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Wisconsin Badger RB Dare Ogunbowale Thriving in Houston

By Noah Seligman

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JANUARY 21: West's Dare Ogunbowale
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JANUARY 21: West's Dare Ogunbowale /
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Former Wisconsin Badger RB Dare Ogunbowale has impressed early in Houston Texans training camp

An article from Jeff Risdon, and KHOU in Houston, Texas indicates that former Wisconsin Badger RB Dare Ogunbowale has started his NFL career on his front foot.  It’s still early, but the arrow is reportedly pointing up on his bid to make the Texans roster as an unrestricted free agent.

Ogunbowale was not selected in the 2017 NFL Draft but was quickly signed by the Houston Texans following the draft.  Ogunbowale inked with the Texans for $1.67 million over three years.

According to the KHOU article the ex-Wisconsin Badger RB Ogunbowale has done well in individual work against the defense and perhaps most importantly, on special teams.   Starting RB Lamar Miller singled out Ogunbowale’s initial work in the article.

"He’s doing a good job. Coming in as a free agent, learning the offense. He’s very elusive, so I think he’s been doing a great job in one-on-ones and making it hard on the linebackers and he’s been doing a great job on special teams. That’s always a plus."

That special teams piece is critical if Ogunbowale is going to stick in a crowded Texans backfield.

Related Story: Wisconsin Badger Undrafted Free Agent RBs

As Badger of Honor noted after the NFL Draft, the Texans picked Texas RB D’Onta Foreman in round three a year after drafting San Jose State’s Tyler Ervin in round four of the 2016 NFL Draft.   Foreman was arrested on possession of marijuana and a firearm.  But as FanSided’s Toro Times notes, available facts indicate that both charges may be dropped.

The Texans backfield is led by Lamar Miller who had 299 touches in 2017.  But the rest of the Houston RBs offered little production.

"All told, the three RB not named Lamar Miller combined for 18 catches last season.  With a rookie QB in Deshaun Watson leading the offense, a safety valve pass catching RB for easy completions should be valuable for Houston."

Ogunbowale was a prolific third down weapon for the Wisconsin Badgers hauling in 24 passes for 208 yards and one receiving TD during the 2016 season.  He also added 519 yards rushing on 91 carries and five TDs on the ground for the Wisconsin Badgers.  Ogunbowale caught 36 passes for 299 yards and one receiving TD during  his junior season with Wisconsin Badger football.

The Texans are built around former Wisconsin Badger JJ Watt and its defense.  Despite the presence of Deandre Hopkins on the roster, they don’t have a high-powered offense.  Houston wants to run the ball and not turn it over.  Ogunbowale could be a value 3rd down back for Houston as they acclimate rookie Deshaun Watson under center or stick with Tom Savage at QB.

Next: Wisconsin Football Moves Michael Deiter to LT

Obviously no undrafted rookie secures a roster spot this early in the summer.  Realistically, Ogunbowale will have to battle all summer including on special teams to earn a place on the final 53-man roster.  But the ex-Wisconsin Badger RB has reportedly made some positive first steps towards that goal.