I didn't mention it on Wednesday, but the Texans signed Adimchinobe Echemandu--known as "Joe Echema" at Cal before he decided to go back to his real Nigerian name--to the practice squad. (There was an extra spot after we filled Jerome Mathis' roster hole.)

Anyway, it could be the fact that it's late and I've been drinking or it could just be the paint fumes getting to me, but I am sorta jazzed about this signing. "Why," you ask? A number reasons.

First, the simple fact that we signed him may mean that Samkon Gado is not factoring into our long-term plans. Which is good, because he sucks.

Second, though, and more importantly, is that when Echemandu is not injured, he's fast. No, scratch that. He's fast. He was banged up and didn't run the 40 at the combine in 2004, but he turned in a 4.33 into the wind the summer before. Had he run that time at the combine, it would have been the fastest time in that year's RB crop. Not shabby. And not surprising, as Joe was a sprinter before turning to football full time. He has had some injury issues since and has been very limited in playing time in the NFL, but that kind of speed is hard to come by. If you can get it at a discount like this, why not take a shot?

Third, Echemandu is a cousin of Nnamdi Asomugha. Do not underestimate how excited this makes me.

Finally, Joe is the fifth Nigerian-born player under some sort of contract with the Texans right now, joining Amobi Okoye, ND Kalu, Samkon Gado, and WR Gbolahan Devin Aromashodu. I suppose the way Amobi talked early in camp about Kalu being like a mentor/big brother to him is what makes me like this signing of Echemandu, as I buy into the idea of players overachieving when placed into highly comfortable situations. And that idea ties into us somehow luring Asomugha here in the offseason. Yes, I am slightly obsessed.

Labels: 2004 Draft, Amobi Okoye is 20, Free Agency, Jerome Mathis got hurt reading this, Nigerians, Nnamdi Asomugha, RB free-for-all

Posted by matt on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 11:35 PM | Permalink