A rookie running back is starting in Houston. It’s what many Texan fans wanted, just not the rookie runner they coveted. That was Reggie Bush. Instead, it’s sixth-round pick Wali Lundy.
The rookie from the University of Virginia was thrust into the role because of Domanick Davis’ season-ending injury. The Texans acquired veterans Ron Dayne and Samkon Gado within the last two weeks. Both players are expected to have increased roles as the season progresses.
In two games, the 5-foot-11, 217-pound Lundy has rushed 17 times for 57 yards.
“We threw him into a tough situation for a young back,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “With the addition of Ron and Samkon, that will take the pressure off him and allow us to bring him along the way we wanted to bring him along.”
In other words, they can bring him along slowly.
Kubiak was part of a system in Denver that routinely produced top rushers out of low-round picks. Lundy, who never surpassed 1,000 yards in a season at Virginia, hopes to be the next. He has the confidence.
“I’m not the fastest guy in the world, but I’ve got that one-cut mentality and I don’t dance,” Lundy said. “I think I’m an all-around back. I can block and catch, too.”
