Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi confident heading into 2016 season

Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi is heading into the 2016 season poised to take over the starting role, and expressed confidence when asked about his abilities.

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Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi is heading into the 2016 season poised to take over the starting role, and he expressed confidence when asked about his abilities.

“Everyone else has opinions on what I can do and if I’m worthy enough, and I know how good I am,” Ajayi said to ESPN. “I know how great I can be. That’s my mentality coming in, day in and day out—to work, so that when I step out on that field, I can produce the way I know that I can and be the great back that I know I can be.”

The starting running back spot was left open for the second-year back out of Boise State after Lamar Miller signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent this off-season.

Over his career at Boise State, Ajayi rushed for 3,796 yards and 55 touchdowns, but also sustained multiple knee injuries.

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He had a small role in the Miami offense last season, rushing for 187 yards and a touchdown over nine games.

“I feel like the game has definitely slowed down a lot more for me,” Ajayi said. “It’s now working on the details, working on consistency. That’s really what I’m harping on—being a lot more consistent with my game."

Ajayi will compete against rookie Kenyan Drake and veterans Daniel Thomas, Isaiah Pead and Damien Williams for the starting job.