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C.J. Anderson Proving To Manning He's A Playmaker Who Can Be Trusted

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson came to training camp this year with bigger legs and looking slimmer, trimmer and more athletic. He says he traveled to Houston for his offseason workouts and it has paid off.

"A lot of work to get my legs super strong," Anderson said. "I came back with like 3 pounds of extra muscle in my legs."

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C.J. Anderson working out (credit: CBS)

The Broncos have a new offense this year under new head coach Gary Kubiak and new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, but Anderson thinks he's job will be pretty much the same.

"We are teaching it different this year -- actually attacking and getting on the guys where we can keep people at the line of scrimmage or get a push. I think that's the difference," he said.

Some have noticed Anderson's interaction with Peyton Manning is different this year. Manning seems to be more "teammate" this year to Anderson rather than "The Sheriff."

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C.J. Anderson runs for a touchdown after catching a pass in the first half against the Oakland Raiders on November 9, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

"I felt like I was that way with him last year; (he) joked around with me. I got to know him more and he got to know me more. I guess I'm just not trying to be afraid of him all the time like I was my rookie year; try to let him know I'm a playmaker and I can make plays and I know what I can do with the ball in my hand in certain situations ... and he can trust me too."

Kubiak has gone on the record to say the starting running back will be Anderson -- for now. But Anderson knows how competition works. Montee Ball is still on the team and wants his old job back. Anderson says he thinks the competition is healthy.

"That fact that you can look at someone and say, 'Hey man, I want your job,' it's competitive. It just makes you go out there and compete harder and grind everyday … that's what we're trying to do and it's friendly back there and it's fine."

Anderson said he's really close to Ball as a friend.

"We hang outside the facility, we're not just all football. We talk about other things and we're always kicking it. When we're on the field in between those lines we're always helping each other," he said. "At the end of the day we're both trying to win for the Broncos … we're both going to still try to help each other."

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C.J. Anderson speaking to students (credit: CBS)

CBS4 followed the undrafted Anderson over the summer when he spoke to a school. He gives students advice about getting where they want to go.

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C.J. Anderson speaking to students (credit: CBS)

"Just don't give up," he told the students. "You know your dreams don't die until you decide to give up on them … I went through a bunch of obstacles to get where I am today -- and just keep working. All I know is hard work and grind."

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