Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball has admitted that he does not expect the club to hand him a starting spot in 2014 without earning it.

Ball said that, while he is expecting some tough competition, he is confident of being the starting running back for the club at the start of the season.

"I know for a fact they're not going to hand it to me," he told ESPN.

"They're going to make sure we all get our opportunities throughout camp and throughout OTAs, but it's going to be who's the most productive. But for me, my mentality is that it is my job."

Ball played all 16 regular-season games last year for the Broncos.