The Texans added LSU running back Kenny Hilliard to their roster with a seventh-round selection, 235th overall. Hilliard (6-0, 226) will reunite with former teammate Alfred Blue, a sixth-round pick last year.
"He's a big back; he's a first- and second-down back," head coach Bill O'Brien said Saturday. "He's a tough running back. He's a good teammate. I think the history of success of running backs from LSU is something that's good. I believe that he's a guy, as most LSU backs, they rotate when they are there. They all come in as high school All-Americans and so they have to learn how to share the load and he's willing do that."
Now Hilliard returns to NRG Stadium, where he last played in LSU's 2014 season opener. His 28-yard touchdown and 93 yards in the fourth quarter helped Tigers mount a comeback win over Wisconsin. Hilliard missed the final two games of the 2014 season after suffering a shoulder injury against Alabama.
The four-year letter-winner rushed for 1,547 career yards through 48 games with seven starts during his collegiate career. Hilliard's 27 touchdowns tied him for No. 8 in LSU history. Hilliard, the nephew of former LSU and New Orleans Saints running back Dalton Hilliard, earned honors as a member of the 2011 SEC Coaches' All-Freshman Team and was the 2011 SEC Freshman of the Week (vs. Arkansas).
