Texans' rookie Tyler Ervin healthy, showing versatility

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Now that Texans rookie running back Tyler Ervin is fully recovered from a strained quadriceps that sidelined him for the majority of the offseason, the fourth-round draft pick is displaying his versatility and quickness.

A former San Jose State standout, Ervin is primed for a role as a kick returner and is also competing for third-down back duties with Jonathan Grimes working behind starter Lamar Miller.

"We've got a diverse group of guys," Ervin said. "I think it's great to have a lot of guys who can go in there and get the job done. I'm just going to come in here and work hard. I think that's one of the things I do best is to work hard and continue to strive to be the best player I can be."

Signed to a four-year, $2.877 million contract that includes a $547,568 signing bonus, Ervin negotiated his own deal this spring after firing his agent following the NFL draft.

Ervin rushed for 1,469 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He had 888 yards and four touchdowns as a junior.

Houston Texans running back Tyler Ervin (34) runs with the football past linebacker Brian Peters (52) after making a catch during Texans training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center on Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, in Houston. less Houston Texans running back Tyler Ervin (34) runs with the football past linebacker Brian Peters (52) after making a catch during Texans training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center on Monday, Aug. 1, ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 147 Caption Close Texans' rookie Tyler Ervin healthy, showing versatility 1 / 147 Back to Gallery

Over the past two seasons, Ervin caught 73 passes for 642 yards. He excelled at the Senior Bowl all-star game.

Ervin worked out privately for the Texans prior to the draft. He visited the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders.

What Ervin lacks in size at 5-10, 192 pounds, he makes up for with 4.41 speed in the 40-yard dash and elusive moves. He had a 39-inch vertical leap and bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds at his Pro Day workout after running a 4.41 at the combine.

"Yeah you have some guys that are bigger for the goal line and short yardage," Ervin said. "You have some guys who are a little faster and quick. I think like I said earlier, we've got a diverse group of guys who can get the job done. Whatever situation we're in, we have somebody to put in."

Ervin has been mentored by Miller, a former Miami Dolphins starter signed to a four-year, $26 million deal in March.

"Lamar is great," Ervin said. "One thing is he's very patient and not only that, he's just great to be around. I'm learning a lot from him."