By Ralph N. Paulk
Tribune-Review
Published: Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Whatever the diminutive Chris Rainey gives up in size, he makes up with immeasurable confidence.
The Steelers rookie running back sprinted onto the practice field at St. Vincent College on Friday, eager to prove he belongs in the NFL. He wanted to brush aside any doubts or lingering questions about him fitting into the Steelers’ redesigned offense.
“I’m prepared for everything,” Rainey said. “I’ve been going through the playbook every day.”
Mostly, the fifth-round draft pick from Florida wants to prove he’s his own man with a unique skill set. He isn’t New Orleans’ Darren Sproles or Minnesota’s Percy Harvin.
“I hear those stories about my size all the time,” he said. “People compare me to Percy (Harvin), but it doesn’t matter how much they compare me to other people.
“It’s all about speed. And that’s what separates me from the other guys. It’s just a slow brew right now, but it’ll come in time.”
However, at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, he can live with the Sproles comparison.
“Whatever you see in Darren Sproles, that’s what you’ll see in me,” said Rainey, who likens his style to the Saints’ playmaker. “But I’m still Chris Rainey.”
Of course, offensive coordinator Todd Haley and running backs coach Kirby Wilson are hoping the speedy, versatile Rainey can be as productive as his idol.
Isaac Redman, who likely will get the starting nod at running back for the injured Rashard Mendenhall for the regular-season opener in Denver, is confident Rainey can deliver.
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