Indianapolis Colts

Colts' Herron: We can do some great things

Published Jun. 30, 2015 12:48 p.m. ET

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A strong performance in the Colts' stretch run last season has helped running back Daniel "Boom" Herron move from special teamer to key backup.

Ahmad Bradshaw's season-ending injury and Trent Richardson's ineffectiveness provided Herron with the chance to assume the role of lead running back late last season. From Week 12 through the AFC title game, Herron ran for 448 yards and caught 39 passes.

“It helped me a lot, learning a lot, playing the game and just going out there and winning games,” Herron said, via the team's official website. “It was definitely a great experience for me and I think I’ve learned a lot from last year to this year and I’m very excited for this year.”

With the arrival of free-agent Frank Gore, Herron won't be the Colts' lead back in 2015, but his play late last season seems to have cemented his role as Gore's primary backup. That means he should still see plenty of carries of this season. Herron, a sixth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012, thinks he's poised to capitalize on his playing time.

"Now that I’m going into my third year, it’s real easy to me,” Herron said. "It’s coming second nature. Now I can just play fast instead of thinking about everything.”

The Colts added Gore and wide receivers Andre Johnson, Phillip Dorsett and Duron Carter to an already dangerous offense over the offseason. Herron said he's excited by the team's potential.

“I think it’s going to be tough for defenses to stop us because obviously we have a great quarterback, we have some great receivers and some good backs,” Herron said. “I think we have some good options and if we have some good options, I think we can do some great things.”

(h/t Indianapolis Colts)

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