From Denverbroncos.com
Quick Six
Anthony Alridge is a change of pace back looking to contribute this season.
By Jake Grilley
DenverBroncos.com
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.-- He is listed as Anthony Alridge on the Denver Broncos’ roster but friends and family often call the rookie running back out of the University of Houston by a much more fitting nickname, “Quick.”
“Quick” is short for “Quick-Six,” a name given to Alridge by his college teammates for his ability to separate from defenders and speed through the open field.
At 5-feet-9-inches, 185 pounds, Alridge knows the Broncos didn’t add him to the team for his ability to pound the tacklers on third-and-1 but rather to compliment the other backs on Denver's roster and as his nickname implies, provide big play potential.
"I think I’m more of a speed back," Alridge said. "I think I can hit the edges. Counter plays, catching the ball out of the backfield. I think that is my part on this team. I am just going to try and do my part."
Alridge proved his speed at the NFL combine this spring, placing third among running backs and fourth overall with a 4.36 40-yard dash.
Alridge used his speed to make plays during his tenure with the Cougars.
Originally recruited to play wide receiver, Alridge finished his career at the University of Houston as one of the school's most accomplished rushers. He ranked sixth in school history with 2,595 rushing yards on 363 carries for a 7.1-yard rushing average. As a senior he posted the second highest single season rushing performance in school history (1,597 yds., 6.2 avg., 14 TDs) along with 42 receptions (428 yds., 5 TDs). During his junior year Alridge averaged a first down with each carry, his 10.1 yard average was the highest in the NCAA since 1945. Alridge’s 4,438 career all-purpose yards ranks him fourth in Cougars history.
Even with his impressive college resume' Alridge knows that as a rookie in the NFL there is so much to learn and so many people to learn from.
"Really nothing has surprised me," Alridge said. "I knew everybody was going to be fast on the defense. I knew everyone was going to float to the ball. I’m just trying to soak it all in because of all the plays and the long terminology. The blocking schemes are a whole lot different than college. It is a little challenging but it is fun all at the same time."
The veteran running backs have helped Alridge's pro transition by showing him the ropes.
"They are teaching me everything I know," Alridge said. "Selvin Young has taken me under his wing, been a big brother type. Michael Pittman is doing the same thing. I am just learning as much as I can and trying to soak it all in."
Alridge said that with all the unfamiliarity that comes with joining a professional football team, new city, new teammates, new coaches it is nice to see a familiar face.
Broncos defensive lineman Jarvis Moss and Alridge are both from the same hometown of Denton, Texas.
"I am always with him so it isn’t anything new; it’s fun," Alridge said.
While the running backs and Moss have helped Alridge adjust to his life as an NFL player, one Bronco, Samie Parker wanted Alridge to see if he could live up to his "Quick-Six" nickname.
"Word on the street was he was the fastest on the team," Parker said. "We had to figure that out, because I knew I was the fastest."
Parker and Alridge held a footrace on the last day of team camp, and although Parker won, Alridge lived up to his name and still disputes the results.
"Who’s the fastest on the team? It’s me," Alridge said. "The rookie free agent. Anthony Alridge. Houston, Texas."
And even though Parker might hold the title as fastest Bronco for now he will have no problem calling Alridge "Quick".
"I mean the guy is fast," Paker said. "As fast as advertised."