A memo to Scott Sicko and anyone else who pouted after not being drafted by an NFL team: you can still have plenty of success in the league, quickly. Max Hall became the fastest undrafted player to start at quarterback in a game when he started last weekend against the Saints and won. Another undrafted rookie stood out in the game — Saints running back Chris Ivory, who was already on our radar because of his smooth play.
The undrafted rookie running back truly broke out in week six, leading the league with 158 yards rushing on just 15 carries. Ivory pounded the Buccaneers with bruising runs between the tackles, and he also showed his speed turning the corner on several runs to the outside. Sure it was against Tampa Bay’s defense, but Ivory looked impressive as the Saints churned out their highest rushing total of the season.
158 yard rushing totals don’t just come out of nowhere, but Ivory sure seemed to. So just who is this guy?
Chris Ivory is from Longview, Texas and he played college ball at Washington State. He only played 22 games in three seasons for the Cougars because of injuries and wound up kicked off the team because of his role in a 2009 fight. Ivory then transferred to D-II Tiffin University in Ohio where he played five games before hurting his knee. Despite all the injuries, the Saints gave Ivory a look and signed him to their practice squad. Thanks to Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush injuries, Ivory received an opportunity to play and has been sharing carries with Ladell Betts.
Ivory separated himself with his play on Sunday and has earned a larger role in the Saints offense moving forward, even when the other running backs return from injury. Not bad for an undrafted rookie out of Tiffin.
