Branden Oliver was one of the NFL’s feel good stories in 2014.

From unheralded and undrafted out of Buffalo to one of the most dynamic rookie running backs in the league, Oliver led the Chargers across the board with 160 carries, 582 yards and three rushing touchdowns. He also chipped in with 36 receptions for 271 yards and one score, becoming an integral part of San Diego’s offense.

After joining the Chargers on May 21, Oliver emphatically proved he belonged on the final 53-man roster by routinely turning heads throughout the offseason program, training camp and preseason. Inactive the first two weeks of the season, he got his most extensive playing time after injuries sidelined Danny Woodhead, Donald Brown and Ryan Mathews. Oliver wishes his opportunity wasn’t afforded due to injuries to his close friends and teammates, but he made the most of his turn in the spotlight.

The 5-8, 203-pound back quickly took the league by storm to win back to back Pepsi Rookie of the Week awards. First, he racked up 182 yards from scrimmage in the Bolts’ 31-0 shutout win over the New York Jets. He not only scored a pair of touchdowns, but also had a 50-yard catch and 52-yard run. In doing so, Oliver became the first Charger with a 50-yard catch and 50-yard run in the same game since Lionel “Little Train” James in 1985. He followed that up by rushing for 101 yards against the Oakland Raiders, punctuated by the game-winning touchdown with just 1:56 remaining. In the process, he also became the first Chargers rookie with consecutive 100-yard rushing games since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2001

via Ricky Henne of Chargers.com