You won’t hear C.J. Anderson listed when most people talk about the best running backs in the league.
The 2013 undrafted rookie free agent, who broke out last season for 1,173 yards from scrimmage and a Pro Bowl appearance, isn’t itching to change people’s mind either.
“I just try to stay in my lane. We have superstars,” Anderson said after Friday’s training camp practice. “Leave DT (Demaryius Thomas), Emmanuel (Sanders) and Peyton (Manning) to be the stars and I’ll keep sneaking up on people.”
Anderson, a 5-foot-8, 224 pound back out of Cal, said he feels like he’s in great shape. and said that he’s prepared to take on the load as the Broncos starting running back if called on.
“C.J. obviously got great experience last year and made some great runs,” quarterback Peyton Manning said. “You definitely see a more confident running back.”
Manning also talked up the Broncos’ 2013 second-round pick running back Montee Ball, who is finally healthy only playing in three games last season while battling a groin injury. There’s also Ronnie Hillman, a 2012 third-round pick, competing for playing time.
“It’s just fun, friendly competition,” Anderson said. “We’re going to go out there and grind every day.”
“We want to be the best group in the league.”
High goals for a group that battled injury and durability concerns through most of last season. But with coach Gary Kubiak’s more running back friendly system, there will be plenty of opportunities for an uptick in production for all three backs.
