During his exit interview with Bill O'Brien the day after the 2018 season ended, D'Onta Foreman said the head coach emphasized one main idea.
"Make sure you're in shape, and come back ready to go," Foreman said.
So far, the Texas City product has heeded those words.
On Tuesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center, the Texans completed their second practice of organized team activities (OTAs) and Foreman had another good day. According to O'Brien, the third-year running back has improved quite a bit.
"I've seen good progress," O'Brien said. "I think he's had a very good offseason. He's worked very hard."
As a rookie in 2017, Foreman flashed at times, racking up 4.2 yards per carry and scoring a pair of touchdowns on the ground. He also caught six passes for 83 yards. His first season as a pro, however, was cut short in a November win at home over the Cardinals that year. An Achilles injury felled the 2016 Doak Walker award-winner, and put him on the rehab trail. This time a year ago, he was still in the middle of that journey back to the field. He finally suited up in December last year, during the Week 16 loss at Philadelphia.
The turnaround from last spring, for Foreman, has been dramatic.
"Right now I'm able to move," Foreman said. "I'm fluid. I feel good. My mindset is really good right now. A year ago, I didn't know what I would be like coming back, if I would ever be the same. I had a lot of stuff going through my mind. Right now, I'm just in a good spirit and looking forward to the season."
Those high spirits are evident to O'Brien, who said Foreman made good use of his offseason.
"I think he's had a really good time away from us, and that's parlayed into a good spring," O'Brien said. "I just talked to D'Onta about every single day being consistent, just like I try to preach that to the team every day. Stringing days together, being as consistent as you can every single day."
Foreman and the Texans will continue with OTAs this week, next week and the week after at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
Check out some of the best shots from Week 1 of Texans OTAs.