Houston Texans: 3 Ways Damarea Crockett makes roster

2. Become a strong blocker on offense

In early June during an OTA camp press conference, Houston Texans running backs coach Danny Barnett laid out exactly what the Texans were looking for in a third running back for their roster, and for Damarea Crockett and others, one aspect of their game that is a must is blocking.

In transcripts provided by HoustonTexans.com, Barnett was quoted as saying the following about the third running back situation as it is uncertain who will fill that role:

"“One, the ability to block. He has to be able to, also, be a good open-field runner once the ball is in his hands and also have the ability to read defenses. It’s a combination of things from a skillset, and also from a mental standpoint.”"

Blocking is always a must for any third down back, plus being a player who can get the tough yards when needed the most in a game is a plus as well. A big part of making the Texans roster is to not fumble the football when given an opportunity. At Missouri in his 147 carries, Crockett fumbled just once, but it was not a lost fumble. His sophomore year he had three fumbles in seven games — that season was cut short with a shoulder injury — losing all three fumbles.

Crockett should be a very motivated player for the Texans this offseason as he not only had a big uphill climb ahead of him to earn a roster spot, but he left college as an underclassman, which some were surprised he did so following his junior season.