Branden Oliver: I’m not Darren Sproles

Branden Oliver before games asks God for the strength to run for his kingdom. He points to the sky when he scores touchdowns. He weaves faith into interviews, each day an opportunity, he says, to honor it.

Humble and a hard worker, this is Oliver at age 23.

Of the younger version, he is less proud.

“I had a lot of anger issues,” he said.

The Chargers running back grew up with an emotional streak. He’s since redirected it toward faith and the field. He wants that journey, not the jersey number he wears, to define him in both the NFL and life. He’s among the players competing for a roster spot as final cuts loom Aug. 30.

Oliver signed with the Chargers in May.

Comparisons to Darren Sproles quickly began.

Sproles, an ex-Charger now with the Eagles, is listed at 5-foot-6. Oliver is about that height; despite listed at 5-foot-8, he is 5-foot-6 and 3/4 inches, he says. There also is the jersey number they share.

The undrafted rookie from Buffalo had two choices when he signed: wear No. 44 or No. 43.

“I didn’t like how 44 looked,” Oliver said. “I knew 43 was Darren Sproles’ number, but I didn’t think of it like, ‘I’m trying to be like Sproles.’ That’s the perception that people are getting. I’m just trying to be me. ... I’m like 15 pounds heavier, physical. He’s way quicker than me.”

Oliver grew up in Miami.

He dealt with temper tantrums, his eyes tearing up as his fists balled for the smallest of reasons. He fought often in elementary school. Once in middle school, he was suspended three days for his role in an altercation. He credits taking to Christianity in high school as setting him straight.

At Buffalo, he became the school’s all-time leading rusher.

He now pursues an NFL career as his cousin did, former Chargers wide receiver Roscoe Parrish. Sunday against the 49ers is Oliver’s next chance to distinguish himself.

This month, in the exhibition opener, he rushed seven times for 64 yards and a touchdown. Last week, Seattle had more success than Dallas against him. He totaled 14 yards on nine carries with 49 yards on three kickoff returns. One was muffed. He did have two tackles on special teams.

Oliver appears the favorite to be the team’s No. 4 running back.

Nothing, he knows, is guaranteed.

Sixth-round pick Marion Grice and Kerwynn Williams remain in the mix. The Chargers also could decide to enter the season with three running backs, as tight end David Johnson serves as their fullback.

Oliver will have to fight.

“I just have to go out there with my faith,” he said. “When the coaches call, I have to be ready to go.”