Jay Ajayi is keenly aware of the offseason questions about his ability to handle a heavy workload. The Miami Dolphins unsuccessfully chased C.J. Anderson and Chris Johnson in free agency and added third-round pick Kenyan Drake in the draft.
What Ajayi doesn't lack is self-confidence
"Everyone else has opinions on what I can do and if I'm worthy enough, and I know how good I am," Ajayi said, per ESPN.com. "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."
Ajayi will enter the 2016 as the Dolphins' starter after rushing for just 187 yards on 49 attempts (3.8 yards per carry average) in nine games as a rookie. The running back tumbled to the fifth-round of the 2015 draft due to concerns about his long-term viability after a knee injury in college.
In a limited role last season, Ajayi flashed ability as a down-hill runner with quick cutting acumen between the tackles. Coach Adam Gase has been effusive about the running back's improvement this offseason.
Entering his second season, Ajayi is ready to prove he can be the answer for the Dolphins' backfield.
"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."
Miami seems likely to add a veteran at some point to share the workload -- perhaps Arian Foster when he's healthy later this summer. Ajayi, however, represents the team's best chance for an early-down playmaker out of the backfield.