Former Minnesota Duluth running back Isaac Odim prepared for his first NFL preseason game knowing it would be critical to perform well in order to continue with the team.
On Thursday, the results were mixed.
Odim played much of the second half in the Chargers' 24-17 loss to Seattle at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. His first carry went for 3 yards, and he finished with four carries for 6 yards, including a long carry of 4 on a solid run up the middle.
Odim missed a pass block and made some other blocks, but he didn't stick out one way or another. It was his first game action since suffering a knee injury last fall midway through UMD's NCAA Division II championship run.
One of Odim's highlights came late in the third quarter when he was on the Chargers' kick return unit that helped spring another young player trying to make the squad, Bryan Walters of Cornell, for a 103-yard kickoff return. Odim could be seen celebrating as the players came off the field in a replay as the television broadcast went to commercials.
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Walters' touchdown gave San Diego a 17-10 lead before Seattle came back with two TDs in the fourth quarter.
San Diego opted for Shawnbrey McNeal, a running back out of Southern Methodist with one year of NFL experience, late in the game as the Chargers used their hurry-up offense.
Odim, UMD's all-time leading rusher and a three-time DII All-American, is trying to make the team as an undrafted free agent.
The Chargers next preseason game is Aug. 21 at Dallas, with coverage on NBC starting at 7 p.m.
