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Undrafted rookie Khiry Robinson had eight carries for 45 yards in the wild-card win over the Eagles."At that point in time, it was just all about having faith," Robinson said, reflecting back on that rookie minicamp while sitting in the victorious visitors' locker room Saturday night. "So I didn't get drafted, I didn't get picked up, you know. But it all worked out for me. I just kept my head high, kept my faith and kept working hard. And I'm here today to help the team win. I'm happy for that."

Even when he started turning heads in training camp and preseason games with a combination of power and speed that reminded everyone of former Saints Cinderella story Chris Ivory, Robinson still seemed like an extreme long shot to make New Orleans' 53-man roster.

But the Saints didn't want to give up on so much potential, so they made the unusual decision to keep five running backs.

Robinson, 24, made a few impressive cameos during the regular season, appearing in 10 games to produce 224 rushing yards and a touchdown. Then he played an even bigger role in his playoff debut, since starter Pierre Thomas was out with a back injury.

Asked if he ever envisioned being in such a position, Robinson said, "No, I wasn't too sure. ... I just wait for my number to be called. I try to work hard during the week and then earn trust from the coaches. And when my number's called, I try to do something great so I can get it called again."

It's safe to say that Robinson earned another opportunity.

However, he may have to wait in line if Thomas comes back from his injury this week against the Seattle Seahawks. Thomas has been a go-to guy for the Saints all season. And running back Mark Ingram had even more of a breakout performance against the Eagles with 97 yards and a touchdown. And, oh by the way, Darren Sproles isn't too shabby as a dynamic runner-receiver.

This is an example of what NFL teams like to call "a good problem to have."

"A lot of firsts for him," Saints coach Sean Payton said when asked about Robinson's latest achievement. "I was proud of how he finished. I thought ball security was never in doubt. [That was] strong. He's powerful. For a guy that was at a tryout camp, basically, and even after having him we almost didn't bring him back to training camp, obviously he has progressed and done a great job. It was a big night for him."

The 6-foot, 220-pound Robinson ran for 2,290 yards, gained 612 receiving yards and scored 32 touchdowns in two years at West Texas A&M after transferring from Blinn Junior College in Texas. He was named to the D2Football.com All-America team after gaining a school-record 1,621 yards as a senior.

That was impressive enough to get a handful of tryout invites -- if not a firm offer. Robinson said he chose the Saints in large part because of their recent history with undrafted running backs like Ivory, Thomas and Travaris Cadet.

"I wanted to play football. I seen the best situation. And I took it and ran with it," Robinson said.

He admitted that it was "a little rough" to get used to the speed of the NFL game and the terminology of the Saints' playbook during his early summer practices. But he said he'll always remember those first rookie camp sessions. He said he thinks he impressed the Saints with his performance in the second practice in that first set of two-a-days.

"I want to say it was [make or break time]. So my second practice is what really made me," said Robinson, who said it is cool to look back on the memories now. "Oh yeah, always. You never forget where you come from."

Undrafted Khiry Robinson took chance, ran with it - ESPN

halloween 65

I like this guy!!

WHODATINCA

He is an amored-truck out there -- with a Hemi V8 motor.

RailBoss

He definitely gives us a new range of depth, especially with PT banged up.

ScottF

Our history with udfa RB's is pretty amazing

No-google allowed trivia question: Other than Ingram, who was the last RB we drafted?

WhoDat!656

Reggie Bush

TheOak

LORD! I dont see anyone else picked up on this article stating that PT had a "back injury", but all accounts last week said "chest injury".. Way to keep us in the dark Sean Payton... LOL

Anyone else remember the year PT missed a bunch of games because of his knee but he didn't know what was wrong with his knee and no one would tell us?

Robinson should be the next PT for the Saints. An unknown that was brought in and 8 years later one of the most under rated backs in the NFL.

canucksaint

Pretty sure that the last RB we drafted (before Ingram) was a 4th rounder who didn't even last through training camp. Completely forget his name, but didn't the Rams pick him up?

dizzle88

Khirys ability to break tackles and his balance are incredible, ingram has a mean stiff arm and looked so much more decisive (o line played awesome aswell)

They both played awesome, i hope they can do the same vs seahawks

st thomas

I like me some k-rob too. this cat has already put c. ivory to bed with Cinderella story, k. rob has no fumble probs, not counting no hammys singing the blues weekly. just outstanding scouting on saints org.