Broncos running back Selvin Young needs only 14 yards to crack the top five for the most single-season yardage as an undrafted rookie in NFL history. He likely will get those yards tonight in his hometown, Houston, where he might start against the Texans.
“I’m really exited,” Young said Wednesday. “I get an opportunity to go do what I love to do in front of my family. I’m really expecting to have a big game.”
Young, a former University of Texas player, has 100 carries for 569 yards, third among rookies behind Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson (1,200) and Buffalo’s Marshawn Lynch (858). Among all running backs, Young is second with a 5.7-yard average. Peterson leads with 6.1.
The single-season yardage leader among undrafted rookies is Dominic Rhodes, who amassed 1,104 yards for Indianapolis in 2001.
Young, who has started five of the past seven games, has dispersed 52 tickets for tonight’s game to friends and family.
“I’m playing for free this week,” he said, laughing. “But, you know, it’s worth it. I get a chance to see my family and have them see me play.
“Most of them have been watching on TV, but (now) they get a chance to be a part of it, see the atmosphere and get a feel for the NFL and what I’m getting a chance to experience.”
Making his mark
Broncos running back Selvin Young has gained 569 yards and needs 14 yards to crack the top five single-season leaders among undrafted free agents:
(Yr | Player | Team | Yards)
’01 Dominic Rhodes Colts 1,104
’97 Fred Lane Panthers 809
’76 Clark Gaines Giants 724
’06 Mike Bell Broncos 677
’05 Samkon Gado Packers 582
