Running back is undoubtedly one of the positions to watch as we prepare for the Tennessee Titans’ 2009 season.
Outside of Chris Johnson and LenDale White, the remainder of the RB spots on the roster should be up for grabs. Chris Henry a.k.a. Mr. Invisible, unheralded Quinton Ganther and rookie Javon Ringer will fight for Smash and Dash’s leftover carries in the running game.
In addition to those guys, there’s also former undrafted FA Rafael Little, a versatile back who missed his entire rookie season due to a severe knee injury.
Could the talented but untested Little emerge as a factor in the Titans’ rushing attack in 2009?
Little was a triple-threat during his college days in Lexington. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in two of his four seasons at UK, while also contributing in the receiving game with 131 receptions. Little was also a return threat on special teams, scoring on both a punt return and a kick return at Kentucky.
A knee injury suffered at the 2008 Senior Bowl didn’t scare away the Titans, who signed Little as an undrafted free agent in ’08. After a year of serving as the NFL equivalent of a medical redshirt, Little is finally ready to begin his journey as a professional football player.
Apparently, Jeff Fisher is high on Little’s chances to compete for a roster spot this year:
“You have to take into consideration that we are not in pads, but from a commitment and work ethic and the things he has done, it looks like he has the knee behind him and he will be competing for a spot,” Fisher said “He is a very talented, young back and actually is just starting his rookie year.”
Little’s versatility should give him an edge in his quest to make the team in ’09. In addition to possibly contributing in the running game, his receiving skills and ability to play special teams should also assist his chances of sticking around.
I’ll admit it: I didn’t pay too much attention to Little during his Kentucky days, so my experience watching him play consists entirely of highlight videos such as this one.
Judging by the clips, Little appears to be a shifty guy who unlike Chris Henry, displays good patience and vision when he has the football. He’s not very physical, but does possess the speed to get to the outside of opposing defenses.
Little is an intriguing talent, and I’ll be keeping my eye on him in his bid to make the squad this year.
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