Daryl Richardson "not surprised" at starting role

St Louis Rams running back Daryl Richardson has revealed that he "isn't surprised" at being told that he will start the first game of the season.

Richardson beat off competition from Isaiah Pead and Zac Stacy to be named as the franchise's number one running back for the upcoming season, replacing Steven Jackson who joined the Atlanta Falcons during the off-season.

The 23-year-old had been widely tipped to gain a starting role, and he was not surprised when those rumours were confirmed by coach Jeff Fisher.

"I ain't really surprised. This is what I worked for. I'm out here working every day and reached some of my goals," ESPN quotes Richardson as saying.

"I feel real good. I have just [been] preparing myself to work every day and to get better."

The Rams will face the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens in their final two warm-up games before getting their regular season underway against the Arizona Cardinals on September 8.