Feeling Good After Tough 2007 Season 

I'm ready to play football. I feel good physically and mentally I am excited to get back on the football field and making things happen.

It's been a longer off-season for me than I'm used to having. I've been getting ready since January. Normally, I take time off after the season, but after missing so much time last year I had to get my body back and my legs back. Right now, I'm feeling great. The legs are stronger and I feel fast and prepared to have a good season.

I've been working on the little things in my rehab. My goal was to get my legs stronger and to get ready for the 2008 season and I think I have accomplished that goal.

I don't know what my role is going to be. I know it's up to me to get out there and show the coaches that I'm ready to be the featured back. I want them to know they can count on me. I don't think much has changed, but if it has, I'm willing to do whatever the coaches ask. I've always been a team player. I just want to do what I can do to help the Texans win.

Last year was tough. I had to deal with injuries and remain patient. That is all you can do, really. I had to be honest with myself and with my team. It doesn't make sense to get down or show that around my teammates. Instead, I wanted to help us win, even though I wasn't on the field.

The true test will come when training camp rolls around. I know that having those two-a-day practices will be a test. My legs have to hold up to the pounding, and I'm quite sure the coaching staff is going to want to test me to the limit.

I'll be ready, though. I intend to get back to where I was before the injury last year. I'm excited about that opportunity.