Lions general manager Bob Quinn doubled-up on running back in the draft with the selection of New Mexico State RB Jason Huntley with his second pick in the fifth round (No. 172 overall) Saturday afternoon.
Detroit took Georgia running back D’Andre Swift in the second round Friday night.
Huntley (5-9, 193) is a speed and space runner, who averaged better than 40 receptions per season the last three years. He's the only running back in this draft class to surpass 1,000 receiving yards (1,119) in college. He can play in the backfield, in the slot and is also a terrific kick returner, recording five return touchdowns. He ran a 4.4 flat in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.
"I'm more of a fast guy," Huntley said in a conference call Saturday. "I think that's the biggest thing about me, my speed. I'm good in space."
View photos of running back Jason Huntley.
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley, front, avoids the sack by South Alabama defensive end Finesse Middleton during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Las Cruces, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) eludes New Mexico linebacker Jordan Flack (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Las Cruces, N.M., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) twists away from Mississippi linebacker Jacquez Jones (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley rushes to the end zone during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley rushes to the end zone during the second half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) stands on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) stands on the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley carries during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) takes a handoff from quarterback Josh Adkins (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) hold his head against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) runs for yardage followed by New Mexico cornerback De'John Rogers (6) and safety Stanley Barnwell (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Las Cruces, N.M., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
New Mexico State kick returner Jason Huntley returns a kick off for a touchdown against Utah State in the first half during an NCAA college football bowl game, Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley, right, tries to elude Wyoming safety Braden Smith during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Las Cruces, N.M., Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley, front, avoids the sack by South Alabama defensive end Finesse Middleton during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Las Cruces, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) sprints to the end zone followed by New Mexico safety Stanley Barnwell (9) and cornerback De'John Rogers (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Las Cruces, N.M., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
He rushed for 1,090 yards (7.1 yards per carry) with nine touchdowns last season. Huntley could help fill the role left void by J.D. McKissic (Washington) in free agency.
"I did line up in the slot as well," Huntley said of his versatility. "I got a good amount, no doubt, in the backfield, but I was able to split out as well. Honestly, whatever position they want me to play, that's what I'll play. If it is returning kicks, I'd be more than happy to do it."
Huntley is dynamic with the ball in his hands, and should compete for a roster spot as a kick returner and multi-purpose threat who can operate from the backfield or slot.
