Joseph Addai had struggled with injuries throughout 2008 and the Colts decided to become the latest club to implement a two-back system.

Brown, 22, showed how much of a playmaker he can be when Indianapolis traveled to the desert to rout the Arizona Cardinals 31-10 last Sunday night to improve to 3-0. He made one reception — for a 72-yard gain.

In his first three games, Brown has carried 29 times for 99 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches for another 112 yards.

USA TODAY takes a closer look at Brown:

THE PLAYER

• Hometown: Atlantic Highlands, N.J.

• Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 210.

• College highlights: Produced 3,800 rushing yards, 33 TDs on the ground and 4,286 all-purpose yards in three-year career at Connecticut. Ran for more than 100 yards in a game a school-record 17 times. Also made 48 catches for 276 yards and two scores. Honored as Big East Player of the Year after amassing 2,083 rushing yards and 18 TDs as a junior.

• Scouting report: Runs with excellent balance. Has a great feel for where holes are being created. Accelerates very quickly through openings. Surprisingly strong for his size. Soft hands make him a factor in passing game. His athletic ability so highly regarded that some major colleges recruited him as a defensive back.

• Quotable: "Donald has been very studious. He's done things in a very professional manner. He's a mature guy for his age." —Colts coach Jim Caldwell

THE PERSON

• I knew I was in the NFL: "When I got to minicamp, seeing your name on a locker and when I started to put on a jersey."

• Biggest adjustment: "Just learning a new scheme with new terminology. But at the end of the day, football doesn't change."

• Best advice: "Hard work always pays off. Sacrifice now and it will work out in the long run."

• Role model: "I had so many role models growing up, many of the coaches I had, my parents. I've been blessed to come across many great people."

• First purchase after signing: "I purchased a house here and that's about it. It's your ordinary house, nothing spectacular."

• Coach Jim Caldwell: "Great leader, great coach, great man. It's hard to describe, but just by the way he handles himself, he prepares you for life."

• Peyton Manning: "He's a great leader. He makes you want to strive to be great."

• NFL dream: "Play for many years and help the team win as much as possible. At the end of the day, I want to not only be considered a great player but a great person."

Enlarge By Harry How, Getty Images Colts rookie RB Donald Brown has taken on a role as a receiver and rusher during the team's 3-0 start.