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Per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown believes he is among the league's elite runners.

''I definitely do,'' Brown said Thursday after the Dolphins finished their latest organized team activities session. "You got to have confidence on this level and, you know, if I didn't, I wouldn't want to be playing this game. So, obviously, when their names are brought up I want my name to be in that same group.''

After reconstructive knee surgery in October 2007, Brown returned after only seven months. The normal recovery time is 10-12 months.

Playing the first 16-game season of his career, Brown averaged 57.3 rushing yards per game, which was the lowest average of his four-year career. He finished the season with 916 yards and 10 touchdowns (five of which came in week 3 against the Patriots).

This year, the tentativeness that Brown had last year is gone.

''As far as [being in] shape goes, he's outstanding right now,'' coach Tony Sparano said. "I just watched the film [of Thursday's practice] a little while ago and he makes this catch on the sideline and extends for the ball and ends up hyperextending both legs to do this, and there's no sign of any of those hesitations, any of the things we went through a year ago."

Brown, who the Dolphins drafted second overall, was part of an excellent running back class in 2005. Other RBs drafted in 2005 include Frank Gore (49ers), Marion Barber (Cowboys), Brandon Jacobs (Giants) and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams (Bucs).

Brown says he hopes to be as good as or even better than the league's best: Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, etc. However, he may only be the fourth-best back in his draft class.

''My goal in this league is to be the best I can be and at the same time to be amongst the elite guys that do what I do,'' Brown said. "Adrian Peterson does a tremendous job. LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, all those guys do a great job. My goal is to go out and compete and be the best I can be and be as good or better than them.''

Entering a contract year, Brown will land a huge contract if he has as big of a year as he and Sparano expect of him. The question remains can he stay healthy. If so, will he continue to have big years if he lands that big contract.