SAN DIEGO -- The NFL is a difficult league for any young player. But it was especially tough the past two years for Tony Lippett.

Lippett spent most of his college career at wide receiver at Michigan State. Despite moonlighting at times as a two-way player and defensive back, Lippett put up impressive numbers with 149 career receptions. His 65 receptions for 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns his senior season earned him Big Ten Receiver of the Year in 2014.

But the Miami Dolphins immediately saw Lippett as a cornerback at the next level. His size, length and ball skills were all appealing to Miami to take Lippett in the fifth round two years ago. Constant work at his craft has gotten Lippett to this point where he's a NFL starter for the first time in his career.

Lippett also earned the first two interceptions of his career last week off San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in Miami's 31-24 win. The plays showed growth in Lippett's development to come up big at a crucial point of the game.

"I'd probably say being more patient and really understanding what the offense is trying to do, really understanding how our defense works and how every phase of our defense is basically helping each other," Lippett said. "I'm understanding that a little bit more, and I still have a lot of understanding to do, so that's what I try to do in practice, and hopefully it transfers over to the game."

The Dolphins believed from Day 1 that Lippett's hands would pay off big in his transition to cornerback. He's a defensive back with receiver-level ball skills.

Recently Lippett changed his pregame routine. In Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, which was his first career start, Lippett began running routes with the wide receivers, which is something that comes natural for him.

"It definitely helps with my ball skills," Lippett said. "Catching the ball as much as you can is always going to help you no matter if it's from the quarterback, or it's from the jugs or it's you playing catch with a coach or somebody like that. Catching the ball and actually seeing it, it always helps you."

The Dolphins are thin at corner and needed Lippett to step up. Rookie second-round pick Xavien Howard is still sidelined following knee surgery, and veteran Chris Culliver also is trying to work his way back from knee surgery.

Lippett's play hasn't been perfect. But he is improving and has come a long way from his starting point two seasons ago.