Lions sign Wayne State RB Dez Martin

The Detroit Lions hit it big with one Wayne State running back. Now, they're hoping to find success with another.

The Lions signed Wayne State running back Dez Martin today, after a weekend tryout at rookie minicamp.

Martin ran for 1,587 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Warriors last year, and follows in Joique Bell's footsteps with the Lions.

Bell led the Lions with 860 yards rushing last year, while splitting time with Reggie Bush.

The Lions have been trying to upgrade a running game that ranked 28th in the NFL last year. They drafted left guard Laken Tomlinson in the first round and running back Ameer Abdullah in the second, and signed two undrafted free agent running backs: Zach Zenner and Rasheed Williams.

Martin, who took part in the Lions' local day workout last month, will take the place of Williams for at least the next few weeks. Williams, who rushed for 1,676 yards in nine games at Alfred State last year, was released today, though he is expected to come back at some point. He is not allowed to practice with the Lions while school is still in session.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.