Few Broncos had a heavier workload during their rookie year than running back Devontae Booker did in 2016.
The Broncos selected Booker in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the intentions of having him back up C.J. Anderson. As the season would have it, the Broncos found themselves low on running backs, which led to an increased workload for Booker.
Booker played in all 16 games for the Broncos in 2016, starting six, and rushed for 612 yards and four touchdowns on 174 carries. As a rookie, he led the team in all three categories.
After Booker hosted the Fourth Annual Smile Generation Blue and Orange Bowling Bash at the Arapahoe Bowling Center on Saturday, he took some time to discuss the many changes the Broncos made during the offseason and his final thoughts before taking the field for training camp on Thursday.
On his break
“It’s been good so far. I’ve just been training, working out, just getting ready for training camp.”
On being ready for camp
“Yeah I’m ready. I’m ready to get it started and start competing out there with the guys.”
On the biggest difference between preparing for camp now and prior to his rookie season
“This year I know what to expect. Last year I didn’t know what to expect out of training camp. I’m just more prepared and ready for it this year than I was last year.”
On having C.J. Anderson back from his meniscus injury
“It’s been good, you know, just having him out there on the field, being that second eye and giving feedback to me when I need it.”
On the addition of Jamaal Charles
“That’s great too. He’s going into his tenth or eleventh year. It’s crazy, we were just talking about when we were in OTAs how I used to play with him in Madden, and you know I was still in high school, you know or just getting to high school and he’s like, ‘Yeah, it’s crazy how that happens.’ It’s crazy.”
On his goals for the 2017 season
“I just want to be the best player that I can be. Best running back that I can be. Go out there and do all the right things to help the team win.”
On the offensive line being in a better place ahead of 2017
“I think so. We made a couple acquisitions throughout the offseason. We won’t really see what it will really be like until training camp starts.”
On the running backs room
“This year, we picked up Jamaal Charles and got C.J. [Anderson] back, it just feels more complete. Last year, C.J. got hurt in the middle of the season, we had [running back] Kapri [Bibbs], he got hurt, so it’s just pretty much you know, like I’m just left for dead. It just feels more complete and we’re just ready to rock.”
On the QB competition
“They’re both good. They’re both going to be competing for the job and we’ll just see what happens going through training camp.”
