes that will continue when training camp begins next week.
"I'm pretty sure Ray is going to be the guy when we start out, but it's training camp," McGahee told local reporters in an interview at an appearance in Baltimore. "It's a long season. No pressure.
"It's not how you start. It's how you finish."
The former Pro Bowler is only one season removed from compiling a career-high 1,483 total yards from scrimmage, leading the Ravens with 294 carries and 1,207 yards on the ground.
He was nowhere near that in 2008. McGahee fell behind fullback **Le’Ron McClain*** *– who will likely see more time in that role next year – and only notched 170 attempts for 671 yards.
Injuries were certainly a factor in McGahee's disappointing campaign, though. After admittedly not showing up to last year's training camp in optimum shape, he was hampered by knee, ankle and eye injuries.
McGahee was then knocked out of the AFC Championship after a brutal shot to the helmet from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark gave him a concussion.
McGahee, who pronounced himself 100 percent healthy following offseason knee surgery, is eager to show that he has returned to form.
"I've got a lot of doubters out there," he noted. "It's going to be fun. It's about me proving that I can be Willis McGahee. Yeah, they're sleeping on me, but I want them to sleep on me.
"I just want to show them. They've been counting me out since Day 1, since I got into the league. What's another day? Let them keep counting me out."
McGahee isn't taking any chances this year. He is reporting to training camp on Monday, when rookies, quarterbacks and selected veterans must arrive.
"It's right around the corner," McGahee said. "I was selected. It's no pressure. You go in there and have to be a professional about things."
Veterans are slated to report to training camp on Wednesday, July 29.
By that time, McGahee hopes to be well on his way to climbing the depth chart.
