Texans' Bill O'Brien dubs Lamar Miller a 'three-down back'

Texans running back Lamar Miller arrived at camp this year leaner than in his previous seasons with the team. Texans running back Lamar Miller arrived at camp this year leaner than in his previous seasons with the team. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 53 Caption Close Texans' Bill O'Brien dubs Lamar Miller a 'three-down back' 1 / 53 Back to Gallery

LOS ANGELES - The skill of Texans veteran running back Lamar Miller involve plenty of versatility.

Miller is capable of running between the tackles with power, or shifting gears and bolting outside to elude pursuit.

He's also a sure-handed pass-catcher out of the backfield for quarterback Deshaun Watson to check down to.

“He’s what we call a three-down back," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. " We feel like he can play on first, second and third down. He’s a very good pass protector, blitz pickup guy. He’s really good at that.

"Very good runner, good receiver out of the backfield, very smart player. He and Deshaun have a real good chemistry back there in the backfield, and he’s a good guy to have back there.”

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Down to 217 pounds, his lightest weight since his days playing for the Miami Dolphin, Miller has worked diligently on his conditioning and adopted a healthier diet this offseason consisting of more lean proteins and vegetables.

“Great work ethic," O'Brien said. "He comes every day. I can’t remember a time where he’s missed practice. He’s been out there virtually all the time since he’s been here. A good pro, very good pro.”