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Texas Football: 10 Former Longhorns to Watch this NFL Season

By Tyler Brett

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Fans in the Texas student section cheer during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas won 50-47 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Fans in the Texas student section cheer during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas won 50-47 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Jamaal Charles is one of the most explosive and exciting backs in the NFL when he’s on the field. Unfortunately for him and the Kansas City Chiefs, staying on the field has been the issue.

When healthy, there are few who can match Charles’ ability. He was one of the fastest players in college football and used that speed liberally. In just three seasons, Charles racked up 3,328 yards, the fourth most by a Longhorn running back. He was named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and was named Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2005 when he helped Texas to the BCS National Championship. In 2007, he was named First-Team All-Big 12.

Since being selected in the third round of the 2008 draft by Kansas City, Charles has left an indelible mark on the league. He has been to four Pro Bowls (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), been First-Team All-Pro twice (2010, 2013), Second-Team All-Pro once (2012), and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2013. He currently holds the record for career rushing average, currently at 5.5.

Charles would likely be higher on this list but he’s coming off his second ACL injury since 2011. He played in just five games in 2015 and isn’t likely to see action in the season opener. If he can return to 100 percent, he’ll be a dynamic force for the Chiefs. But time will tell when (or if) that happens in 2016.

Kansas City hosts San Diego in Week 1 this Sunday.

Next: 3. Justin Tucker, K Baltimore Ravens

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