Ka'Deem Carey has confidence, professionalism in Chicago Bears RB competition

Chicago Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey is in a stiff running back competition, led by incumbent starter Matt Forte. Carey, however, is enjoying the battle behind Forte with Jeremy Langford, Daniel Thomas and Jacquizz Rodgers, according to Kevin Fishbain of Chicago Football.

"[The competition is] exciting," Carey told Chicago Football. "If you can get this spot here, then you know you're a pretty good back in this league."

Carey, a fourth-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, had only 36 carries for 158 yards last season. A considerable chunk of his rookie production (14 carries, 72 yards) came in a Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

"That was a confidence booster knowing I can do it in the NFL," Carey said about that Packers game, via Chicago Football. "I know that I can have breakout games. I just have to keep working and my time will come."

Carey is trying to shed a few pounds from his current 216-pound frame, according to Chicago Football. It's going to take a lot of work for Carey to become the player he envisions, but the determined back goes about his business with the required professionalism.

"You have to go work. You have to dig in, be a pro," Carey told Chicago Football. "Just show them that I'm the back. I led the nation one time in college. I can be a back in this league."

The competition in Chicago's backfield has grown considerably since Carey's rookie season. This offseason, the Bears signed Rodgers in free agency, drafted Langford in the fourth round and picked up Thomas after bringing him in for a workout during minicamp.

(h/t Chicago Football)

Photo Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki/USA TODAY Sports