The LSU to Houston “Hard Knocks” Connection

When Houston Texans starting running back Arian Foster went down with a serious injury early in training camp it caught the producers of the HBO series Hard Knocks by surprise.

Normally Hard Knocks likes to focus on low draft picks and undrafted players trying to make the team and on the toughest position battles. With Foster a returning star there wasn’t a lot to report on.

In the NFL everything can change on a single snap though, and when Foster went down it thrust returning backup Alfred Blue and rookie Kenny Hilliard into the limelight.

Former LSU Running Back Alfred Blue getting an off day hair cut on Hard Knocks

Now the focus is on them as they compete for the reps Adrian Foster’s injury has left on the table.

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The pair have had success as teammates before. In 2012 they combined to be the first pair of LSU backs to both rack up 100 yards of rushing in the season opened since Kenny’s uncle Dalton Hilliard and Gary James did in 1982.

Having this much attention on them as they try to fill the starters role is a new experience for the LSU players.

Both had similar careers with the Tigers, playing primarily as backups. Alfred Blue got 7 starts in the 40 games he played in Purple and Gold over 4 seasons. In his 4 seasons as a Tiger Kenny Hilliard also had 7 starts.

Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Kenny Hilliard (38) in action against the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

So far the former backups are filling the roles they need to keep earning more reps. Against the 49ers Alfred Blue racked up 59 yards on only 9 carries for a 6.6 YPC average. Production like that will keep the Texans from trying to bring in another veteran to unseat him.

Kenny Hilliard also played well in his first NFL action.

He gained 39 yards on 13 carries in the game. His average wasn’t very high, but he continues to impress Houston’s coaches with the way he finishes runs, a trend that started against the Redskins in their intrasquad practices last week.

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It’s also noteworthy that Hilliard got more carries than any other Texans back.

When a 7th round pick is getting that kind of reps it can only mean one thing: the coaches are looking at him as a possible contributor and want enough tape to make a complete evaluation.

Alfred Blue was always a role player at LSU, caught in the numbers game in a talented backfield. The game has changed and he has a chance to shine as the lead back for the first time.

For Kenny Hilliard, the opportunity is also there.

He has a chance to earn his roster spot and join the list of LSU players who have moved on to successful professional careers in the NFL.

Next: 5 Tigers Who Can Put LSU in the College Football Playoff