Chris Ogbonnaya

After a fairly productive 2011 in which he combined for 499 yards and one touchdown, Ogbonnaya saw his opportunities decrease drastically last season. His touches went from 96 down to 32. He did remain active in the passing game, however, totaling 24 receptions on the year and that might be the attribute that keeps him employed in Cleveland this season. Brandon Jackson and Dion Lewis are both in town to compete for the third-string role behind Trent Richardson and Montario Hardesty.

Ogbonnaya was signed off of Houston’s practice squad midseason last year and filled in admirably for a banged up Cleveland backfield. He finished tops among their backs with 23 receptions totaling 165 yards, and also rushed for 340 yards and a score at a 4.5 per-carry clip. This year figures to present an uphill battle for Ogbonnaya to make the active roster with the drafting of Trent Richardson and the return of Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson from injury.

Ogbonnaya is a former wideout, who converted to running back at the University of Texas, and has very little mileage on him (two games played in two years). He finished up the 2010 season on the Texans' practice squad and was looking to elevate one level entering the 2011 training camp season. He entered training camp fifth on the depth chart, but didn't make the final cut as Houston decided to keep veteran Steve Slaton, though he was re-signed to Houston's practice squad.

Ogbannaya is currently penciled in as the club's No. 3 running back behind Kenneth Darby and Steven Jackson. The second year player out of Texas could push Darby for the No. 2 role but it's also no secret that the team wants to acquire a more legit No. 2 back so by the time the regular season rolls around neither of the above scenarios may hold true.

Ogbonnaya is another wildcard entering camp in 2009. He did flash some potential at Texas but the rookie's true colors probably won't be revealed until well into the preseason. We expect him to compete for the No. 3 RB role and if he does the little things, like blocking and pass catching well, he'll likely win a roster spot heading into the regular season.