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The Bengals continue to search for other options for their kickoff-returner spot as Brandon Tate looks to once again retain that job, with the help of Adam Jones.
That's given Onterrio McCalebb a chance to get more reps in OTAs as he looks to crack the Bengals' 53-man roster for the first time since going undrafted out of Auburn in 2013. The Bengals originally signed him as a cornerback, despite McCallebb playing running back in college.
After two years there, McCalebb is being moved back to the offensive side of the ball as a wide receiver, and he's excited about his new opportunity.
"Here’s the mindset," Urban said, via Bengals.com. "Great kid. We love working with him. He’s got dynamic speed and he did some great things with the ball in his hands in college. Let’s give him a shot with the ball in his hands. And he’s been great. Really engaged."
In addition to getting reps there, McCaleb is once again getting some runs as a kickoff-returner.
Don't remember seeing him there earlier in wk but just noticed Onterio McCalebb at kick returner.They're looking for places for him #Bengals
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) June 18, 2015
At Auburn, McCalebb was one of the only players in SEC history to gain more than 2,000 yards rushing, 1,000 yards in kick returns and 500 career receiving yards. During his college career, McCalebb averaged 25.7 yards on 53 kickoff returns, including touchdowns of 83 and 100 yards.
McCalebb's 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash were the best of any RB and tied for second best at WR at the 2013 NFL scouting combine. That kind of speed can also make McCaleb a solid kick-coverage guy on special teams. He's played in that role in one career game, but other than that, has spent most of his time on the practice squad.
McCalebb is fighting hard to make sure that's not the case again this year as he tries to find a niche with a Bengals team that doesn't have many open roster spots.