CHICAGO — The Houston Texans made San Jose State running back Tyler Ervin their fourth-round selection during the final day of Saturday’s NFL Draft in the Windy City.
Prized for his versatility, Ervin has drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles and Darren Sproles of the Philadelphia Eagles. The 22-year-old served as the Spartans captain during his senior season, and served as the perfect package of running back and receiver, and spent the majority of 2015 deceptively fooling defenders with his elusiveness.
“I think people that are able to do a couple more things than just their natural position are always going to be valuable,” said Ervin, who worked out privately for the Texans prior to the draft. “So, I’ve always prided myself on being able to do as much as I can on the field. I’m excited to contribute. Just being in the conversation with guys like that, I think we’re all playmakers.”
After Houston announced their choice with the 119th pick, Ervin described how excited he was to get back to work with the Texans. The move will also bring him closer to his brother, who lives in the Lone Star State.
“Oh man, I’m so, so excited, truly a dream come true,” he said. “I was just talking to my dad and the rest of my family and everybody is just super excited. Crazy story a lot of people don’t know, but my brother lives about 15 minutes away from [NRG] Stadium, so he and his family are out there.
“I have a few cousins and a lot of family out there, so I’m really excited to be part of the Texans organization.”
For those who doubt his 5-foot-10 frame, Ervin said it works more to his advantage. It gives him the ability to be more shifty and to find the holes fast between the tackles.
“Just allows me to be more shifty and allows me to not take as many punishing hits,” Ervin said. “So when it comes to being able to navigate yourself through the line all that kind of stuff, it’s more of a mentality.”
He joins a Houston backfield which includes Akeem Hunt, Lamar Miller, Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Kenny Hilliard. And aside from his brother, the selection will also reunite him with former Spartan teammate and offensive lineman David Quessenberry.
During his record-breaking senior season at San Jose State, Ervin rushed for 1,469 yards and 13 touchdowns. Over the past two seasons, Ervin caught 73 passes for 642 yards. On a weekly basis, Ervin and Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey exchanged the nation’s lead for the most all-purpose yards, Ervin ultimately finished second in the race.
