Former University of Toledo star running back Jalen Parmele was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2008 draft and is now looking to make his mark in the NFL just as he did with the Rockets.

Parmele racked up more than 3,000 yards for his career and finished fourth on UT's all-time rushing list. He found the endzone 28 times rushing while playing for the Rockets and was named first-team All-MAC in 2006 and 2007.

The 6-foot, 220-pound Parmele is fighting for playing time in a backfield that consists of two Pro-Bowl caliber running backs in Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. Parmele's expected role is to provide the team with a change-of-pace back and a solid performer on special-teams.

Parmele impressed the Dolphins coaching staff during mini-camp, OTA's and training camp with his versatility. He saw a lot of action on special-teams, but when it was his turn to carry the rock he ran the ball well and attacked the hole with reckless abandon.

Good in preseason

The running back's consistent play has carried over to the preseason. Parmele rushed for 88 yards on seven carries and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason game against Kansas City. The touchdown run was setup by Parmele, who broke loose for an 80-yard scamper down the left sideline. The rookie running back punched it in the end zone three plays later on a 2-yard run for the score.

Parmele described the highlight-reel long run in detail.

"The offensive line hit their blocks right on the money and I saw it was going to be wide open on the left because they didn't have that many players to the left side," said Parmele. "I peaked (at the JumboTron) a little bit and I eventually saw him out of the corner of my eye. I should have thrown a stiff arm, I'll get talked to about that in practice and that's something that I should've done, but you learn from it."

Parmele is the team's second leading-rusher this preseason behind Williams.

No longer considered a long shot to make the club, Parmele appears to be making a smooth transition into the pros, but is still a work in progress.

Watching Ricky

"Things are going pretty well," Parmele said. "I'm starting to get a feel for the tempo and pace of practice. I'm learning a lot and getting into the playbook learning my responsibilities.

"Watching Ricky run, the man runs hard every time he's in there, and how he finishes off his runs. You learn from that. And watching Ronnie and how smart he is in the film room you learn from that as well. It's a good feeling to know that you're with two great running backs."

Parmele said none of that makes a difference until he makes the 53-man roster.

The running back has gone through a complete transformation since entering the pros. Parmele was known as a straight-line power runner in college and has shown more flexibility and the ability to make moves with precise cuts. He's drawn comparison to former Denver Broncos Terrell Davis with his running style.

Parmele's agent Bruce Tollner believes that the running back is in the right situation to be successful.

"Jalen has always shown a tremendous work ethic," Tollner said. "He's an extremely versatile back that fits in well with what Miami is trying to do. I know he will be prepared when he gets an opportunity."

Listening to Parcells

Parmele was drafted by the Dolphins simply because he's a Bill Parcells type runner, rugged. When asked what it was like to meet the legendary coach for the first time, Parmele kept it real.

"Parcells is smart. Take anything that he says wholeheartedly," Parmele said. "He doesn't hold anything back and will tell you what he wants to tell you. So you just have to take it and improve on what he tells you.

"He makes the ultimate decisions on whether or not you make the team. He's a genius when it comes to the game of football and I'm glad to be a part of that. I wasn't at all intimidated by his direct approach."

The Dolphins are hoping that it's just a matter of time before this Rocket blasts off and contributes.

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