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Houston Texans positional breakdown: Running back

By Randy Gurzi

Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose State Spartans running back Tyler Ervin (7) rushes for a gain against the New Hampshire Wildcats during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium. The San Jose State Spartans defeated the New Hampshire Wildcats 43-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose State Spartans running back Tyler Ervin (7) rushes for a gain against the New Hampshire Wildcats during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium. The San Jose State Spartans defeated the New Hampshire Wildcats 43-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

The rookie running back: Tyler Ervin

With the Texans fourth round pick many fans felt there was no way they would go offense again after taking receiver Will Fuller, center Nick Martin and receiver Braxton Miller in the first three rounds. Those thoughts were wrong as Houston again went with the skill players, taking San Jose State speedster Tyler Ervin to be a change-of-pace back.

Vitals

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 192 pounds
Age: 22
Career rushing yards: 2,803 (San Jose State)
Career rushing TDs: 19 (San Jose State)

Maybe the overall stats while playing in the NCAA don’t jump out too much for Ervin, but his senior season should. During his final year in San Jose, Ervin ran for 1,601 yards with 13 touchdowns. He added another 45 receptions for 334 yards and two more scores.

Ervin also added 2,374 yards (23.5 average) with three touchdowns on kick returns and 186 yards (14.4 average) on punt returns with two touchdowns.

In Houston look for Ervin to work into a role with the team. He should spend most of his rookie season as a special teams player who can be used as a dynamic offensive weapon at times. For 2016 he could serve as the primary kick returner, which the team truly needs.

Fans should be pulling for him to find a way on to the field because he plays fast and can break big gains in a flash. Unfortunately his lack of playing time his first few seasons in college may mean he needs a little seasoning.

Season prediction: 575 kick return yards, 1 TD; 155 punt return yards, 2 TDs

Next: The hopefuls

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