Hard work has paid off for Dusty McGrorty with the St. Louis Rams.

The record-setting former Southern Oregon University running back has been promoted to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium.

McGrorty will become the first Raider ever to suit up for an NFL regular-season game.

"I feel like I’m living a dream," said the Warrenton native, who shattered 10 school or Northwest small-college records while compiling 5,414 rushing yards and 79 touchdowns during his Raider career. "I never thought this would happen."

McGorty’s role Sunday will be as the third-string tailback behind Marshall Faulk and Oregon State rookie Steven Jackson. He’ll also be backing up all the special-teams positions. His promotion came as a result of a hamstring injury suffered by fullback Arlen Harris.

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"Now I’m super nervous," said McGrorty, who will travel with the team to Miami today. "It’s a lot more serious. It’s a job, not just the fun game you play in college."

McGrorty isn’t certain how much he’ll get into the game, but the coaches have told him to "just be ready."

McGrorty thinks the reason the Rams have kept him as part of the team is his work ethic.

"I’m out there giving 100 percent on everything I do," said McGrorty.

McGrorty played in all four Rams preseason games and has been part of the scout team so far during the season. He poses as the opponent’s No. 1 running back from week to week.

"I got scout team player of the week being Shaun Alexander," said McGrorty, referring to his work prior to the Rams come-from-behind win at Seattle Oct. 10.

McGrorty has been living in St. Charles, Mo., the site of the Rams practice facility, since the beginning of pre-season drills.

As part of the 53-man roster, he follows the same routine as the players on the active roster, except when it comes to travel.

It’s kept him plenty busy.

"We don’t have a whole lot of time for anything but football," said McGrorty. "I’ve been able to do a little deer hunting on some private land nearby. But it’s not like Oregon."

Reach reporter Frank Silow at 776-4480, or e-mail fsilow@mailtribune.com