Texans intrigued by Akeem Hunt's progress, speed

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Akeem Hunt displayed his trademark burst during the Texans' organized team activity, scooting upfield away from pursuit.

It was a familiar sequence for one of the fastest players on the roster.

The Texans have identified progress from Hunt after a rookie season where he flashed skill and versatility, albeit in spot action.

"He's a lot farther along than he was last year," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "We brought him in a little bit later on. He's got really good speed. He's a very hard worker. He's guy that we used a little bit in the passing game last year. He's helping us.

"You can see where he's trying to contribute more on special teams. He's got a little role that were trying to use him in on offense as far as being a receiving back, but also being able to run the football, too."

Now, Hunt is hoping to upgrade his role after playing in seven games with one start last season and rushing for 96 yards on 17 carries and catching six passes for 39 yards.

"I feel very positive about everything I did this year," Hunt said. "I learned a lot from everyone and just focused on improving. I'm excited about my future here."

Akeem Hunt, running back

Signed after Baltimore released him from its practice squad, he was put on the active roster on Nov. 21 and showed a lot of speed and talent. He was the fastest player on the team and finished with 96 yards rushing, including a 5.6-yard per carry average. less Akeem Hunt, running back

Signed after Baltimore released him from its practice squad, he was put on the active roster on Nov. 21 and showed a lot of speed and talent. He was the fastest player on the team and ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close Texans intrigued by Akeem Hunt's progress, speed 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

The Texans promoted Hunt to the active roster from the practice squad on Nov. 21 after he was signed initially on Nov. 2 after previous stints with the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.

With 4.37 speed in the 40-yard dash, a 37.5-inch vertical leap, a 3.96 short shuttle and a 10-2 broad jump, Hunt's athleticism provided a change of pace to the Texans' offense.

Hunt finished his Purdue career with more than 4,600 all-purpose yards, rushing for 949 yards and catching 48 passes in his final season for the Boilermakers.

The Texans primarily used Hunt on sweeps and swing passes.

"They found ways to get me in space," said Hunt, who's under contract for this season with a $525,000 base salary. "I just want to keep their trust. It was fun. I just want to have a great offseason, keep getting strong and do more and more."

Between Hunt, new starter Lamar Miller and backups Alfred Blue and Jonathan Grimes, the Texans like the way the running back position is shaping up.

"I think our backfield situation is a pretty good one right now as far as different types of players, they're all having different types of skillsets from Lamar, Alfred, Grimes," O'Brien said. "You've got Akeem. You've got Kenny Hilliard. You have a lot of different types of backs there and Akeem is doing a good job."