Last modified: Monday, July 28, 2008 2:54 AM EDT PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK BY MARK FARINELLA SUN CHRONICLE STAFF FOXBORO - LaMont Jordan knows that the Patriots have a reputation for successful reclamation projects. "It's funny," he said Sunday, "because when I learned that the Patriots were interested, I knew that Randy (Moss) had come here and had a big year. Hopefully I can do the same thing." The former Jets' and Raiders' running back, speaking as a Patriot for the first time Sunday just two days after his release (or escape) from Oakland, said the change of scenery and uniform may be just what he needs to get his career back on track. "I'm excited," he told a cluster of reporters at the Gillette Stadium practice complex. "I haven't made this ballclub yet ... I just signed my contract, which gives me an opportunity to compete for a spot. But I'm excited about it and looking forward to the opportunity." The 5-foot-10, 230-pounder from Maryland, a veteran of seven NFL seasons, is stepping into a crowded backfield. Behind starter Laurence Maroney, Jordan will be competing with Sammy Morris (supposedly fully recovered from last year's chest injury) and Kevin Faulk for playing time. "I have all the motivation that I need," Jordan said. "I know that the backfield is stacked, but that's what training camp is for. Everybody's coming out here trying to make the ballclub, and I know what I'm capable of doing. Once I get my legs up underneath me, and get out there and show what I'm capable of doing, it's up to the coaches to decide what players they want to keep." It's not clear whether Patriots' coach Bill Belichick is considering expanding the number of roster spots for running backs this year, but he was caught shorthanded last year when Morris went down for the season while filling in for an injured Maroney. And, Jordan has versatility to offer - in his best season with the Raiders (2005), he carried 272 times for 1,025 yards and caught 70 passes for 563 yards. Versatility is always high on Belichick's priority list. "He can run inside, he can run outside, he can catch the ball," Belichick said. "He's a good pass receiver in terms of his route running. He's instinctive ... we'll see how all of that manifests itself as we go forward." "I can catch the ball," said Jordan. "I take great pride in running routes and catching the ball. The big thing for me is that I work on my pass protection and get my legs up underneath me. "One thing that's for sure, I'm really confident that the coaching staff is going to allow me to use all of my abilities," he added. "As long as I can show them that I can do it and do it on a consistent basis, I know I'm going to get an opportunity to line up at wideout, and maybe show Randy and the other wideouts a thing or two." Of course, Jordan spent the first four years of his career as Curtis Martin's backup with the Jets. Not surprisingly, his perception of the Patriots then was less than favorable. "I couldn't stand the Patriots for a while," he said. "When I played for the Jets, of course, they were beating up on us. But when I really stepped back sand looked at the body of work that the organization has done, you can't help but accept that there are great players that have come through here and worn this uniform, and I'm hoping that I can come through, too." Now wearing the No. 32 that is best remembered in the Belichick Era as belonging to Antowain Smith, Jordan offered a wish for it. "I remember that Tom Brady had a No. 32 behind him in one of his Super Bowls, and I'm hoping that I can make the team and that can be the case again," he said. They love Bill Belichick signed autographs after this morning's practice, and you'd have thought it was his buddy, Jon Bon Jovi, instead. There was a certain "rock star" quality to the fans' response to the head coach's presence, including the "Bel-i-chick ... Bel-i-chick ..." chant that was heard when he appeared on the TD Banknorth Garden's video screens during the Celtics' playoff games. Belichick clearly was touched the fans' response. "The support's been great, and I appreciate it, personally and for our team," he said during his midday press conference. "It's been great really since I came on in 2000 ... I really feel like I have kind of a personal connection. I've spent a lot of time in New England, going to school, living here, being here in '96. Even the time in New York and New Jersey isn't that quite far away. But I always spend summers up here, and it's great. I appreciate it." But he added a little comparative perspective to how he was received by the fans. "It's nothing compared to Brady," he said, chuckling. Lav leaves again Tackle Nick Kaczur came off the physically-unable-to-perform list in the morning practice, making it necessary for the Patriots to release offensive lineman Lav Bauta for the second time this week. That brings the number of PUPped players down to 10, still a high number for this stage of training camp.