rushing yards of his college career—126 on 28 attempts. In the final game of his college career in the national championship game against Ohio State he rushed 21 times for 86 yards and a touchdown. He did all of this while being a part of a five-man rotation with Keiland Williams, Trindon Holliday, Charles Scott, and Richard Murphy. Professional career 2008 NFL Combine San Diego Chargers Hester was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 3rd round, 69th overall, of the 2008 NFL Draft with the intention of being converted into a versatile, pass-catching Norv Turner style fullback. On July 18, he signed a four-year contract that included a $833,000 signing bonus. His 2008 salary total was $1,128,850. In his preseason debut with the Chargers, Hester rushed for 49 yards over 13 carries, and scored two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. In the Chargers' preseason game against the St. Louis Rams, Hester carried for 59 yards in 12 carries. Hester scored his first regular-season touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts on November 23, on a one-yard pass from Philip Rivers. Despite fumbling only once in over 460 touches for LSU, Hester fumbled in Week 6 against the New England Patriots on only his second NFL carry. Hester was given charge of the play call on punts, and in a game versus Atlanta, Hester noticed a different formation from the Falcons and checked off to a fake. David Binn snapped the ball short to Hester, and with receiver Legedu Naanee blocking the defensive end, Hester ran for a 28-yard gain. Despite primarily being a halfback his entire college career, Hester displayed his improved blocking ability in the 2008 wild-card playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts, laying a block that effectively took two men out of the play and sprung Darren Sproles to the game-winning score on a 22-yard burst 7:20 minutes into overtime, capping an impressive upset playoff win over the Indianapolis Colts. For the 2008 season, Hester finished with a total of 95 rushing yards on only 19 carries. He also gained 91 yards on 12 receptions. In 2009, Hester had a blocked punt return for a TD against the Kansas City Chiefs and a fumble recovery touchdown on a punt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On August 31, 2012, the Chargers released Hester. After injuries to the Chicago Bears backfield in September, Hester was brought in to workout with the