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Former second-round pick Mikel Leshoure is fighting to get back into rotation in Detroit's backfield. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions tailback Mikel Leshoure acknowledges there was a point last season when he realized he would not get an opportunity to play under the old coaching staff.

But he says he never wavered in his belief that he can be a productive NFL tailback, if given an opportunity. And he says he'll find that opportunity this year, whether it's in Detroit or elsewhere.

"I feel like I'll get a role somewhere," he said, when asked after practice Monday whether he'd prefer to move on if he can't land a job in Detroit. "So I'm going to think about that right now."

Leshoure was selected in the second round of the 2011 draft, then led the Lions in rushing a year later. But he plummeted down the depth chart in 2013 after the signing of Reggie Bush, emergence of Joique Bell and even the addition of sixth-round draft pick Theo Riddick.

Leshoure went from leading Detroit in rushing one season, to dressing for just two games the next. He characterized his descent as a "coach's decision."

"I feel like a lot of it was out of my hands," he said. "It wasn't anything I did, as far as my part as discipline or anything like that. It was just a coach's decision, and he's gone, so I'll just leave it at that."

Needless to say, Leshoure has fully embraced the transition from Jim Schwartz to Jim Caldwell, which offers him a clean slate with a new staff.

"They give everyone a fresh start," he said. "I feel like that's what I needed. It's fair game now, and I can just go out there and compete.

"I just got to prove I can be available for this team, and just be able to help. Bein' there, and when my number's called, bein' ready."

That's more likely to happen with this staff than the old one, if for no other reason than new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is installing a scheme that is known for using lots of tailbacks.

New Orleans, which is the inspiration for Detroit's new offense, went four-deep at the position last year. So it's possible that even if Bush, Bell and Riddick remain the top three tailbacks, as expected, Leshoure could still have some kind of role.

But he'd likely have to compete with a fullback, such as Jed Collins, for time. Montell Owens also is on the roster.

Leshoure seems to be a little bigger himself, measuring in at training camp weighing 242 pounds. He was 227 pounds as a rookie, and listed at 233 pounds last year.

He said Monday, though, he's only up a couple pounds from his playing weight last year. He's added some muscle this offseason, plus worked on his short-yardage bursts -- 5 to 10 yards -- and his footwork.

"He came back in very good shape," Caldwell said. "He's certainly running well at this stage. We like what we see. It's early yet, but if a guy can perform and play well, there's always room for another good back. He's a talented guy."