Dameon Pierce studying Christian McCaffery, hopes to add receptions

Dameon Pierce wants to be one of the best running backs in the NFL, so he’s studying the one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Before an injury ended his rookie season prematurely, Pierce was looking like a fantastic draft selection by the Houston Texans, as they found him during the middle rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former Florida Gators star had staked his claim to being the team’s running back of the future, and now he’ll enter 2023 with that moniker.

Of course, Pierce is doing everything he can to take his game to the next level as a sophomore. Evidently, that includes keeping a close eye on Christian McCaffrey, who the Texans ball carrier believes he can learn a thing or two from.

“Oh, the more ways I can get the ball, the better, baby. I love that. I love that,” Pierce said. “But, I’ve got a lot of great guys to look at. Most recently, probably Christian McCaffrey. He thrived last year in the league.

“In this offense, he’s just getting out of the backfield, getting in the flat, catching hitches or whatever the case may be. There’s multiple ways to get a running back the ball.”

Last season, Pierce accumulated 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground, but only caught 30 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown through the air. In today’s NFL, running backs are expected to do more receiving than they ever were before, and it makes sense why Pierce would want to adjust his game in that way.

Freshly-minted Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is certainly noticing Pierce’s hard work, as he praised the second-year running back for all of the time he’s put in over the offseason.

“Dameon has been consistent all offseason,” added Ryans. “He’s been here every day. He’s been upbeat. He brings tremendous energy — not only to our offense, but to our entire team. Always has a smile on his face. Always working hard. Improving on the little things that he has to work on.

“I’m excited for the season that he will have ahead of him.”

If Dameon Pierce can model his game after Christian McCaffrey, the Houston Texans could have a fun, dangerous and young offense on their hands. For the first time in a long time, the future is bright in Houston, and they’re hoping it leads to some prolonged winning seasons.