As a rookie last season, tight end Tyler Higbee appeared in all 16 of the Rams games but saw very little action. However this is a new year with a new coach looking to diversify the offense, and Higbee is likely being eyed for a much larger role.

He had just 11 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown in 2016, but now that the offseason workout program has begun and he’s officially a veteran, he’s looking forward to starting fresh.

Via Rams.com:

“It’s exciting, you know, you’ve got the new faces, told Rams reporter Dani Klupenger. “Everybody’s excited to get things started. You have a little bit of time off and time to reflect on last year, but now it’s time to get things going and start looking forward to this year.”

Higbee will presumably compete with fellow second-year tight end, Temarrick Hemingway, as well as red zone target Cory Harkey who has 27 receptions and three touchdowns in his five seasons with the Rams.

When asked about what he hopes coach Sean McVay sees in him as a player, Higbee focused on his work ethic.

Via Rams.com:

“That I’m a hard worker,” he said. “That I’m dependable, proven to be reliable. We always talk about that in college, being a tight end – proven to be reliable. When you’re number is called, making the play. So I’m just looking forward to it and excited to work with these guys.”

Higbee also said that he spent some recently working out with Todd Gurley and wide receiver Nelson Spruce, focusing on his conditioning and being in the best possible shape for the season.

Via Rams.com:

“Yeah I was working with Todd Gurley and Nelson Spruce this past month, not too far from here. Just getting stronger, faster and better as a football player. I want to be the biggest, strongest and fastest that I can…and whatever I can do to help this team win games.”

McVay’s offense in Washington utilized tight ends often, a fact that is not lost on the 24-year-old Higbee, who admitted that he is excited to see what McVay might have in store for him.