Browns ready to see rookie RB Hardesty go

McClatchy Newspapers

BEREA

Cleveland Browns fullback Lawrence Vickers can’t resist making a comparison after seeing rookie running back Montario Hardesty don a No. 31 jersey.

“He’s just like Jamal,” Vickers said.

Jamal Lewis? That’s a pretty nice compliment for a player who hasn’t played a single snap in the NFL yet.

“Absolutely,” Vickers said. “I mean he works hard, he runs hard, he’s got good eyes. He’s fast, a big back, he’s good in protection and he’s smart. He knows his stuff. All that put together, plus he wants to go out there and (play) ball. He has a winning attitude. You can do a lot with a person that wants to win and wants to get better. So I’m excited to see all that.”

Vickers and everyone else should have a chance to catch a glimpse on Thursday night, when Hardesty is expected to make his professional debut in the Browns’ preseason finale against the Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Most of the Browns’ starters probably won’t play much if at all, but Hardesty’s return from a knee injury should provide plenty of intrigue.

At the very least, his teammates are eager to watch.

“He’s a kid who I think we thought very highly of in the spring,” said Jake Delhomme, who, along with fellow Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace, isn’t expected to play Thursday night.

“He picked up the offense extremely quick. I think that’s one thing that you noticed about him. He’s very intelligent, picked it up and really looked good. Obviously playing in the SEC last year, I think you get battle-tested, especially as a running back. I think it will be nice to have him out there. I think he can really help us.”

The Browns are crossing their fingers, hoping Hardesty can stay healthy and produce. After all, they traded a third-round and two fifth-round selections to move up in this year’s draft so they could select him in the second round.

Hardesty sustained a bone bruise to his right knee when he twisted it during a one-on-one tackling drill on the final day of rookie training camp, just before the whole team reported to Berea and began practicing July 31.