Two summers ago in Denver, Tremayne Anchrum Jr.'s year ended before it could truly begin, with an injury in the preseason finale against the Broncos.
Born in the Mile High City, he returned to Colorado last week in the best form of his career as he anticipates his fourth campaign.
"It feels weird," the 25-year old told us on the season's debut episode of Rams Revealed. "It's kind of a full-circle moment almost."
In fact, the work that the two-time national champion from Clemson put in this offseason was more than enough to convince the Rams coaching staff to hold Anchrum out of action on Saturday versus the Broncos in anticipation of the opener in Seattle.
Welcome to LA, Tremayne Anchrum! Meet the Offensive Guard from Clemson.
Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) celebrates a touchdown against Florida State with teammate Tremayne Anchrum (73) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Clemson offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson offensive tackle Tremayne Anchrum (73) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
Clemson offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson tackle Tremayne Anchrum poses for a headshot during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson's Tremayne Anchrum (73) sets to block while B.T. Potter (29) prepares to kick a filed goal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson's Tremayne Anchrum smiles during media day for the NCAA college football playoff championship game Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Clemson offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum does the bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
Clemson tackle Tremayne Anchrum runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson football players Tremayne Anchrum, left, and Sean Pollard run drills during NFL Pro Day Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Clemson offensive tackle Tremayne Anchrum (73) commits a horse collar tackle on Alabama defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne (94) on an interception return in the second half of the Sugar Bowl semi-final playoff game for the NCAA college football national championship, in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Clemson offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Indeed, it's been a long road back for Anchrum. The preseason injury in 2021 was followed by a broken leg suffered on the first offensive snap of a Week 2 win over the Atlanta Falcons last fall. Anchrum wasn't certain he'd continue his football career after landing on injured reserve for the second time in a 13-month span.
"It was devastating," the Powder Springs, Georgia product recalled.
But through injury, position change, and a mere five offensive plays of opportunity thus far in his NFL career, Anchrum persevered for his best shot yet. "I have so much more I want to accomplish. I have a yearning to be great… I knew for a fact that I didn't want to go out like that at all.
"I think I deserve that. I think my family, fans, my friends deserve that. And I think this team deserves that."
Whether or not Anchrum is part of the starting unit that takes the field against the Seahawks remains to be seen. While he's held down the right guard role throughout the spring and summer, there remains a possibility that another tackle-by-trade, Joe Noteboom, could warrant a look at that position, when healthy.
In addressing that topic and many others, Anchrum exemplified the confidence and competitive disposition that the revamped offensive line hopes to bring to the field under the leadership of new position coach Ryan Wendell.
"This offensive line is going to be the best it's ever been. I believe that wholeheartedly," the Rams 2022 nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year said.
"In the offensive line room, this year, we're like 'You've got to prove it.'
"If you're the best, I don't care what you've done two, three, four years ago. If you're the best, show me. That's competition all across the line. And I love that."
In 2023, Rams Revealed is once again available on our YouTube channel as well as in podcast form on any of your favorite platforms.
