Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers running back Alfred Blue (4) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Christian Kirksey (20) attempted to defend during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
One player who I’m really looking forward to see progressing with the Houston Texans in his very first NFL training camp is rookie running back Alfred Blue.
Blue was drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft this past May, the 181st overall selection, but he could become a big part of the restructuring of the Texans offense this season.
With the loss of Ben Tate to free agency, the Texans need to find out who will be their main backup to starter Arian Foster, and a RB who might be capable of carry the load if Foster were to be injured again.
Last season Foster missed eight games, and had back surgery to repair the problem.
As for Blue, the former LSU running back rushed for 343 yards (one TD) in his senior season with the Tigers. He carried the ball 71 times for an average of 4.8 yards per carry. He is 6-2, 222 pounds and could be a good role back that the Texans need in replacing Tate, who did a very serviceable job last season.
Also in his final collegiate season, Blue had five receptions for 62 yards, with his longest reception being 22 yards.
Blue’s best collegiate season was in 2011 where he carried the ball 78 times for 539 yards and seven touchdowns.
In a May 28 article by the Houston Chronicle it said of Blue:
"“It’s clear after rookie minicamp and the initial two days of OTAs the Texans are impressed with their sixth-round pick from Louisiana State.”"
Now with the start of training camp here it is now time for the Texans to figure out what they have in Blue, and if I were to guess, Blue might have a nice role in the Texans’ offense for the ’14 season.