Fargas Excited About Opportunity

The Oakland Raiders re-signed veteran RB Justin Fargas. late Wednesday afternoon. The 2003 third round draft choice by the Oakland Raiders out of Southern California has rushed for a total of 2,025 yards and six touchdowns in his five NFL seasons. He has also logged 50 receptions for 358 yards. Fargas has led the Raiders in rushing the past two seasons.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling, it’s a day I’ve dreamt of for a long time, it just feels good to be able to continue my career here, and [I'm] just looking forward to making these the greatest years of my career,” Fargas said after signing his new contract.

Fargas is coming off his best season with the Raiders, rushing for 1,009 yards on 222 carries with four touchdowns and a 4.5 yards per carry average in 2007. His first 1,000-yard rushing season came while splitting time in the backfield for part of the season. The Raiders ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing during the 2007 campaign.

Fargas attributes the success of the running game to the offensive line and the coaches, “Being prepared for when my opportunity came and also just the credit to the improvement of the O-line and the whole system, especially in the run game. We were dramatically improved and that comes from the coaching on down to the players and I would say that’s is where the drastic difference was.”

Fargas will spend the off-season preparing for the 2008 season and hopes to continue improving the Raiders rushing attack.

“[I’m] just looking forward to preparing myself to improve as much as I can as a player to help this team and finding out ways to where I can utilize my position as a leader on this team, just to help us all together as a club to improve,” Fargas said.

On Friday, March 7th, Fargas will be formally awarded the 2007 Commitment to Excellence Award. The Steering Committee for the Booster Clubs of the Oakland Raiders will host a black tie optional dinner at the Hilton - Oakland Airport. The award is given to the player recognized by his teammates as “The player who best exemplifies the pride, poise and spirit of The Oakland Raiders.”

See more at www.raiders.com