Houston Texans positional breakdown: Running back

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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Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans running back Akeem Hunt (33) carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans running back Akeem Hunt (33) carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The hopeful number 1: Akeem Hunt

Akeem Hunt came to Houston late in 2015 after spending time with the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.

Vitals

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 23
Career rushing yards: 96
Career rushing TDs: 0

Hunt showed some flashes late in the year, but don’t expect that to continue. With Grimes returning and Ervin costing the team a fourth-round pick, Hunt may find himself victim of a numbers game.

Season prediction: Released before 53-man roster is finalized

Oct 18, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Kenny Hilliard (27) carries the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Kentucky 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Kenny Hilliard (27) carries the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Kentucky 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The hopeful number 2: Kenny Hilliard

A 7th round pick out of LSU, Kenny Hilliard was a long shot to make the roster in 2015, and with the addition of Miller and Ervin, his fate is all but sealed.

Vitals

Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 226 pounds
Age: 24
Career rushing yards: 0
Career rushing TDs: 0

Kenny Hilliard was a bruiser at LSU, but never got the chance to show what he could do at the next level. After being selected by the Texans, he was unable to crack the 53-man roster and spent all of 2015 on the practice squad. Look for similar results in 2015 barring an injury to one of the primary backs.

Season prediction: Just misses final cut, 2016 practice squad member

Next: The fullbacks

Schedule