Houstonist Rookie of the Year: Steve Slaton

Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton was the pick for this award.

Slaton, a third round pick (89th overall) wasn't even slated to be the Texans' starting running back but the rookie took advantage of injuries to Ahman Green and Chris Taylor to lead the Texans and all NFL rookie running backs with 1,282 rushing yards which is also a new Texans single season record.

Slaton was awarded NFLPlayers.com Rookie of the Week award after his Oct. 5 preformance against the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, Slaton rushed 16 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns in the losing effort.

For the month of December, Slaton was named NFL Rookie of the Month by rushing for 508 yards which was good for 4.7 yards per carry. He also had three touchdowns.

Slaton is also the only running back to break the 100-yard barrier against Tennessee Titatns and he did it twice with 116 rush yards in Week 2 and he had 100 yards in Week 15.

Slaton's best rushing effort of the season came at Lucas Oil Field against the Colts in Week 11 when he rushed 14 times for 156 yards which included an explosive 71-yard touchdown run; a new Texan's franchise record

Runner up: Luis Scola (Rockets). Scola was a NBA All-Rookie first team selection and he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting behind Kevin Durant and Al Horford.

Flickr photo: The_Brit2