Titans RB Javon Ringer wants chance 'to prove myself'

Ringer has had a few chances in the past few years, but he hasn't completely taken advantage. (US Presswire)

Running back Javon Ringer probably won't ever get the majority of the carries with Tennessee as long as Chris Johnson is healthy. Even though Ringer has had limited success as Johnson's backup and even though Johnson struggled badly for much of 2011, Ringer didn't do much to put himself into the starting running back conversation.

That said, Ringer hopes to change that this season.

"Sooner or later, I hope to get a legitimate chance to prove myself," Ringer told the Detroit Free Press. "This is my contract year, so I'm hoping and praying for the best."

Ringer's 2011, though, was disappointing.

With Johnson unproductive because of his holdout, Ringer couldn't capitalize on the ability to earn more playing time, averaging a career-worst 3.1 yards per carry before breaking his hand in December. Coming off a 2010 campaign when he averaged 4.7 yards with a similar number of carries, that had to be disappointing.

Though Ringer caught 28 passes last season, he certainly hasn't played extraordinary enough to earn himself a large contract going into 2013. Maybe Ringer can change that perception this year. And if and when he gets his chances this year, he needs to take advantage if he wants to be anything more than somebody else's backup.

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