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NFL Preseason: D’Onta Foreman dominates in NFL debut

By James Caldwell

AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 29: D'Onta Foreman #33 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half on October 29, 2016 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 29: D'Onta Foreman #33 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half on October 29, 2016 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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Former Texas Longhorns RB D’Onta Foreman picked up right where he left off in his first NFL preseason game.

D’Onta Foreman crushed Texas Longhorns opponents and records during his final college football season in 2016. Then, in his first NFL game, Foreman crushed professional defenders.

Foreman and the Houston Texans dropped their first preseason game to the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday night. But, Foreman and fellow rookie Deshaun Watson were the standout performers.

Foreman carried the ball nine times for 76 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per rush. Included was an epic 41-yard rush. He had another highlight reel moment hurdling a Panthers defender.

After the game, Foreman was asked multiple times about his hurdle. He said he was just carrying over his skills from high school and college while using his instincts in that moment to pick up extra yardage.

[ Full Game Highlights ]

A Different D’Onta Foreman in Houston Texans Jersey

Longhorns fans might not have recognized D’Onta Foreman on the field. Not just because he traded in burnt orange for deep steel, liberty white, and battle red Texans colors. It’s because he has slimmed down so much that he looks like a completely different runner.

Make no mistake about it, Foreman will still punish defenders and run through people like he did at Texas. Now, he has even more agility and quickness after dropping a significant amount of weight in between college and the NFL.

Foreman, wearing his new No. 27 jersey, looked sleek running the football and picking up first downs for the Texans.

This helped Deshaun Watson put together a nice introductory performance in his first game since winning the National Championship with Clemson earlier this year.

Now the question is how far up the depth chart D’Onta Foreman will climb.

What will D’Onta Foreman’s Role be?

The Houston Texans backfield is crowded and stacked, creating tremendous competition for D’Onta Foreman.

Lamar Miller heads the unit as the incumbent starter. Then, veteran backup Alfred Blue is trying to hold off Foreman and three other RBs.

Current Texans RB depth chart:

  • Lamar Miller (starter)
  • Alfred Blue (incumbent backup)
  • D’Onta Foreman (rookie from Texas)
  • Tyler Ervin
  • Akeem Hunt
  • Dare Ogunbowale (rookie from Wisconsin)

All six RBs are very capable NFL players in their various roles. Foreman has put himself in a position to make the roster with his hard work since overcoming a legal issue and following his preseason debut performance.

More from Texas Football

Foreman’s next opportunity to impress head coach Bill O’Brien and the Texans staff is Saturday, August 19 when the Texans host the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.

It will also mark the first opportunity for D’Onta Foreman to play at NRG Stadium in front of his hometown family and friends. That will provide plenty of motivation for the former Texas Longhorns RB to continue moving up the depth chart.

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