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Antonio Gates says Branden Oliver next Darren Sproles for San Diego Chargers

By Bryan Rose

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver (43) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver (43) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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After Sunday’s performance against the New York Jets, there are likely 31 teams kicking themselves for not investing in running back Brandon Oliver as the rookie continued his impressive play for the San Diego Chargers.

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Undrafted out of the University of Buffalo, Oliver has seen an increase in playing time due to the Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead injuries and the stocky back has not disappointed.

In fact, future Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates believes Branden Oliver is the next Darren Sproles for the San Diego Chargers.

“He reminds me so much of (Darren) Sproles,” Gates said again Sunday. “And I played with Sproles so many years. It’s crazy. He’s Sproles, with a little bit more power.”

The most ironic part of the whole story? Oliver oddly enough is wearing the #43, the same jersey number made famous during Sproles’ tenure with the San Diego Chargers.

Impressive speed and agility aside, Branden Oliver also comes packing the pounds as he not only looks as spry as Sproles but as stocky as Mike Tolbert. Needless to say, the combination of speed and size has been troublesome for opposing defenses who just can’t stop the rookie running back. Even when they get their mitts on him, Oliver is routinely able to break their tackles.

How much longer he’ll be able to succeed until opposing defensive coordinators begin to focus on him in their gameplan remains to be seen, but for now the rookie rusher is looking like the steal of the draft despite not actually being selected.

Starter Ryan Mathews is still at least one or two weeks away from returning to action.

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