Houston Texans NFL DRAFT April 25-26, 2009 Houston Texans 2009 Draft Table of Contents • Texans 2009 draft picks • NFL Round-by-Round Selections • 2009 Texans Draft Notes LB BRIAN CUSHING • LB Brian Cushing Bio • Cushing Conference Call • DC Frank Bush News Conference on Cushing • Cushing clips DE CONNOR BARWIN • DE Connor Barwin Bio • Barwin Conference Call • GM Rick Smith and Head coach Gary Kubiak News Conference on first day • Barwin Clips C ANTOINE CALDWELL • C Antoine Caldwell Bio • Caldwell Conference Call • OC Kyle Shanahan News Conference on C Caldwell • Caldwell Clips CB GLOVER QUIN • CB Glover Quin Bio • Quin Conference Call • Quin Clips TE ANTHONY HILL • TE Anthony Hill Bio • Hill Conference Call • Hill Clips TE JAMES CASEY • RB James Casey Bio • Casey News Conference • Casey Clips • TE coach Brian Pariani News Conference CB BRICE McCAIN • CB Brice McCain Bio • McCain Conference Call • McCain Clips S TROY NOLAN • S Troy Nolan Bio • Nolan Conference Call • Nolan Clips WRAP UP NEWS CONFERENCE • Head coach Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith news conference • LB Brian Cushing and DE Connor Barwin news conference
Transcript
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
Houston Texans 2009 Draft Table of Contents
• Texans 2009 draft picks • NFL Round-by-Round Selections • 2009 Texans Draft Notes LB BRIAN CUSHING • LB Brian Cushing Bio • Cushing Conference Call • DC Frank Bush News Conference on Cushing • Cushing clips DE CONNOR BARWIN • DE Connor Barwin Bio • Barwin Conference Call • GM Rick Smith and Head coach Gary Kubiak News Conference on first day • Barwin Clips C ANTOINE CALDWELL • C Antoine Caldwell Bio • Caldwell Conference Call • OC Kyle Shanahan News Conference on C Caldwell • Caldwell Clips CB GLOVER QUIN • CB Glover Quin Bio • Quin Conference Call • Quin Clips TE ANTHONY HILL • TE Anthony Hill Bio • Hill Conference Call • Hill Clips TE JAMES CASEY • RB James Casey Bio • Casey News Conference • Casey Clips • TE coach Brian Pariani News Conference CB BRICE McCAIN • CB Brice McCain Bio • McCain Conference Call • McCain Clips S TROY NOLAN • S Troy Nolan Bio • Nolan Conference Call • Nolan Clips WRAP UP NEWS CONFERENCE • Head coach Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith news conference • LB Brian Cushing and DE Connor Barwin news conference
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
Houston Texans 2009 NFL Draft Class
Round 1, Pick 15 (15th Overall) Brian Cushing LB 6’3” 243 USC Round 2, Pick 16 (46th Overall) Connor Barwin DE 6’4” 255 Cincinnati Round 3, Pick 13 (77th Overall) Glover Quin CB 5’11” 200 New Mexico Round 4, Pick 12 (112th Overall) Antoine Caldwell C 6’3” 307 Alabama Round 4, Pick 22 (122nd Overall) Anthony Hill TE 6’6” 265 North Carolina State Round 5, Pick 16 (152nd Overall) James Casey TE 6’3” 243 Rice Round 6, Pick 15 (188th Overall) Brice McCain CB 5’9” 182 Utah Round 7, Pick 14 (223rd Overall) Troy Nolan S 6’2” 207 Arizona State 3 Offensive Players (Center, 2 Tight Ends) 5 Defensive Players (Linebacker, Defensive End, 2 Cornerbacks, Safety)
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
74th ANNUAL SELECTION MEETING
APRIL 25 - APRIL 26, 2009
ROUND 1
START OF ROUND: 4:03PM
# 1-1. DETROIT Stafford, Matthew QB Georgia
2-2. ST. LOUIS Smith, Jason T Baylor
3-3. KANSAS CITY Jackson, Tyson DE Louisiana State
4-4. SEATTLE Curry, Aaron LB Wake Forest
# 5-5. NEW YORK JETS Sanchez, Mark QB Southern California
from CLEVELAND
# 6-6. CINCINNATI Smith, Andre T Alabama
# 7-7. OAKLAND Heyward-Bey, Darrius WR Maryland
8-8. JACKSONVILLE Monroe, Eugene T Virginia
9-9. GREEN BAY Raji, B.J. DT Boston College
# 10-10. SAN FRANCISCO Crabtree, Michael WR Texas Tech
# 11-11. BUFFALO Maybin, Aaron DE Penn State
# 12-12. DENVER Moreno, Knowshon RB Georgia
13-13. WASHINGTON Orakpo, Brian DE Texas
14-14. NEW ORLEANS Jenkins, Malcolm DB Ohio State
15-15. HOUSTON Cushing, Brian LB Southern California
16-16. SAN DIEGO English, Larry LB Northern Illinois
# 17-17. TAMPA BAY Freeman, Josh QB Kansas State
from NEW YORK JETS through CLEVELAND
18-18. DENVER Ayers, Robert DE Tennessee
from CHICAGO
# 19-19. PHILADELPHIA Maclin, Jeremy WR Missouri
from TAMPA BAY through CLEVELAND
20-20. DETROIT Pettigrew, Brandon TE Oklahoma State
from DALLAS
21-21. CLEVELAND Mack, Alex C California
from PHILADELPHIA
# 22-22. MINNESOTA Harvin, Percy WR Florida
23-23. BALTIMORE Oher, Michael T Mississippi
from NEW ENGLAND
24-24. ATLANTA Jerry, Peria DT Mississippi
# 25-25. MIAMI Davis, Vontae DB Illinois
26-26. GREEN BAY Matthews, Clay LB Southern California
from BALTIMORE through NEW ENGLAND
# 27-27. INDIANAPOLIS Brown, Donald RB Connecticut
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
74th ANNUAL SELECTION MEETING
APRIL 25 - APRIL 26, 2009
28-28. BUFFALO Wood, Eric C Louisville
from CAROLINA through PHILADELPHIA
# 29-29. NEW YORK GIANTS Nicks, Hakeem WR North Carolina
# 30-30. TENNESSEE Britt, Kenny WR Rutgers
# 31-31. ARIZONA Wells, Chris RB Ohio State
32-32. PITTSBURGH Hood, Evander DE Missouri
END OF ROUND: 7:26PM
TIME OF ROUND: 3 HOURS, 23 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS, 23 MINUTES
# Underclassman
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
74th ANNUAL SELECTION MEETING
APRIL 25 - APRIL 26, 2009
ROUND 2
START OF ROUND: 7:26PM
1-33. DETROIT Delmas, Louis DB Western Michigan
2-34. NEW ENGLAND Chung, Patrick DB Oregon
from KANSAS CITY
3-35. ST. LOUIS Laurinaitis, James LB Ohio State
4-36. CLEVELAND Robiskie, Brian WR Ohio State
5-37. DENVER Smith, Alphonso DB Wake Forest
from SEATTLE
6-38. CINCINNATI Maualuga, Rey LB Southern California
# 7-39. JACKSONVILLE Britton, Eben T Arizona
8-40. NEW ENGLAND Brace, Ron DT Boston College
from OAKLAND
9-41. NEW ENGLAND Butler, Darius DB Connecticut
from GREEN BAY
# 10-42. BUFFALO Byrd, Jairus DB Oregon
# 11-43. CAROLINA Brown, Everette DE Florida State
from SAN FRANCISCO
12-44. MIAMI White, Pat QB West Virginia
from WASHINGTON
13-45. NEW YORK GIANTS Sintim, Clint LB Virginia
from NEW ORLEANS
14-46. HOUSTON Barwin, Connor DE Cincinnati
15-47. OAKLAND Mitchell, Michael DB Ohio
from SAN DIEGO through NEW ENGLAND
16-48. DENVER McBath, Darcel DB Texas Tech
17-49. SEATTLE Unger, Max C Oregon
from CHICAGO
18-50. CLEVELAND Massaquoi, Mohamed WR Georgia
from TAMPA BAY
19-51. BUFFALO Levitre, Andy G Oregon State
from DALLAS
20-52. CLEVELAND Veikune, David DE Hawaii
from NEW YORK JETS
# 21-53. PHILADELPHIA McCoy, LeSean RB Pittsburgh
22-54. MINNESOTA Loadholt, Phil T Oklahoma
23-55. ATLANTA Moore, William DB Missouri
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
74th ANNUAL SELECTION MEETING
APRIL 25 - APRIL 26, 2009
24-56. INDIANAPOLIS Moala, Fili DT Southern California
from MIAMI
# 25-57. BALTIMORE Kruger, Paul DE Utah
26-58. NEW ENGLAND Vollmer, Sebastian T Houston
27-59. CAROLINA Martin, Sherrod DB Troy
28-60. NEW YORK GIANTS Beatty, Will T Connecticut
# 29-61. MIAMI Smith, Sean DB Utah
from INDIANAPOLIS
# 30-62. TENNESSEE Marks, Sen'Derrick DT Auburn
31-63. ARIZONA Brown, Cody LB Connecticut
# 32-64. DENVER Quinn, Richard TE North Carolina
from PITTSBURGH
END OF ROUND: 9:52PM
TIME OF ROUND: 2 HOURS, 26 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME 5 HOURS, 49 MINUTES
# Underclassman
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
74th ANNUAL SELECTION MEETING
APRIL 25 - APRIL 26, 2009
ROUND 3
START OF ROUND: 10:05AM
# 1-65. NEW YORK JETS Greene, Shonn RB Iowa
from DETROIT
2-66. ST. LOUIS Fletcher, Bradley DB Iowa
3-67. KANSAS CITY Magee, Alex DE Purdue
4-68. CHICAGO Gilbert, Jarron DT San Jose State
from SEATTLE
5-69. DALLAS Williams, Jason LB Western Illinois
from CLEVELAND
6-70. CINCINNATI Johnson, Michael DE Georgia Tech
7-71. OAKLAND Shaughnessy, Matt DE Wisconsin
8-72. JACKSONVILLE Knighton, Terrance DT Temple
9-73. JACKSONVILLE Cox, Derek DB William & Mary
from GREEN BAY through NEW ENGLAND
# 10-74. SAN FRANCISCO Coffee, Glen RB Alabama
11-75. DALLAS Brewster, Robert T Ball State
from BUFFALO
12-76. DETROIT Levy, DeAndre LB Wisconsin
from NEW ORLEANS through NEW YORK JETS
13-77. HOUSTON Caldwell, Antoine C Alabama
14-78. SAN DIEGO Vasquez, Louis G Texas Tech
15-79. PITTSBURGH Urbik, Kraig G Wisconsin
from DENVER
16-80. WASHINGTON Barnes, Kevin DB Maryland
17-81. TAMPA BAY Miller, Roy DT Texas
18-82. DETROIT Williams, Derrick WR Penn State
from DALLAS
19-83. NEW ENGLAND Tate, Brandon WR North Carolina
from NEW YORK JETS through GREEN BAY
20-84. PITTSBURGH Wallace, Mike WR Mississippi
from CHICAGO through DENVER
21-85. NEW YORK GIANTS Barden, Ramses WR Cal Poly
from PHILADELPHIA
# 22-86. MINNESOTA Allen, Asher DB Georgia
23-87. MIAMI Turner, Patrick WR Southern California
24-88. BALTIMORE Webb, Lardarius DB Nicholls State
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
74th ANNUAL SELECTION MEETING
APRIL 25 - APRIL 26, 2009
# 25-89. TENNESSEE Cook, Jared TE South Carolina
from NEW ENGLAND
26-90. ATLANTA Owens, Christopher DB San Jose State
27-91. SEATTLE Butler, Deon WR Penn State
from NEW YORK GIANTS through PHILADELPHIA
# 28-92. INDIANAPOLIS Powers, Jerraud DB Auburn
29-93. CAROLINA Irvin, Corvey DT Georgia
30-94. TENNESSEE Mouton, Ryan DB Hawaii
31-95. ARIZONA Johnson, Rashad DB Alabama
32-96. PITTSBURGH Lewis, Keenan DB Oregon State
+ 33-97. NEW ENGLAND McKenzie, Tyrone LB South Florida
+ 34-98. CINCINNATI Coffman, Chase TE Missouri
+ 35-99. CHICAGO Iglesias, Juaquin WR Oklahoma
+ 36-100. NEW YORK GIANTS Beckum, Travis TE Wisconsin
END OF ROUND: 12:09PM
TIME OF ROUND: 2 HOURS, 4 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME 7 HOURS, 53 MINUTES
+ Compensatory Pick
# Underclassman
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
74th ANNUAL SELECTION MEETING
APRIL 25 - APRIL 26, 2009
ROUND 4
START OF ROUND: 12:09PM
1-101. DALLAS McGee, Stephen QB Texas A&M
from DETROIT
# 2-102. KANSAS CITY Washington, Donald DB Ohio State
3-103. ST. LOUIS Scott, Dorell DT Clemson
4-104. CLEVELAND Maiava, Kaluka LB Southern California
5-105. CHICAGO Melton, Henry DE Texas
from SEATTLE
6-106. CINCINNATI Luigs, Jonathan C Arkansas
7-107. JACKSONVILLE Thomas, Mike WR Arizona
# 8-108. MIAMI Hartline, Brian WR Ohio State
from OAKLAND
9-109. GREEN BAY Lang, T.J. G Eastern Michigan
10-110. DALLAS Butler, Victor LB Oregon State
from BUFFALO
# 11-111. CAROLINA Goodson, Mike RB Texas A&M
from SAN FRANCISCO
12-112. HOUSTON Quin, Glover DB New Mexico
# 13-113. SAN DIEGO Martin, Vaughn DT Western Ontario
14-114. DENVER Bruton, David DB Notre Dame
15-115. DETROIT Hill, Sammie Lee DT Stillman
from WASHINGTON through NEW YORK JETS
16-116. NEW ORLEANS Vaughn, Chip DB Wake Forest
17-117. TAMPA BAY Moore, Kyle DE Southern California
from DALLAS
18-118. NEW ORLEANS Arnoux, Stanley LB Wake Forest
from NEW YORK JETS
# 19-119. CHICAGO Moore, D.J. DB Vanderbilt
# 20-120. DALLAS Williams, Brandon LB Texas Tech
from TAMPA BAY
21-121. BUFFALO Nelson, Shawn TE Southern Mississippi
from PHILADELPHIA
22-122. HOUSTON Hill, Anthony TE North Carolina State
from MINNESOTA
23-123. NEW ENGLAND Ohrnberger, Rich G Penn State
from BALTIMORE
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
74th ANNUAL SELECTION MEETING
APRIL 25 - APRIL 26, 2009
24-124. OAKLAND Murphy, Louis WR Florida
from NEW ENGLAND
25-125. ATLANTA Sidbury, Lawrence DE Richmond
26-126. OAKLAND Norris, Slade LB Oregon State
from MIAMI
# 27-127. INDIANAPOLIS Collie, Austin WR Brigham Young
28-128. CAROLINA Fiammetta, Tony RB Syracuse
29-129. NEW YORK GIANTS Brown, Andre RB North Carolina State
+ 47-256. KANSAS CITY Succop, Ryan K South Carolina
END OF ROUND: 7:31PM
TIME OF ROUND: 2 HOURS, 1 MINUTE
TOTAL TIME 15 HOURS, 15 MINUTES
+ Compensatory Pick
# Underclassman
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
BALANCED DRAFTING UNDER KUBIAK
In four drafts under head coach Gary Kubiak, the Houston Texans have had a nearly perfect split between offensive and defensive players. Houston has drafted 29 players in the last four classes—14 on offense and 15 on defense. The drafts break down as follows: five offense and two defense in 2006; three offense and four defense in 2007; three offense and four defense in 2008; and three offense and five defense in 2009.
NO DRAFT DAY TRADES The Texans bucked their recent history and did not execute a single trade during the 2009 NFL Draft. It was just the second draft in team history in which Houston did not make a trade. The other was 2006, which has been hailed by many analysts as one of the best drafts in the NFL this decade.
TEXANS GO DEFENSE IN FIRST ROUND AGAIN By picking LB Brian Cushing with the 15th overall pick, the Houston Texans continued a trend of using their first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball. Including Cushing, the Texans have picked a defensive player with six of their nine first-round picks and in five of the last six drafts.
Houston Texans All-Time First-Round Draft Picks Year Player Pos. Pick College 2009 Brian Cushing LB 15 Southern California 2008 Duane Brown T 26 Virginia Tech 2007 Amobi Okoye DT 10 Louisville 2006 Mario Williams DE 1 North Carolina State 2005 Travis Johnson DT 16 Florida State 2004 Dunta Robinson CB 10 South Carolina 2004 Jason Babin LB 27 Western Michigan 2003 Andre Johnson WR 3 Miami (Fla.) 2002 David Carr QB 1 Fresno State
CUSHING FIRST USC PLAYER DRAFTED BY TEXANS LB Brian Cushing was the first player from Southern California drafted by the Texans. He became the fourth Texan drafted from a PAC 10 school, joining QB Alex Brink (Washington State, 2008), SS Brandon Harrison (Stanford, 2007) and C Drew Hodgdon (Arizona State, 2005). The Texans have chosen a PAC 10 player in each of the last three drafts.
PAC 10 Players Drafted by Houston Texans, All Time Year Rd. Overall Player Pos. College 2009 1 15 Brian Cushing LB Southern California 2008 7 223 Alex Brink QB Washington State 2007 5 144 Brandon Harrison SS Stanford 2005 5 151 Drew Hodgdon C Arizona State
CUSHING CONTINUES TEXANS STREAK AT LB LB Brian Cushing, Houston’s first-round pick (15th overall), was the 10th linebacker drafted by the Texans in franchise history. Cushing also continued the team’s draft streak at linebacker. Houston has selected at least one player at that position in each of the team’s eight drafts. Cushing was the second linebacker drafted by the Texans in the first round, following Jason Babin, who was selected 27th overall in 2004.
Linebackers Drafted by Houston Texans, All Time (10)
Year Player Round Overall College 2009 Brian Cushing 1 15 Southern California 2008 Xavier Adibi 4 118 Virginia Tech 2007 Zac Diles 7 218 Kansas State 2006 DeMeco Ryans 2 33 Alabama 2005 Kenneth Pettway 7 227 Grambling 2004 Jason Babin 1 27 Western Michigan 2004 Charlie Anderson 6 200 Mississippi 2004 Raheem Orr 7 210 Rutgers 2003 Antwan Peek 3 67 Cincinnati 2002 Greg White 7 229 Minnesota
CUSHING THE FIFTH LB TAKEN AT NO. 15 SINCE 1995 LB Brian Cushing became the fifth linebacker selected 15th overall since 1995. Over the last 15 years, the 15th overall pick has trended toward defense, with 11 defenders going in that slot compared to just four offensive players. In 2007, Pittsburgh selected LB Lawrence Timmons out of Florida State 15th; LB Derrick Johnson from Texas went 15th to Kansas City in 2005; Seattle drafted LB Anthony Simmons out of Clemson at 15 in 1998; and Denver picked LB John Mobley out of Kutztown in 1996.
Players Drafted 15th Overall Since 1995 Year Player Pos. College Team 2009 BRIAN CUSHING LB USC HOUSTON 2008 Branden Albert T Virginia Kansas City 2007 Lawrence Timmons LB Florida State Pittsburgh 2006 Tye Hill CB Clemson St. Louis 2005 Derrick Johnson LB Texas Kansas City 2004 Michael Clayton WR LSU Tampa Bay 2003 Jerome McDougle DE Miami (Fla.) Philadelphia 2002 Albert Haynesworth DT Tennessee Tennessee 2001 Rod Gardner WR Clemson Washington 2000 Deltha O’Neal CB California Denver 1999 Anthony McFarland DT LSU Tampa Bay 1998 Anthony Simmons LB Clemson Seattle 1997 Yatil Green WR Miami (Fla.) Miami 1996 John Mobley LB Kutztown Denver 1995 Ellis Johnson DE Florida Indianapolis
BARWIN SECOND DE DRAFTED BY TEXANS
DE Connor Barwin, Houston’s second-round pick (46th overall), was the second defensive end drafted by the Texans in franchise history. The first was DE Mario Williams, who was the first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Defensive Ends Drafted by Houston Texans Year Player Round Overall College 2009 Connor Barwin 2 46 Cincinnati 2006 Mario Williams 1 1 North Carolina State
BARWIN SECOND BEARCAT DRAFTED BY TEXANS DE Connor Barwin was the second Cincinnati Bearcat selected by the Texans in team history, joining LB Antwan Peek, who was selected in the third round (67th overall) in the 2003 NFL Draft. Like Barwin, Peek was a college defensive end. However, Peek was moved to outside linebacker in the 3-4 defensive system employed by the Texans at the time. Peek is the ninth player from a Big East school picked by the Texans, which is the second-most from any conference behind the Big 12 (10 players).
Big East Players Drafted by Houston Texans Year Rd. Overall Player Pos. College 2009 2 46 Connor Barwin DE Cincinnati 2008 3 89 Steve Slaton RB West Virginia 2007 1 10 Amobi Okoye DT Louisville 2006 3 65 Charles Spencer T Pittsburgh 2003 7 217 Curry Burns SS Louisville 2003 3 88 Dave Ragone QB Louisville 2003 3 67 Antwan Peek LB Cincinnati 2002 7 210 Raheem Orr LB Rutgers 2002 5 153 Ramon Walker SS Pittsburgh
TEXANS RETURN TO SECOND ROUND DE Connor Barwin was just the fifth second-round pick in Texans history and was the team’s first since 2006. Houston traded its second-round picks in the 2007 and 2008 drafts to Atlanta for QB Matt Schaub. Houston has had a solid track record with its second-round picks, highlighted by the selections of All-Pro LB DeMeco Ryans in 2006 and G Chester Pitts in 2002.
Houston Texans Second-Round Picks, All Time Year Rd. Overall Player Pos. College 2009 2 46 Connor Barwin DE Cincinnati 2008 Traded to Atlanta for QB Matt Schaub 2007 Traded to Atlanta for QB Matt Schaub 2006 2 33 DeMeco Ryans LB Alabama 2005 Traded to Oakland for CB Phillip Buchanon 2004 Traded to Tennessee for 27th overall pick 2003 2 41 Bennie Joppru TE Michigan 2002 2 50 Chester Pitts G/T San Diego State 2002 2 33 Jabar Gaffney WR Florida
MR. VERSATILITY DE Connor Barwin was a four-way threat at Cincinnati, seeing action on offense, defense and special teams and lettering on the Bearcats basketball squad. Barwin played tight end for his first three seasons and caught 53 career passes for 692 yards and six touchdowns. He moved to defensive end as a senior and registered 53 tackles (27 solos), 12 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and eight passes defensed. Barwin also blocked five kicks in his career, including three in 2008. He was the only player in Division I last season to catch a touchdown pass, register a sack and block a kick during the 2008 season. On the hardwood, Barwin lettered twice as a swingman after joining the team as a walk-on and saw action in 41 career games. He averaged 1.1 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game for his career.
MR. VERSATILITY, PART II C Antoine Caldwell was one of the most versatile linemen in this year’s draft class. Although he was listed as a center, Caldwell played every position along the offensive line except for left tackle during his career at Alabama. According to Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Caldwell will begin his career at center but will be cross-trained at both guard positions as well.
TEXANS GET OFFENSIVE IN THIRD ROUND Houston selected C Antoine Caldwell in the third round (77th overall), marking the ninth time the team has chosen an offensive player in Round 3. Since head coach Gary Kubiak took over in 2006, the Texans have taken an offensive player with five of their six third-round picks, including three offensive linemen.
Houston Texans All-Time Third-Round Picks Year Player Pos. Pick College 2009 Antoine Caldwell C 77 Alabama 2008 Antwaun Molden CB 79 Eastern Kentucky 2008 Steve Slaton RB 89 West Virginia 2007 Jacoby Jones WR 73 Lane College 2006 Charles Spencer T 65 Pittsburgh 2006 Eric Winston T 66 Miami (Fla.) 2005 Vernand Morency RB 73 Oklahoma St. 2003 Antwan Peek LB 67 Cincinnati 2003 Seth Wand T 75 NW Missouri St. 2003 Dave Ragone QB 88 Louisville 2002 Fred Weary G 66 Tennessee 2002 Charles Hill DT 83 Maryland
TEXANS REVIVE SEC CONNECTION C Antoine Caldwell was the ninth player from a Southeastern Conference team selected by the Texans all-time and the first since CB Fred Bennett (4th round, 123rd overall) out of South Carolina in 2007. Caldwell is the second Texan drafted out of Alabama, joining LB DeMeco Ryans, who was Houston’s second-round pick (33rd overall) in 2006.
Houston Texans From Southeastern Conference Schools Year Player Pos. Rd. Overall College 2009 Antoine Caldwell C 3 77 Alabama 2007 Fred Bennett CB 4 123 South Carolina 2006 DeMeco Ryans LB 2 33 Alabama 2004 Dunta Robinson CB 1 10 South Carolina 2004 Charlie Anderson LB 6 200 Mississippi 2003 Domanick Williams RB 4 101 LSU 2002 Jabar Gaffney WR 2 33 Florida 2002 Fred Weary G 3 66 Tennessee 2002 Howard Green DT 6 190 LSU
TEXANS CONTINUE TO BUILD ALONG THE LINE With the selections of DE Connor Barwin (2nd round, 46th overall) and C Antoine Caldwell (3rd round, 77th overall), the Texans continued their effort to build along the line of scrimmage under head coach Gary Kubiak. Including the two picks this year, the Texans have spent 10 draft picks on offensive and defensive linemen since 2006. Houston has drafted six offensive linemen and four defensive linemen in that time period and has used all three first-round picks on linemen.
Linemen Drafted by Houston Texans, 2006-2008 Year Player Pos. Rd. Overall College 2009 Connor Barwin DE 2 46 Cincinnati 2009 Antoine Caldwell C 3 77 Alabama 2008 Duane Brown OT 1 26 Virginia Tech 2008 Frank Okam DT 5 151 Texas 2007 Amobi Okoye DT 1 10 Louisville 2007 Brandon Frye OT 5 163 Virginia Tech 2007 Kasey Studdard G 6 183 Texas 2006 Mario Williams DE 1 1 North Carolina State 2006 Charles Spencer OT 3 65 Pittsburgh 2006 Eric Winston OT 3 66 Miami (Fla.)
TEXANS CONTINUE TO CORNER THE MARKET
Houston general manager Rick Smith has stated that he believes that a team can never have enough cornerbacks, and he has lived by that philosophy in the draft. The Texans have picked a cornerback in each of the last three drafts since Smith was hired, including two this year. Houston also drafted two corners in 2004. Houston drafted CB Glover Quin in the fourth round (112th overall) and CB Brice McCain in the sixth round (188th overall) this year. Smith selected CB Fred Bennett in the fourth round (123rd overall) in 2007 and CB Antwaun Molden in the third round (79th overall).
Cornerbacks Drafted by Texans All-Time Year Player Round Overall College 2009 Brice McCainn* 6 188 Utah 2009 Glover Quin* 4 122 New Mexico 2008 Antwaun Molden* 3 79 Eastern Kentucky 2007 Fred Bennett* 4 123 South Carolina 2004 Dunta Robinson 1 10 South Carolina 2004 Vontez Duff 6 170 Notre Dame 2002 DeMarcus Faggins 6 173 Kansas State * indicates players drafted by general manager Rick Smith.
HILL FOLLOWING IN DANIELS’ FOOTSTEPS TE Anthony Hill became the third tight end drafted by the Texans when Houston selected him in the fourth round (122nd overall). Hill was the second Texans tight end drafted in the fourth round, joining TE Owen Daniels, who was a fourth-round pick (98th overall) in 2006. Houston also drafted TE Bennie Joppru in the second round (41st overall) in 2003.
Tight Ends Drafted by Houston Texans Year Player Round Overall College 2009 Anthony Hill 4 122 North Carolina State 2006 Owen Daniels 4 98 Wisconsin 2003 Bennie Joppru 2 41 Michigan
HOUSTON DOUBLE-DIPS IN THE FOURTH Houston gained an extra fourth-round pick in this year’s draft when the team traded QB Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota, giving the Texans two picks in the round. It was the 15th time in the team’s eight-year history that Houston has held multiple picks in the same round. The only year in which the Texans did not have multiple picks in a round was 2005.
Multiple Picks in Same Round, Texans Draft History Year Rd. Overall Player Pos. College 2009 4 112 Grover Quin CB New Mexico 2009 4 122 Anthony Hill TE North Carolina State 2008 3 79 Antwaun Molden CB Eastern Kentucky 2008 3 89 Steve Slaton RB West Virginia 2007 5 144 Brandon Harrison SS Stanford 2007 5 163 Brandon Frye OT Virginia Tech 2006 3 65 Charles Spencer OT Pittsburgh 2006 3 66 Eric Winston OT Miami (Fla.) 2004 6 170 Vontez Duff CB Notre Dame 2004 6 175 Jammal Lord FS Nebraska 2004 6 200 Charlie Anderson LB Mississippi 2004 7 210 Raheem Orr LB Rutgers 2004 7 211 Sloan Thomas WR Texas 2004 7 248 B.J. Symons QB Texas Tech 2003 6 192 Drew Henson QB Michigan 2003 6 214 Keith Wright DT Missouri 2003 7 217 Curry Burns SS Louisville 2003 7 233 Chance Pearce LS Texas A&M 2002 2 33 Jabar Gaffney WR Florida 2002 2 50 Chester Pitts OT San Diego State 2002 3 66 Fred Weary OG Tennessee 2002 3 83 Charles Hill DT Maryland 2002 5 316 Jarrod Baxter FB New Mexico 2002 5 153 Ramon Walker SS Pittsburgh 2002 6 173 DeMarcus Faggins CB Kansas State 2002 6 190 Howard Green DT LSU 2002 7 229 Greg White LB Minnesota 2002 7 261 Ahmad Miller DT UNLV
TEXANS DOUBLE UP AT TIGHT END Houston picked up a pair of tight ends, taking TE Anthony Hill in the fourth round (122nd overall) and TE James Casey in the fifth round (152nd overall). It marked the seventh time in Texans draft history that the team picked two or more players at the same position in a draft.
Multiple Players at Same Position, Texans Draft History Year Rd. Overall Player Pos. College 2009 4 122 Anthony Hill TE North Carolina State 2009 5 152 James Casey TE Rice 2006 3 65 Charles Spencer OT Pittsburgh 2006 3 66 Eric Winston OT Miami (Fla.) 2004 1 27 Jason Babin LB Western Michigan 2004 6 200 Charlie Anderson LB Mississippi 2004 7 210 Raheem Orr LB Rutgers 2004 1 10 Dunta Robinson CB South Carolina 2004 6 170 Vontez Duff CB Notre Dame 2004 4 122 Glenn Earl S Notre Dame 2004 6 175 Jammal Lord S Nebraska 2003 3 88 Dave Ragone QB Louisville 2003 6 192 Drew Henson QB Michigan 2002 3 83 Charles Hill DT Maryland 2002 6 190 Howard Green DT LSU 2002 7 261 Ahmad Miller DT UNLV
MR. VERSATILITY, PART III Continuing a trend amongst the Texans 2009 Draft Class, TE James Casey was one of the most versatile players in the country while at Rice. Casey, who spent four years playing minor league baseball, including three years in the Chicago White Sox organization, became the first player in NCAA history to have two games in which he threw a touchdown pass, caught a touchdown pass and rushed for a score in the same game. Casey also had one of the most impressive single-game feats in modern NCAA history when he lined up at seven different positions in a game against Southern Mississippi as a freshman in 2007. He recorded three tackles (two solos), an assisted sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, two catches for 16 yards, and 12 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.
FIRST RICE PLAYER DRAFTED BY HOUSTON TEAM SINCE 1975 TE James Casey was the first Rice player drafted by the Texans, and is the first Owl to be selected by the hometown NFL entity since 1975 when the Houston Oilers selected Alan Pringle in the 10th round and Jody Medford in the 14th round. Overall, five Owls have been drafted by the Houston NFL team.
Rice Owls Drafted by Houston Texans and Houston Oilers Year Rd. Overall Player Pos. Drafted By 2009 5 152 James Casey TE Houston Texans 1975 10 246 Alan Pringle K Houston Oilers 1975 14 352 Jody Medford G Houston Oilers 1973 9 209 Mark Williams K Houston Oilers 1971 11 265 Macon Hughes WR Houston Oilers
TEXANS ADDRESS SECONDARY IN SIXTH ROUND
With the selection of CB Brice McCain in the sixth round (188th overall), Houston continued a trend of taking defensive backs in that round. McCain was the sixth defensive back picked by the Texans in the sixth round and the second in as many years, following in the footsteps of FS Dominique Barber, who was picked with the 173rd overall selection in the sixth round in 2008.
Defensive Backs Drafted By Texans in Sixth Round Year Player Pos. Round Overall College 2009 Brice McCain CB 6 188 Utah 2008 Dominique Barber FS 6 173 Minnesota 2005 C.C. Brown SS 6 188 Louisiana-Lafayette 2004 Vontez Duff CB 6 170 Notre Dame 2004 Jammal Lord FS 6 175 Nebraska 2002 DeMarcus Faggins CB 6 173 Kansas State
NOLAN IS EIGHTH SAFETY DRAFTED BY TEXANS
S Troy Nolan was the eighth safety drafted by the Texans, which is the second-most-drafted position in team history. Houston has selected a safety in each of the last three drafts, each of which came under general manager Rick Smith. The most-drafted position in team history is linebacker, with 10 picks.
Safeties Drafted by Houston Texans, All Time (8) Year Player Round Overall College 2009 Troy Nolan 7 223 Arizona State 2008 Dominique Barber 6 173 Minnesota 2007 Brandon Harrison 5 144 Stanford 2005 C.C. Brown 6 188 Louisiana-Lafayette 2004 Glenn Earl 4 122 Notre Dame 2004 Jammal Lord 6 175 Nebraska 2003 Curry Burns 7 217 Louisville 2002 Ramon Walker 5 153 Pittsburgh
NOLAN SECOND SUN DEVIL DRAFTED BY TEXANS S Troy Nolan was the second Arizona State Sun Devil selected by the Houston Texans in team history. Nolan follows in the footsteps of C Drew Hodgdon, who was drafted in the fifth round (151st overall) by the Texans in 2005.
TEXANS LOAD UP ON DEFENSIVE BACKS ON DAY TWO Houston picked up three defensive backs on the second day of the draft. The three secondary players drafted were the most since 2004, when the Texans picked four defensive backs. Houston drafted CB Glover Quin in the fourth round (112th overall), CB Brice McCain in the sixth round (188th overall) and S Troy Nolan in the seventh round (223rd overall) this year.
Most Defensive Backs Drafted By Texans, Same Class Year Rd. Overall Player Pos. College 2004 1 10 Dunta Robinson CB South Carolina 2004 4 122 Glenn Earl SS Notre Dame 2004 6 170 Vontez Duff CB Notre Dame 2004 6 175 Jammal Lord FS Nebraska 2009 4 112 Glover Quin CB New Mexico 2009 6 188 Brice McCain CB Utah 2009 7 223 Troy Nolan S Arizona State 2008 3 79 Antwaun Molden CB Eastern Kentucky 2008 6 173 Dominique Barber FS Minnesota 2007 4 123 Fred Bennett CB South Carolina 2007 5 144 Brandon Harrison SS Stanford 2002 5 153 Ramon Walker SS Pittsburgh 2002 6 173 DeMarcus Faggins CB Kansas State
TEXANS DRAFT CLASS HAS TEXAS FLAVOR
Houston’s 2009 draft class had a definite local theme to it, with three players who played their high school football in the state of Texas, one of whom grew up in Houston and one who played at Rice. TE Anthony Hill, Houston’s fourth-round pick (122nd overall) hails from the Houston suburb of Clear Brook; TE James Casey, the team’s fifth-round pick (152nd overall) is from Azle; and CB Brice McCain, the team’s sixth-round pick (188th overall) grew up in Terrell. Casey also played collegiately at Rice University. The three newest Texans give the team 11 players who grew up in the Lone Star State.
Houston Texans Who Grew Up In Texas Player Pos. College Hometown Drafted By Kris Brown K Nebraska Southlake Pittsburgh, 1999 James Casey* TE Rice Azle Houston, 2009 Anthony Hill* TE New Mexico Houston Houston, 2009 Brice McCain* CB Utah Terrell Houston, 2009 Ryan Moats RB Louisiana Tech Dallas Philadelphia, 2005 Frank Okam* DT Texas Richardson Houston, 2008 Jacques Reeves CB Purdue Lancaster Dallas, 2004 Matterral Richardson CB Arkansas Marlin Undrafted, 2008
Mark Simmons WR Kansas DeSoto Undrafted, 2006 Chaun Thompson LB West Texas A&M Mount Pleasant Cleveland, 2003 Eric Winston* OT Miami (Fla.) Midland Houston, 2006 * indicates drafted by Houston Texans.
TEXANS DRAFTING WINNERS Nearly all of the members of Houston’s 2009 draft class enjoyed great team success during the 2008 season. Four of the Texans draft picks played in BCS bowls and three were on the winning side. Two others also went to bowl games, and one led his team to the best record in school history. First-round pick LB Brian Cushing was a vital part of USC’s 12-1 Rose Bowl-champion team and was part of one of the most dominant defenses in recent college football history. DE Connor Barwin helped lead Cincinnati to the Big East title and an Orange Bowl win over Virginia Tech, finishing 11-3. C Antoine Caldwell helped Alabama win the SEC West and finish 12-2 with a berth in the Sugar Bowl. CB Brice McCain’s Utah squad beat Caldwell and Alabama in the Sugar Bowl to cap an undefeated 13-0 season. In addition to those four, TE James Casey helped lead Rice to a 10-3 season, giving the Owls their most wins since 1949, and a win in the Texas Bowl which was the school’s first bowl victory since 1954. TE Anthony Hill helped North Carolina State to a berth in the Papajohns.com Bowl, the school’s first bowl berth since 2005. In the final Associated Press poll of the season, Utah finished second, USC was third, Alabama was sixth and Cincinnati was 17th. The eight members of the Houston Texans 2009 draft class went a combined 73-31 for a winning percentage of 70.2 percent.
Texans Draft Picks, 2008 Season Results
Player Rd. Overall Pos. College Record AP Rank Brian Cushing 1 15 LB USC 12-1 3 Connor Barwin 2 46 DE Cincinnati 11-3 17 Antoine Caldwell 3 77 C Alabama 12-2 6 Glover Quin 4 112 CB New Mexico 4-8 NR Anthony Hill 4 122 TE North Carolina St. 6-7 NR James Casey 5 152 TE Rice 10-3 NR Brice McCain 6 188 CB Utah 13-0 2 Troy Nolan 7 223 S Arizona State 5-7 NR
TEXANS DRAFT BY THE NUMBERS 0 Times the Texans traded during the draft. 1 Number of players in the history of the Alabama football program to graduate in under three
years – C Antoine Caldwell. 2 LB Brian Cushing was the second linebacker picked by the Texans in the first round in team
history. 2 Houston had two picks in the fourth round. 2 Houston drafted two tight ends – Anthony Hill (4th round, 122nd overall) and James Casey
(5th round, 152nd overall). 2 CB Glover Quin was the second player from New Mexico drafted by the Texans. 2 Degrees earned by C Antoine Caldwell in five years at Alabama. 3 Houston had a second-round draft pick for the first time in three years. 3 Houston has selected a cornerback in each of the last three drafts. 3 TE Anthony Hill is the third tight end drafted by the Texans. 3:23 Time of the first round in the 2009 NFL Draft, seven minutes shorter than in 2008. 4 Different offensive line positions played by C Antoine Caldwell at Alabama. 5 DE Connor Barwin was the fifth player drafted by the Texans in the second round in team
history. 6 Houston has had six third-round picks under head coach Gary Kubiak, five of which have been
used on offense. 7 Different positions played by TE James Casey in one game in 2007. 8 With the selection of LB Brian Cushing, Houston has taken a linebacker in all eight drafts in
team history. 8 Picks held by the Texans in the 2009 NFL Draft. 9 C Antoine Caldwell was the ninth offensive player drafted by the Texans in the third round.
Houston has had 12 third-round picks in team history. 10 Number of linebackers drafted by the Texans in team history. 10 Career interceptions by S Troy Nolan in his two seasons at Arizona State. 12.0 Sacks recorded by DE Connor Barwin in 2008 – his first season as a full-time defensive end. 13-0 CB Brice McCain’s record at Utah in 2008. 15 LB Brian Cushing was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. 15:15 Total length of the 2009 NFL Draft. 27.0 Tackles for loss by LB Brian Cushing in his career at USC. 32 Career pass breakups for CB Glover Quin, which was a New Mexico school record. 38 Games started by LB Brian Cushing in his career at USC. 46 DE Connor Barwin was the 46th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. 77 C Antoine Caldwell was the 77th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. 111 Receptions by TE James Casey in 2008, which ranked second in the country. 112 CB Glover Quin was the 112th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. 122 TE Anthony Hill was the 122nd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. 152 TE James Casey was the 152nd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. 223 S Troy Nolan was the 223rd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. 256 Total number of selections in the 2009 NFL Draft. 2,276 Career yards from scrimmage for TE James Casey in two years at Rice. 4,830 Total number of fans that showed up for the Houston Texans 2009 NFL Draft Party in the
Verizon Wireless West Club on Saturday.
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009 BRIAN CUSHING Linebacker Height: 6-2 Weight: 243 Drafted: 1st round (15th overall) University of Southern California CAREER: Cushing started 38 of 44 games he played in, including 13 at right defensive end and 31 at strong-side outside linebacker... Finished his career with 178 tackles (101 solos) that included 8.5 quarterback sacks for minus 57 yards, 27.0 stops for losses totaling 106 yards and two pressures…intercepted one pass and deflected 12 others... Blocked two punts. 2008 (USC 13/13): All-American first-team selection by Sports Illustrated, earning second-team accolades from The Sporting News and Associated Press, and third-team recognition from The NFL Draft Report, Rivals.com and College Football News... Consensus All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice... Finalist for the Butkus Award, semifinalist for the Lombardi Award and quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy…ranked second on the team with 73 tackles (46 solos)... Added three sacks for minus 22 yards and led the squad with 10.5 stops for losses...Also had a QB pressure, along with a forced fumble... Deflected six passes and recorded his first career interception. 2007 (USC 10/8): Earned All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention... Finished with 25 tackles (14 solos), a 2-yard sack and 2.5 stops for losses of 4 yards... Deflected two passes and recovered one fumble... Helped the Trojans rank second in the nation in both scoring defense (16.0 ppg) and total defense (273.15 ypg), as they also ranked fourth vs. the run (84.15 ypg) and sixth in pass efficiency defense (102.07 rating). 2006 (USC 13/13): Shifted to the right defensive end position in USC's hybrid 3-4 …earning Sophomore All-America third-team honors from College Football News... All-Pac 10 Conference second-team choice…recorded 57 tackles (27 solos) with 4.5 sacks for minus 33 yards, tied for second on the team...led the Trojans with a career-high 13.5 stops for losses scored on a 42-yard onside kick return and blocked a punt that he advanced 21 yards. 2005 (USC 8/4): Started last four games on the strong side including national title game vs. Texas... made 23 tackles (14 solos), including 0.5 for a loss, plus had three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and a blocked punt that he returned 6 yards..After the season, he had surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder. HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) High School...earned Parade, USA Today, Prep Football Report, Scout.com, Super Prep, EA Sports and Prep Star All-American honors as a senior...recorded 120 tackles, 11 stops for loss, 10 sacks
and seven interceptions as a linebacker in 2004...played running back and tight end gained 475 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 456 yards (35.1 avg) with seven scores.
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
1st Round Pick, Brian Cushing
(Conference Call transcribed Charles Hampton and Roland Buck III) (On fitting in with Texans All-Pro Linebacker DeMeco Ryans) “I’m just coming in and trying to make an impact from day one. I know I was drafted for a reason. I’m a first round linebacker, first round pick and you know that’s the point… to come in and try to make an impact among the linebackers around me.” (On going from strong side to weak side linebacker) “I say a little bit of both. I feel comfortable at all those positions so I don’t see why not, and like I said either one of those positions, don’t matter how I can help the football team win more games.” (On going from strong side linebacker to weak side linebacker in the NFL) “I have played a little bit of both. I’m comfortable with all.” (On making the transition to the next level) “I know I can keep working on my mental game. I’m coming in learning a whole new scheme, meeting brand new coaches, and I got to be able to adjust to play with the best of them.” (On whether past injuries will be a factor in the NFL) “No I don’t think so. I’m going to play hard and I’ve taken care of my body all of these four years so I’m looking forward to a healthy, long career.” (On steroid rumors not following you to the NFL) “No I don’t think so, you know I’m going to continue to prove people wrong like I have in my 22-year career and day in and day out I’m just going to keep working hard and people can say what they want to say but everyone knows the truth.” (On being listed, along with teammate Clay Matthews, on a report saying they tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs) “You know it’s unfortunate for something like that to have to come out. But we’re both clean, hard working guys, and we just have to get those kind of things behind us.” (On playing on the strong side and how long it would take to adjust to the NFL and be ready to start) “Yeah, I mean just coming in and playing immediately, so you know I just can’t say that. You know I got to come in, perform, get in my play book, and learn everything I possibly can.” (On his on-field demeanor) “I’m a nice guy off the field but once I step between those lines, you know it’s game time and I know that. Coming in, doing great things and just playing hard all the time.”
(On how he feels about coming to Houston) “I feel great. I feel great about the whole opportunity, and you know I’m just ecstatic right now. You know I’m sure I will calm down a little later tomorrow.” (On adjusting to coverage in the NFL) “It’s a similar kind of game, but of course there are going to be better athletes, better players and I’ve just got to be able to stick with those guys.” (On how much he knew about the Texans before the call) “So far I’m not sure. I’ve never really been to Houston. You know I’ve definitely watched them play a couple games, but I’m sure the whole attitude will be a lot different once I actually get down there.” (On if he was surprised he was picked over Clay Matthews) “No I don’t think so. I was a four-year starter in college. I’ve proven myself game in and game out. I think the right decision was made.” (On his reputation for being a blue collar worker rubbing off on the team) “I hope so. You know I kind of always thought I did. I always thought I make players feel better around me and you know it’s just a hard working bunch of guys. But you know I’m hoping I can come in there and get things going immediately.” (On getting the call from the Texans) “I was just ecstatic. Just the opportunity to come down there and I’m in the NFL right now and it’s more than words could ever explain.” (On being picked by the Texans) “It feels great. Coming in with a staff up next year, you know I’m not going to disappoint. I’m going to keep that ball rolling and hope to make great relationships with the head coaches and everyone. Teammates and everyone.” (On if teams talked to him about steroids) “There was one team that didn’t bring it up because they knew what kind of guy I was, knew the kind of character I had. We stayed off that topic because it was just rumor. A couple of teams asked me about my size and my speed and I think it was probably just precautionary, and I told every team that I never did it. I’ve passed every drug test out there and still have. I’m not that kind of guy.” (On how he felt with the Texans keeping him on their board threw the first 14 picks) “It was a privilege, you know, the fact that few guys were selected, and you know just hearing your name called and getting the chance to go up on stage is awesome.” (On what srengths he can bring to the defense) “I think that I can bring a lot of intensity and a lot of versatility and a guy that is going to fly around on every single play trying to make that tackle.” (On what he is most looking forward to) “Just coming in and performing. You know, First day of practice, mini camps... so I’m just looking to get on a pretty good team as fast as I can.”
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
Defensive Coordinator Frank Bush (transcribed Sam Shainsky and Sarah Matthews)
(Opening statement) “I can’t tell you enough how excited we are to have Brian [Cushing]. Brian is a kid that we targeted all along. We like the way he plays football. He played at a very prestigious school and he was a starter there for four years. We just like the way he plays football. We like the energy he brings, the intensity he brings. We’re excited to have him. To have the opportunity that late [in the draft] to pick him up – we were excited about it so we did the deal.” (On what side of the defense Cushing will play) “He is going to be a strong side linebacker. Zac Diles is coming off an injury. We feel really good about Zac Diles. But with the opportunity to get a kid that we believe could be an impact player for us – we’re going to put him on the strong side and give him the opportunity to get on the field early. Hopefully he can come out and make plays for us.” (On Cushing’s past injuries) “We discussed those things; we went through them. Those are things that occurred when he was a youngster. It’s part of the job, I would say. It’s part of the job being a linebacker – you’re going to have some nicks and bruises and whatnot. But, overall he was a clean kid medically – just some of the normal things that other linebackers have had.” (On the other three USC Linebackers projected as first round picks) “They were close. All of those kids are good football players. When you consider Cushing, Clay Matthews, Ray Maualuga and all of those kids – they are really close. We felt that Brian [Cushing] brought something that we needed and that is a form of intensity. He brings work ethic; he brings leadership. Again, he has that experience of being a starter there for quite a number of years. Yes they were close, but at the end of the day we really wanted this kid.” (On Coach Bruce Matthews lobbying for Clay Matthews) “Quite naturally – we have Bruce Matthews here, the uncle of Clay Matthews. Of course he would do that. But, throughout the process I think it was quite obvious to us that this was the kid we targeted, that we wanted. We liked Matthews a lot and Bruce was lobbying for him but at the end of the day we wanted Brian Cushing.” (On USC players historically not living up to hype) “That was talked about but at the end of the day we really believe that USC kids play for a long time in this league. We just went with history. You look throughout history of USC, they have a lot of players that play for a long time. They have a lot of Hall-of-Famers and hopefully we can turn this kid into one of those.”
(On Cushing complementing LB Demeco Ryans and DE Mario Williams) “Absolutely. He is going to bring a certain intensity, he’s going to bring a certain work ethic. He’s also going to bring in a certain playmaking ability. We can put him right next to Demeco and we’ve got two really good football players to go run around and hit people.” (On steroid allegations from Cushing’s past) “[We checked them out] thoroughly. With things the way they are in the league these days, of course we checked it out thoroughly. We couldn’t find anything to it. We believe in the kid, we believe in everything he has done so far throughout his career path. The kid is an achiever – he achieved in high school, he achieved in college and we expect him to the same thing here.” (On the defensive design) “Well similar design in the sense of we’ll try to put him in a position to be on the edge of the defense, maybe rush maybe drop but give him a chance to get his space where he can attack the line of scrimmage, chase the football and hit people but all in all get over the tight end and secure the edge of the defense. He’s a kid that can line up, he’s strong enough to stand over the tight end, physically dominate a tight end; then we need him to stack him on the ball. He’s done that also and he did a good job of it.” (On the pass rush scheme) “Because he is a kid that’s played all three positions we can quite easily put him on the edge of the line of scrimmage and let him rush, we can rush him from a stacked position or leave him at the same linebacker position, letting him rush from there. The thing we like about him is his versatility, that he’s a kid that understands the nickel package, he understands the regular packages and stuff. This kid can come in quite frankly and be a starting regular defense and also nickel defense.” (On Cushing’s emotional reaction) “You know Brian, he’s an all business kid, he was fired up on the phone. Even though it didn’t look as though he was excited, he was all fired up. So basically first thing he said was that he was ready to come in here and go to work. That’s the type of kid he is, that’s what he’s been his whole career, and that’s what we expect from him. He’s the guy that’s no nonsense, he’s going to come in and try to go to work and try to help this team get better.” (On decision to draft Cushing) “Like I’ve said before we had this guy targeted all along. We liked everything he brought. Of course [General Manager] Rick Smith and [Head Coach] Gary [Kubiak], they were entertaining phone calls. I don’t know what was said in those phone calls, but those phone calls were coming, and they entertained them and at the end of the day we thought that this is the guy we like, we know what he can do for our football team. We know he can come and contribute right away so we’re going to take him. ” (On if they would like to take another defensive player) “As the defensive coordinator, of course I would say that. Defensively we have to have some guys that we are targeting, some guys that we like. Of course defensive tackles are a part of that but throughout the entire defense we like a lot of players on the board. We are going to keep doing our homework and see what happens as this draft works it’s way through and hopefully we can come up with another good player.”
(On his first impression of Cushing) “Well, you’re right he was my guy ever since I’ve watched him early in this season and throughout the combine, I guess he reminded me of another player I coached a little while ago, his demeanor, his intensity, and the way he played the game, he reminded me of a player I coached at Denver. I like everything about him and hopefully he can bring us some impact on the defense.” (Reporter: “Who? Al Wilson?”) “Al Wilson was one of my favorite players, Bill Romanowski, that type of intensity. I say that tongue-in-cheek because I don’t want to put all that other stuff on that kid so that he plays football that way.
You can find this article at: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=542456
Texans' team report: Athletic LB Cushing a steal April 25, 2009
Sporting News staff reports
War Room scouts and Texans' correspondent Megan Manfull offer their analysis from the NFL draft:
Overview
The Texans wanted to bolster its defense, which was clearly its weakness last season. They did that on the first day by focusing solely on the defensive side of the ball. They drafted two potential playmakers in OLB Brian Cushing and DE Connor Barwin. Cushing will be placed at strongside linebacker, where Zac Diles led the team in tackles last season until breaking his leg.
Barwin gives the Texans an added pass rusher on the edge. With the intention of moving DE Antonio Smith inside on passing situations, Barwin could come in on passing situations on the left side and complement Mario Williams.
1st round, No. 15 overall pick: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Scout's take: Houston takes the most athletic linebacker in the draft, though Cushing didn't show it statistically in college. He was overshadowed by Rey Maualuga at USC, and it's a bit of a surprise that Cushing went first. He could line up at any linebacker position in the NFL, but he best fits a strongside position, which will require him to cover tight ends.
Correspondent's take: How he fits: He is a hard worker, capable of playing all three linebacker positions. A former safety, Cushing also has the ability to play a little defensive end. The Texans will likely work him at strongside, where he can rush, drop back in coverage and play against the run. When he'll play: The Texans will look for him to immediately step in, likely at strongside linebacker. He will compete with Zac Diles, who led the team in tackles last season before breaking his leg in practice.
2nd round, No. 46 overall pick: Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
Scout's take: There was a lot of speculation that Houston would pursue a defensive end to put opposite Mario Williams, and they found their man in the second round. While Barwin is new to the position and raw, he has the burst to turn the corner, and he should give the Texans an excellent pass rush from both ends for years to come.
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Correspondent's take: How he fits: He is another versatile player with great athleticism. He excelled as a pass rusher in college, and even though the Texans signed free agent Antonio Smith in the offseason, the team plans to likely move him inside during passing situations. That would leave Barwin able to slide onto the edge as a pass rusher. When he'll play: The Texans don't have enough depth to let Barwin sit for too long. They will likely groom him to play when the seasons tarts, especially in passing situations when they move Antonio Smith inside. He will complement Mario Williams, who will remain on the right side.
Unfinished business
The Texans still have plenty of needs on Day Two. The top need will be on the offensive side of the ball as they seek out a running back to complement Steve Slaton, who was selected in the third round of the 2008 draft. The Texans want a bigger back who can be used primarily in short yardage situations. The Texans also will likely target a safety and a cornerback to bolster a secondary that could be without its leader, Dunta Robinson, if he does not get his contract dispute settled soon.
Offensively, the other biggest need is more depth on the offensive line, especially a player capable of playing both center and guard.
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Jason DeCrow AP Brian Cushing always planned to play pro football in Texas, but he was drafted by the Texans instead of the Dallas Cowboys, the team he wanted to play for growing up.
THE NEW TEXANS NFL, Texas always in Cushing’s plans By DALE ROBERTSON Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle April 27, 2009, 1:52AM
As a third-grader, Brian Cushing came up to his father, Frank, one evening and told him matter- of-factly, “Dad, I’ve got a plan.” The elder
Cushing put down his newspaper, eyed the boy and replied, “You’ve got a plan? OK, Brian, then tell me, what’s your plan?”
Brian had things neatly laid out. He said: “I’m going to Bergen Catholic High School, I’m going to be all-state and All-American, then I’m going to Notre Dame and then — you’re not going to like this part, Dad —I’m going to play for the Dallas Cowboys and be the best player in the whole NFL.”
Residing in North Jersey, New York Giants country, Frank Cushing was required to be a sworn enemy of the Cowboys. Worse, calling himself “a baseball guy,” his dream was to see his youngest make it to the major leagues. At least the Notre Dame part sounded good.
“I’m Irish Catholic,” Cushing said.
But that didn’t work out despite a major push from Charlie Weis, who called the Cushings the day after he landed the Notre Dame head- coaching job. After receiving some 75 scholarship offers, Brian wound up choosing USC instead. And now he’s moving to Texas.
Family visit
But his father can relax. He’ll be playing in Houston, not Dallas.
After the Texans made Cushing the 15th pick of the NFL draft Saturday, the family flew in Sunday to meet owner Bob McNair and the coaching staff. Addressing the media, the rookie outside
Page 1 of 2NFL, Texas always in plans of Texans' Cushing | Houston Texans Football | Chron.com - ...
linebacker promised not to disappoint, saying he will be “a player that brings a lot of excitement and intensity and anything that helps the team win.” Cushing’s father advises you take him at his word. “Brian has always known what he wanted and how to get it,” he said. “He’s such a great athlete — I think he would have been a better baseball player than football player — and he’s relentless. You could put him on offense and he’d be unstoppable there, too.” That’s Cushing’s reputation: A full-bore maniac on every play, may the devil take the hindquarter. But his über-intensity has caused him to get injured frequently and raised suspicions of what was really fueling the white- hot fire in his flat belly. Rumors of steroid use have nagged the 6-3, 246-pound Cushing since high school despite his having never failed a drug test. Frank Cushing can tell you why the stuff started. “Between his junior and senior years (in high school), Brian gained 25, 30 pounds,” he said. “But he also grew taller, and he gets his size from the Polish side of the family. Compared to his cousins, he’s average. They’re all as big or bigger than he is.” Tired of rumors The doping suspicions, not to mention the
criticism of his agility, football instincts and adaptability within the flow of the game, frustrates Cushing no end.
“It’s been difficult,” he said. “There are people out there trying to slam you and tarnish your name. I don’t know how many more drug tests or anything else I can go through to prove that I’m a hard-working guy and don’t take anything illegal.
“The Houston Texans believe in me and that’s what’s most important. I’m just going to keep proving people wrong.”
Houston Texans counting on USC linebacker for stronger defense
By JIM CARLEY Special to the Star-Telegram HOUSTON — He is said to be intense and the kind of player who is a hazard to anything in his way.
As he was about to be drafted, however, Brian Cushing seemed laid back, almost indifferent.
TV cameras watched as the USC linebacker talked on the phone to Houston Texans officials just before he became the 15th pick in the NFL draft. He seemed as worked up as a man making an ATM transaction.
Texans defensive coordinator Frank Bush, who was on the other end of the telephone line at the moment in question, just laughed.
"Brian, he’s an all-business kid," Bush said. "But he was fired up on the phone. Even though it didn’t look as though he was excited, he was all fired up.
"Basically, he just said he was ready to come in and go to work."
Cushing agreed, saying you can’t always judge a book by its calm cover.
"I feel great," Cushing said. "I feel great about the whole opportunity, and I’m just ecstatic right now. You know I’m sure I will calm down a little later tomorrow."
The Texans were 22nd overall in the NFL in defense and are desperate to improve on that side. An offense ranked third in the NFL deserved better than an 8-8 season.
Cushing likely will come in on the strong side where Zac Diles started last year. The Texans also added end Antonio Smith and linebacker Cato June in free agency. If Cushing can come close to the production of Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans in the middle, this defense could take a big leap in improvement.
"Brian adds a lot to our team," general manager Rick Smith said. "He’s a hard worker and a blue-collar player. We’re really excited about getting him."
Cushing has two question marks: He was bothered by injuries much of his USC career — and dogged by rumors of steroid use.
"Those [injuries] are things that occurred while he was a youngster," Bush said. "It’s part of the job I would say. It’s part of being a linebacker. You’re going to have some nicks and bruises but overall he was a clean kid medically.
"We vetted that [rumor of steroid use] out and feel very good that there was nothing there. That’s not who he is as a man or a player."
Cushing says he has nothing to hide.
"A couple of teams asked me about that and I think it was probably just precautionary," Cushing said. "I told every team that I never did it. I’ve passed every drug test out there and still have. I’m not that kind of guy."
In the second round, Houston selected defensive end Connor Barwin, an interesting study in versatility and athleticism. Barwin was a tight end his first three seasons at Cincinnati, then switched to defense last year and had 12 sacks — an NCAA record for a first-year player.
He also played on Bearcat special teams in his career and recorded five blocked kicks. He played on Cincinnati’s basketball team after football ended the past two years.
"He’s an extremely athletic player and a real physical player," coach Gary Kubiak said. "We think he can do a lot of things for us."
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Sunday, Apr 26, 2009
Page 1 of 1Houston Texans counting on USC linebacker for stronger defense | NFL | Star-Telegram....
April 25-26, 2009 CONNOR BARWIN Defensive End Height: 6-4 Weight: 256 Drafted: 2nd round (46th overall) University of Cincinnati
TRANSACTIONS: Selected by Houston Texans in the second round (46th pick overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. CAREER: In 51 games, started 16 contests (14 at defensive end, one at tight end, one at H-Back)…produced 66 tackles (40 solos) with 16 solo tackles on special teams…registered 12.0 sacks for minus 74 yards, 18.0 stops for losses of 94 yards and 20 QB pressures…blocked five kicks, recovered three fumbles, deflected eight passes, had seven knockdowns on the kickoff coverage team, chased down the quarterback 17 times, downed seven punts inside the 20-yard line and recorded 183 special teams points… his 12.0 quarterback sacks in 2008 rank third on the school season-record list, topped only by Anthony Hoke (13.0 in 2007) and Antwan Peek (12.5 in 2001)…Barwin’s 12.0 sacks in 2008 broke the NCAA season-record for most sacks in an athlete’s first season on defense, topping the mark of 11.0 that was set by Demorrio Williams of Nebraska in 2003.
2008: All-American and All-Big East Conference first-team selection…recipient of the Claude Rost Award, given to the team’s Most Valuable Player…earned Big East Conference Special Teams Player of the Week accolades vs. Marshall and was named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll after the Eastern Kentucky, Rutgers and Pittsburgh games…moved to the defensive line for his final season and was named one of the team’s captains prior to the Oklahoma contest…started the first nine games at strongside defensive end…recorded 53 tackles (27 solos) and led the team and Big East while ranking tied for seventh in the nation with 12.0 sacks for minus 74 yards…his 12.0 sacks rank third on the school season-record list…led the team, ranked second in the conference and tied for 28th nationally with 16.0 stops for losses totaling 92 yards…registered a league-high 20 quarterback pressures and was third on the squad with eight pass deflections, the most of any Big East defensive lineman in 2008…recorded three fumbles and led the league with three blocked kicks…made 50 of his plays vs. the run, holding the opposition to minus 15 yards (-0.30 ypc), the lowest rushing yardage total allowed by a Bowl Division defensive lineman in 2008…also stopped ball carriers at the line of scrimmage for no gain on seven of those carries…thirteen of his hits came on third-down running plays, collecting six stops inside the red zone, including four on goal line plays… made 21 of his pass play stops on third-down snaps and also delivered six fourth-down hits…on special teams, Barwin led the conference with 95 points, based on his five unassisted tackles, including three inside the 20-yard line, 34 total third-down hits, 17 quarterback chase-downs, 20 pressures, seven pass breakups, two wedge
breakups, one downed punt inside the 20-yard line, three blocked kicks and being down field first on three other punts…in addition to his excellence on defense and special teams, Barwin returned to his “roots” briefly, catching a 1-yard touchdown pass vs. South Florida…was the only player in college football to catch a touchdown pass, register a sack and block a kick during the 2008 season…one of his blocked kicks resulted in a safety and six of his QB pressures caused interceptions, with four leading to Bearcats touchdowns.
2007: A standout on special teams, as well as a key player in the tight end rotation...played in 12 games...carded 31 receptions for 399 yards, including two touchdowns...made three receptions for 33 yards against Southeast Missouri State...snagged two passes for 15 yards vs. Oregon State...set personal bests with six catches for 109 yards, including a 31-yarder at Miami (OH)...snared three passes for 39 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown grab vs. Marshall...tallied two catches for 12 yards at Pittsburgh...named UC's Special Teams Player of the Week after blocking a punt and recovering a fumbled punt return at USF...made three receptions for seven yards, highlighted by a four-yard scoring play vs. Connecticut...notched an eight-yard catch vs. West Virginia...registered a career-long 38-yard catch on his way to totaling 90 yards on four catches at Syracuse...collected seven grabs for 86 yards, including a 26-yard catch and run, in the Papajohns.com Bowl.
2006: Saw action in all 13 games as a regular on special teams and on alternate at the tight end position...made a reception in three of the first four games...snagged three passes for 36 yards, including a 20-yard catch, at Virginia Tech...had a career day, finishing with five catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns at West Virginia...collected a 17-yard pick-up in the victory over USF...caught a nine-yard pass vs. Rutgers...played in 23 games as a walk-on for the basketball team...Bearcat Academic Honor Roll (Winter 2007).
2005: One of two first-year freshmen to see action on offense...played in all 11 games as a backup tight end...caught a pair of passes for 72 yards, turning one into a 38-yard gain, at Penn State...made receptions in six other games...averaged 18 yards per catch, second-best on the team...caught a seven-yard scoring pass vs. Connecticut...joined the basketball team in early January...saw action in each of the final 16 games as a backup to the forward positions.
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
2nd Round Pick, Connor Barwin
(Conference Call transcribed Charles Hampton and Roland Buck III) (On playing defense in the NFL after only one defensive season) “I’m excited. Like you said, I played DE position in my last year here in college and I was pretty productive doing it. I was good because I could rush the passer so that’s the same kind of thing I need to bring at the next level and I think that’s what they need me to do.” (On if there is any room for improvement with technique as a defensive end) “Oh I think there’s definitely room to improve, but I think everybody coming in the NFL has room to improve. But I think, you know I got 12 sacks on, you know, sometimes just playing hard and playing fast. So I think my technique can only get better. So I’m excited about what’s going to happen.” (On if he is looking forward to joining a talented defensive line) “Yes, very excited. It’s got to excite somebody to play with some of the best other players and learn from them.” (On how his athleticism helps him on the defensive line) “I think it helped a lot. I think playing basketball, it just, you know, your overall athleticism I think when you play defensive end you have to play with vision, you have to be able to see through tackles, and see the quarterback. I think you start to play instinctually like you do in basketball and also batting down balls and things like that you get that from basketball. As far as playing tight end I think that made it easier to switch in one year. I think I know what tight ends and offensive linemen are trying to do to me when they do it so I can feel blocks, I can see how plays are developing and I recognize them from when I was on offense. I think those things definitely made it easier to transition on my senior year.” (On his mindset before being drafted) “I didn’t think the Texans were going to call. I don’t remember who was coming up later on in the draft but I thought it was going to be another couple picks before I got drafted. So I was surprised when they called. I know I had good meetings with Houston at the combine but hadn’t heard much from them since then, so I was kind of surprised.” (On what they said on the phone and what his reaction was) “There were just very excited. They said they were very happy to get me. They saw I was still on the board about 10 picks earlier and they thought I may be gone by the time it got to their pick. So they were so happy I was still on the board and they knew they were going to pick me. And they were just excited and told me I was going to be rushing the passer.” (On his playing intensity and if he’ll be relaxed tonight) “Well I think I am extremely intense as a player. But as far as tonight goes, I’ll go out with my family a little bit, but I gotta be up early. I think we’ve got a nine o’clock flight to Texas tomorrow morning.”
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
Head Coach Gary Kubiak and General Manager Rick Smith
(transcribed by Sam Shainsky and Sarah Matthews) General Manager Rick Smith (Opening statement) “We are very pleased with the way that the draft is unfolding so far. I know defensive coordinator Frank Bush came up and spoke with you earlier about our selection in the first round. Without repeating what he has said to you, we think LB Brian Cushing adds a lot to our football team. He is an intense competitor. He is a versatile linebacker who can play all three positions. He adds a dimension for us there. We’re excited about him. He’s a good man, he’s a hard working, blue collar guy. I think he’s going to fit well in our locker room and in that group. Then with our latest selection with DE Connor Barwin – we’re very excited about his opportunities here. He is a guy who when you talk about, the theme is versatility. It is pretty well documented that he is a one year player at the defensive end position as a former tight end. But, when you look at this guy athletically, he is an impressive athlete. It’s not that he’s just a height, weight, speed, test guy. This guy is a good football player. He made a lot of plays and was very productive in any role there at Cincinnati. We like that and are very pleased so far with how things are going.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak (Opening statement) “I’ll just add to that. We feel good. Obviously, we knew we had to improve our defensive football team. What’s happened with these two young men is that we’ve gotten more athletic and more physical. It’s very exciting from that standpoint with these two young men. We look forward to getting to work with them and we look forward to everyone getting a chance to meet them tomorrow.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak (On what position Barwin will play) “We will play him with his hand down. He’s playing defensive end.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak (On which side of the defensive line Barwin will play) “I think he can play both sides. Probably, if we started tomorrow, he would line up behind DE Mario Williams as we get going. But he’s going to have the ability to play both sides. On third down he can rush the passer. He can go outside and rush the passer at either spot and it gives us the flexibility of moving DE Antonio Smith inside to rush the passer on third downs, which is something that he does really well.” General Manager Rick Smith GM Smith (On improvement of Defense’s intensity) “Any time you can do that I think it’s important. Both of these young men, actually. When you see Connor Barwin and the way that he works, and the way that his athleticism shows, I think you will see that he is
an intense competitor as well. We like both of them. If you can get athletes that are intense and add that to your group, I think it really enhances your ability to play good defense.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak (Adding to Smith’s comments about improving Defense’s intensity) “Just to add to that, starting with Brian Cushing – funny, we interviewed him in Indianapolis, I asked him if he ever relaxed. He said, ‘Not very often, Coach.’ So when I talked to him after the draft I told him to go ahead and relax tonight and we’ll get back to work tomorrow. He said, ‘I promise you I will.’ We just love what the kid stands for, how he loves the game. He is all business and that’s what we need. We need someone that will come in and help us right away.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak (On Coach Bruce Matthews and son LB Clay Matthews) “Did Bruce Quit? No, Bruce is a very proud uncle right now. We gave him a very big hand when it happened in the room. We wish Clay Matthews very well. General Manager Rick Smith (On if the Texans will stick to defensive players in the 3rd and 4th round) “Well we’ve got a pick in the third round as well, and several picks tomorrow. We are going to get together tonight, and tomorrow morning before it starts again and look at the available athletes and rank those guys to get a game plan for tomorrow. We will hopefully continue down this road of adding good quality football players to our team.” General Manager Rick Smith (On how the amount of defensive players drafted affects the Texans draft): “Honestly it helped and anytime those situations occur and the trades are happening you go get offensive players, it pushes people down and that’s what we saw today and we were pleased with that.” General Manager Rick Smith (On the possibility of Barwin on offense) “It’s funny I look at this release, defensive end, strong side linebacker, tight end. I think we’ll put him at defensive end or or let him go sick other quarterbacks on offense.” (Reporter: “So I guess that’s a no?”) Head Coach Gary Kubiak (Adding to Smith’s comment) “That’s not my business.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak (On Barwin’s affect on the strength of the Texans’ linebackers) “Obviously we’re much more athletic now than we have been. We’ve had some injuries, with [Linebacker] Zac [Diles] last year. We had some issues we had to move some people around, but it just gives us a lot more opportunities as a group. We’re going to keep our best six around here, we need to get better on special teams. That group needs to lend a bigger hand to special teams as far as productivity than it did last year. The bottom line is you’re always trying to get better; get deeper as a football team. We are much deeper in that position now.”
General Manager Rick Smith (On offers from clubs and the possibility of the Texans trading down) “No, you know we talked a lot with several clubs and there was some potential opportunity there that never materialized. To be quite honest with you, when Brian Cushing was there and the board fell the way it did and we had an opportunity to go get this guy; and we felt really really good about that. We were just happy the way it happened.” General Manager Rick Smith (On Cushing’s steroid charges) “We’ve entered the process really thoroughly. We feel really good about who he is as a man and who he is as an athlete and a player and we are really excited about adding him to our football team.”
The Houston Texans selected University of Cincinnati defensive end Connor Barwin in the second round with the 46th overall pick.
“I look at this guy, and athletically, he’s an impressive athlete,” Texans general manager Rick Smith said Saturday night during a press conference. “He was very productive in any role he played at the University of Cincinnati.”
The 6-foot-4 defensive end proved to be a versatile athlete for the Bearcats, playing his first three seasons as a tight end on offense before switching to defense as a senior.
A fierce hitter, Barwin excelled at special teams, where he made big open-field tackles and important return blocks that could boost his profile in the NFL.
The Texans picked two defensive players with their first two draft picks, Barwin and Southern California linebacker Brian Cushing (No. 15 overall). “We needed help on defense, and these two young men made us more athletic,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. Barwin was so successful as a defensive player that he led the Big East Conference with 12 sacks last season while collecting 17 tackles for loss. "You have to be able to see through tackles and see the quarterback,” Barwin said Saturday night to the Texans’ Web site. “I think you start playing instinctually. As far as playing tight end, I think that made it easier to make the switch in just one year. I think I know what tight ends and offensive linemen are trying to do to me when they do it, so I can see how blocks and I can see how plays are developing, and I recognize them from when I was on offense. I think those things definitely made it easier for me to make the transition my senior year.” Analysts pegged him as a “coachable” player because of his work ethic and willingness to adjust personal goals to meet team needs. Because of his 40-yard dash speed (4.66 seconds), Barwin could line up on offense, as well, to be utilized in the passing game. “We’ll play him with his hands down – at defensive end,” Kubiak said.
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When the call came Saturday, Connor Barwin was relieved.
He knew all the projections and many had him as a first-round pick, but when the Houston Texans called to grab the Cincinnati tight end/defensive end at 46th overall, midway through the second round, it was good enough.
Though it wasn’t the team he expected.
“I talked to them a lot at the combine,” said Barwin, who grew up in Hazel Park and attended U-D Jesuit for high school. “They showed interest at the combine but I hadn’t heard much from them since.”
All his questions were quickly answered. Though Barwin played his first three years at Cincinnati as a tight end, he made his mark last year on defense, the side where he will stay, the Texans told him.
“When I get a chance to rush the passer, I’m at my best,” he said. “I’m playing defense and that’s definitely good. I can start concentrating on my pass rush moves.”
Playing opposite Mario Williams probably won’t hurt either.
Barwin is in a unique situation at Cincinnati because the school is on the quarter system. Because of that, he can’t participate in a Texans minicamp until after his class finishes in mid-June.
Though he will get a little taste of Houston today when the Texans fly his whole family down for a press conference.
Barwin may have lasted longer than he expected but he still drew significant praise after the pick.
“He might be the most versatile player in this draft,” ESPN analyst Todd McShay said after Barwin was picked. “He started at tight end, switched over this past spring to defensive end, showed a lot of promise, had one of the best workouts in terms of any player in this year’s combine showing speed, explosiveness and I think he can play outside linebacker in the NFL and cover kicks. So you’re talking about a player that can provide a lot in terms of production at this point in the second round.”
Barwin was the second player with Michigan ties to be selected. Western Michigan safety Louis Delmas was taken by Detroit with the first pick of the second round, No. 33.
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Cincinnati's Barwin boasts versatility entering draft Wednesday, April 22, 2009 Last updated: Wednesday April 22, 2009, 9:14 AM BY VINNY DITRANI NorthJersey.comSTAFF WRITER
When tight end Connor Barwin reported for spring practice last year, Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly had a little surprise for him. The Bearcats were short on defensive ends, and Kelly asked Barwin if he would like to switch sides.
"Coach, I never thought about it," Barwin replied.
Nevertheless, Kelly told Barwin they were going to try him at defensive end in the spring, but quickly amended his comment.
"That's now your starting position, and this is going to work," Kelly said.
And work it did. The 6-foot-3 3/4, 256-pounder led the Big East in sacks with 12 as he took little time adjusting to his new spot.
"I bought in pretty quickly," Barwin said. "[Kelly] told me it was going to help my versatility to get into the NFL. He said you might be a better defensive end."
Now Barwin faces perhaps another position transition. Because he may be too light to play defensive end in the NFL, teams are looking at him as an outside linebacker, particularly one who can rush off the corner out of a 3-4 set.
"I'm very confident I can play that," he said. "I'm kind of intrigued that a lot of teams see me rising at that position because that's the one I haven't played. It's exciting for me to think that I could play that position, knowing my own personal skill sets.
"The ability to play a number of different positions increases your value."
Whichever team selects Barwin in Saturday's NFL draft will get a player who has shown he can play defense and was a clutch receiver as a tight end; he could be helpful in red-zone situations. He also is a top-flight special teams player with three blocked kicks in 2008.
"I think I'm one of the best athletes in the draft," he said. "I think right away I'm
going to contribute on special teams. I already played them throughout my whole career."
That athleticism allowed him to walk on to the Bearcats' basketball team for a couple of seasons. He lettered twice, averaging 1.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in limited action. He also showed a defensive mentality by blocking 13 shots.
"I got by with athleticism and my passion and enjoyment of doing it," he said of his one football season on defense. "I did a self-scout and felt like I should've had four or five more sacks. I was mad, but excited to think about it.
"I know the two-way thing can't happen unless it's in a red zone situation. I'm intrigued about fully diving into a position and learning the full technique and the intangibles, and other things about whatever position it is."
April 25-26, 2009 ANTOINE CALDWELL Offensive Center Height: 6-3 Weight: 307 Drafted: 3rd round (77th overall) University of Alabama CAREER: Caldwell started 48 games during his career at Alabama, including 34 at center, twelve at left offensive guard, one at right guard and one at right tackle... During his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he participated in 1,569 offensive snaps, registering 167 knockdowns key blocks with 22 touchdown-resulting blocks and 17 more blocks down field... Allowed just one quarterback sack on 806 pass plays during his final 23 games... Caldwell is one of eight players in school history to serve as team captain twice in a career...An excellent student, Caldwell became the first Crimson Tide football player to graduate in under three years, earning his degree in Human Environmental Sciences… recipient of the 2008 Mal Moore Leadership Award… Rimington Award (nation's best center) finalist. 2008: All-American first-team selection by the American Football Coaches Association and The Sporting News, adding third team accolades from The NFL Draft Report... Consensus All-Southeastern Conference first-team pick... Recipient of the team's Mal Moore Leadership Award... Named the team's Most Inspirational Player, Caldwell was a candidate for the Lowe's Senior Class Award, which focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages those leaders to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact on their circle of influence... Named ESPNISEC Offensive Lineman of the Week vs. Georgia and Tennessee and was selected team Player of the Game vs. Western Kentucky (also earned SEC Outstanding Player Performance honors vs. WKU), Louisiana State and Auburn.. .In fourteen games as the starting center, Caldwell delivered a career-high 92 knockdownsl key blocks and fourteen touchdown-resulting blocks, adding ten more blocks down field...Allowed no QB sacks and just three pressures on 334 pass plays...Only once was a defender able to penetrate his territory to make a tackle in the Tide backfield... Helped the team average 184.64 yards rushing, 171.14 yards passing, 355.79 yards in total offense and 30.14 points per game. 2007: Caldwell, a member of the Rimington Award Watch List, started the team's first five games and the Independence Bowl vs. Colorado at center... His versatility proved invaluable when injuries depleted the offensive line's depth, as he started at left guard vs. Houston and right guard vs. Mississippi... Caldwell returned to action for the season finale vs. Auburn, starting that contest at right tackle... Despite all of his position shifting and missing four games, Caldwell produced 75knockdowns key blocks, seven down field blocks and eight touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 84.67% for blocking consistency... He allowed just one quarterback sack and four pressures on 320 pass plays.
2006: Caldwell garnered All-Southeastern Conference honors from the league's coaches in his first full season as the Tide's starting center... A member of the Rimington Award Watch List, he was also named S EC Offensive Lineman of the Week vs. Hawaii... Registered 58 knockdowns, ranking second on the team, as he also produced eight touchdown-resulting blocks... One of just five players on the team to log over 800 plays (810) during the regular season. 2005: Freshman All-American first-team selection by Rivals.com, earning second-team honors from College Football News... Freshman All-SEC first-team and All-SEC honorable mention from the league's coaches... Earned the Paul Crane Most Improved Offensive Lineman Award... Started the team's first eleven games at left offensive guard before shifting to center vs. Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl... registered 62 knockdowns while participating in 772 snaps. 2004: Redshirted as a freshman, performing on the scout team as an offensive guard after he recovered from a broken bone in his foot. PERSONAL: Attended Lee (Montgomery, Ala.) High School... Allowed just one quarterback sack and graded 85% for blocking consistency as a senior, earning All-State first-team honors... That year, he was rated the tenth-best overall prospect in the state of Alabama by Super Prep magazine…Graduated in 2006 with a degree in Human Environmental Sciences, the girst Tide football player to finish his courses in less than three years... Son of Priscilla and Mack Caldwell... Has an older brother, Arsenio and a twin brother, Anthony... Born 4119/86... Resides in Montgomery, Alabama.
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
C Antoine Caldwell
(Conference Call transcribed by Sam Shainsky) (On if he sees challenges adjusting from Alabama’s man blocking schemes to Texans’ zone blocking) “No, not at all. When I was at Alabama, for the five years I was there, we did it both ways. We did a lot of man schemes my first years, but we did zone schemes for my last two years that I was there. I don’t think it will be a problem at all. I’m accustomed to doing both. I’m just really excited to be out there.” (On his versatility and playing multiple OL positions) “At Alabama I was privileged enough to do it. My coaches had faith in me and depended on me to do a lot of that. While I was at Alabama I played everything but left tackle. I was able to do that for five years while I was there. Now I’m hoping that in Houston they’ll need me to do that and if they do then I’ll be able to do that.” (On if he prefers one OL position) “No not at all. Beggars can’t be choosers. I’m just trying to get in wherever I can.” (On transition from starter to backup) “I’m just going to be a sponge to everything. Even if I have to sit back, I’ll sit back and learn from the guys ahead of me. I just want to go in there and compete. I’ve learned at Alabama that competition raises the play of everybody, and I want to go ahead and do that.” (On what he hopes to bring to the Texans) “I hope to bring a sense of leadership – even if it’s playing a backup role. Being a guy that’s going to be dependable, a guy that’s going to be consistent, a guy that’s going to be a leader day in and day out and a guy that does the right things on and off the field. Hopefully that’s what I’ll bring to the Texans.” (On comfort playing both guard positions) “I think I’ll be really comfortable playing center or guard. I think the key to that is knowing all of the positions. At Alabama I knew what everybody had to do. At center, at guard, at tackle, I knew everybody’s assignments. I knew my own. Being able to have a good knowledge of the game allows you to play fast and play any position. That’s what I did at Alabama and I’ll be sure to get on top of things as soon as I get to Houston.” (On playing with former teammate at Alabama LB DeMeco Ryans in the NFL) “I definitely am excited. DeMeco was a mentor to me when I was at Alabama. He kind of put me under his wing. I’ve always admired the way he worked, I admire his leadership. To actually be a part of his team now, and I know he’s done a great job out there [in Houston], I’m just excited and it’s truly a blessing. I’m looking forward to it.”
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan
(Press conference transcribed by Charles Hampton) (Opening statement) “We’re real happy with our selection. We took Antoine Caldwell from Alabama. He fills a very good need for us. We’ve been very fortunate this year. We’ve got five offensive linemen who played in all 16 games. Not something that happens a lot. But when you dress seven offensive linemen on game days, you need a guy like Antoine. He’s a guy who has played ever single position – he’s played all five of them. He can play center. He can play both guards. His value as far as versatility we feel is a great get for us.” (On if they are looking for a running back in the 4th round) “We’d always like to add some depth, you know, we feel good about our 11 starters on offense so right now our mindset is, ‘Who can help us the most in these backup roles? Who can still contribute?’ If there is a runner there, we would like to get a runner. The later you go, the odds of there being one slims down. We’ve got some holes on defense we need to fill, too. We’ve got a guy at every position that we think can help us, at least in a backup role. It all depends on the value compared to some holes on defense and some other positions.” (On if Caldwell will start off as a center) “Yes, yeah we’ll start him out at center, but we expect him right now to be our swing guy on gameday.” (On if Caldwell will compete for a starting job) “We do not expect him to push (C Chris) Meyers right now. We are very happy with Chris. He did a hell of a job this year. We think he is a great center and we did not at all bring him here to replace him.” (On if Caldwell has used the zone blocking scheme) “They do use a zone. They do a lot of gap blocking – do a lot of power and stuff, but they do some zone. We think he can make the transition because he is a quick, agile guy and he can play all three of those spots. He’s quick and agile and he does have some snap and some power that makes him very versatile.” (On if it was tough to bypass a running back as an Offensive Coordinator) “It was. It would’ve been tough at the beginning of the day for me personally, but those two guys (Shonne Greene, Glen Coffee) that went today were pretty good players so that made it a little easier to go with this guy.” (On the importance of depth) “It is extremely important. This year, we didn’t have one guy get hurt (on the OL) which is has been my first time in my career where not one offensive lineman has missed a game. We need to have five offensive line positions, and you only dress seven on gamedays, that’s an issue. You’ve got five guys, so you’d ideally want to dress ten guys so each guy has a backup and that’s not possible with the roster
spots. So you need a guy who is capable of playing all three spots. Now we got that guy and it’s as important as anything. Last year, we were keeping our fingers crossed that nobody gets hurt, and it obviously was not as important but that’s because we’re I’d like to say lucky that all five guys stayed healthy the whole year. The odds of that happening again are not very high. We need a guy like this.”
April 27, 2009
NFL DRAFT: Caldwell to come through on family promise
By Tim Gayle
Antoine Caldwell was able to live out two dreams on Sunday.
The first came less than an hour into Sunday's National Football League draft when he was selected by the Houston Texans with the 13th pick of the third round.
Moments later, he went to his car parked in front of his parents' north Montgomery home and returned with a pair of "For Sale" signs he had purchased for the home.
"It's a signal to show thanks for all the hard work they put in with me to get me to this point," Caldwell said. "I feel like I've been blessed with the best two parents anybody can have. To be able to go through this whole journey and get to draft day and see your name called and see how happy everybody is, is truly a blessing.
"One of the first things I want to do is get my parents a house. I want to do what a lot of guys do, not only me, but a lot of guys who come from a rough neighborhood. That's the first thing I'm going to do. I don't care where I'm living in Houston. I just want to get them squared away first. We can work with whatever I've got left after that."
His mother, Priscilla, wasn't the least bit surprised when her son came through the front door with his latest purchase.
"When he was 5 or 6 years old," she recalled, "he told me on the ball field, 'Mama, I'm going to do two things for you in life. I want to play football and I want you to support me, and the second thing is I'm going to buy you a great big house.' And he gave me a hug and a big kiss. That's the one thing I was so proud to see that the Lord had brought that to pass."
Caldwell had watched the first two rounds of the draft on Saturday with his parents, brothers Arsenio and Anthony and former teammate B.J. Stabler, but wasn't one of the three centers selected on the first day of the draft. The disappointment was erased at 9:57 a.m. when he received a call from the Texans, alerting him to their plan.
"When their number popped up (on the cell phone), it shocked the hell out of me," he said. "I had in my mind I was either going to go to Atlanta or Denver or Pittsburgh in the third round. I talked my agent (Richard Rosa) on Saturday night, and he was thinking it was either going to be Atlanta or Denver. I knew Atlanta had liked me through the whole process.
"I didn't expect Houston at all. That's why everybody watches the draft."
Actually, the Texans wanted to draft either Shonn Greene or Caldwell's former teammate Glen Coffee, but both running backs were gone. Atlanta wanted to draft Caldwell, but was making their selection after the Texans.
"I heard the (Houston) coaches back there (in the background) whooping and hollering," Caldwell said. "He said 'I can't believe you fell to us.' Atlanta had made a call to trade up to get me and once he heard that I was still on the board, he said, 'We'll listen to your offer and call you back.' I think he pulled a quick one on them. He turned the card in and picked me."
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Caldwell was one of six state players taken on the second day of the draft. Dallas County's Michael Johnson was the first player taken, as the Georgia Tech defensive end was nabbed by the Bengals with the sixth pick of the third round.
After Coffee was grabbed by the 49ers with the 10th pick and Caldwell was selected with the 13th pick, the Arizona Cardinals picked up Tide safety Rashad Johnson with the 31st pick of the third round. West Blocton's Sammie Lee Hill, a defensive tackle for Stillman College, was taken by the Detroit Lions with the 15th pick in the fourth round, and Auburn guard Tyronne Green went to the Chargers with the 33rd pick of the fourth round.
Caldwell said he was a "little let down" after not being selected Saturday, but his father quickly put the setback in perspective.
"I guess you could say there's some disappointment," Mack Caldwell said, "but when you say 'disappointment' and 'NFL,' there's really no disappointment. We're just blessed and thankful to be in this position. Think of all the young guys he played with who would like to be in this position that, for whatever reason, the path didn't lead them this far.
"There's so many things you're thankful for," Mack Caldwell said. "He's the first player to graduate from Alabama in less than three years. No matter what happens, he's still the first. Stats can be broken, but some things you're always going to be first in, and that's something we're proud of. Even after the football is over, he's still got something to fall back on."
Caldwell's selection made sense to offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, even though the Texans have proven starters in guards Chester Pitts and Mike Brisiel and center Chris Myers.
"He can play center, he can play both guards and his value as far as versatility, we feel, is a great gift for us," Shanahan said. "We'll start him out at center but we expect him to be our 'swing' guy on game day. We do not expect him to push Myers right now. We're very happy with Chris."
Caldwell was happy to be reunited with former Alabama teammate Demeco Ryans, who was drafted by the Texans in 2006.
Caldwell said Ryans was "not just a former teammate, but a guy who took me under his wing. When I got there, I think he saw the potential I had and he taught me a lot. He told me I had to get the guys going on the offensive line because we were kind of the weak point on that team. To have a guy like that -- he's pretty much the captain of the team out there -- to say I played with a guy like that and know him can only be a huge plus for me."
Of course, there's the question of No. 59, Caldwell's number in college and Ryans' current number in the pros.
"We're going to see if we can work that out," Caldwell said. "I might have to slide him a little something out of my first check to get that number off of him."
His first check also may be used to buy new Texans' apparel for the family. Mack is a Steelers' fans, Priscilla pulls for the Titans, older brother Arsenio loves the 49ers and Antoine has always followed the Dolphins.
"It's just a blessing from the Lord," Arsenio said. "It's been a long time coming and I'm proud of him. I will be pulling for the 49ers but when they play the Texans, I'm going to have to hop over to the Texans' side."
Antoine's twin brother Anthony predicted brighter days for the eight-year-old NFL franchise, which has finished in last place in its division every year but twice and has never posted a winning record.
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Texans add Alabama OL Caldwell in third round 07:17 PM CDT on Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Associated Press
HOUSTON – The Houston Texans addressed their biggest needs in this year's draft, picking up linebacker Brian Cushing in the first round and beefing up their secondary with three picks on Sunday.
Houston started the day by drafting Antoine Caldwell, an offensive lineman from Alabama, in the third round with the 77th pick.
The versatile four-year starter saw time at all but one position on the line in his college career.
"I think I'll be really comfortable playing center or guard," Caldwell said. "I think the key to that is knowing all of the positions. At Alabama I knew what everybody had to do ... (having) a good knowledge of the game allows you to play fast and play any position."
He spent the most time at center, getting 34 of his 48 career starts at the position. Caldwell was part of a line that allowed just one sack in 806 pass plays during his final 23 games.
The Texans expect to use the 6-foot-3, 309-pound player as their swing lineman on game day because of his versatility.
Alabama used some zone blocking last season, which should help Caldwell adjust to Houston's zone blocking schemes.
"We think he can make the transition because he is a quick, agile guy and he can play all three of those spots," offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. "He does have some snap and some power that makes him very versatile."
He is Houston's third pick in this year's draft after the team took Cushing with the 15th pick and Cincinnati defensive end Connor Barwin in the second round.
The Texans had an extra pick in the fourth round thanks to the trade that sent backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota. Houston got some help in the secondary with the 112th pick, drafting physical New Mexico cornerback Glover Quin.
Quin said he could also play safety if the Texans wanted to use him that way.
"I'm a defensive back and one thing I pride myself on is being versatile," Quin said. "So I want to come in and work as a corner and if I need to move to free safety ... (I'll) do whatever I have to do to help the team."
Page 1 of 2Texans add Alabama OL Caldwell in third round | NFL News | Sports News | News for D...
They continued adding players to the secondary in the later rounds, drafting speedy Utah cornerback Brice McCain in the sixth round and safety Troy Nolan of Arizona State in the seventh.
The Texans added North Carolina State tight end Anthony Hill with the 122nd pick and stayed with tight end in the fifth round, picking up James Casey of Rice at No. 152.
Casey is a bit older than most NFL rookies at 24 years old after spending three years in the White Sox farm system.
"It's unbelievable," said Casey, who lives less then five minutes from Reliant Stadium. "This couldn't have worked out any better."
Page 2 of 2Texans add Alabama OL Caldwell in third round | NFL News | Sports News | News for D...
April 25-26, 2009 GLOVER QUIN Cornerback Height: 5-11 Weight: 200 Drafted: 4th round (112th overall) University of New Mexico
CAREER: Three-year starter who was one of the premier cover men in the Mountain West...turned his finest season in 2008, earning consensus first team all-MWC honors after being an Honorable Mention pick his first two years...he and 2007 1st team all-MWC selection DeAndre Wright gave UNM one of the top cornerback tandems in the country in their three years together and led the Lobo pass defense to a No. 20 national ranking in 2007...a big-hitting, lock-down corner, he used outstanding technique and physical play to frustrate opposing receivers...sensational against outside runs and screens...156 tackles, a school record 32 pass break-ups (4th MWC) and 7 interceptions in just 36 career games (34 starts).
2008: First team all-MWC selection...voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates - the first defensive back since Brian Urlacher in 1999 and first corner ever to win the award...led the MWC (T-19th nationally, 0.42/game) with a career-high 5 interceptions (95 yards) and ranked 1st in the league (T-8th nationally, 1.33/game) with 16 passes defended, including 11 break-ups...53 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss (4 solo, 1 assisted) - the most ever by a Lobo cornerback
2007: Honorable Mention all-MWC selection who overcame a serious injury to re-join teammate DeAndre Wright as one of the top corners in the MWC during the second half of the seaso....returned to part-time action in week 5 vs. BYU and played his first pain-free game of the season at Wyoming (week 6) following the bye week...the Lobos' pass defense was markedly better with Quin back to 100%, allowing an average of just 161 passing yards the final 8 games with him completely healthy.
2006: Honorable Mention all-MWC pick who improved his consistency in coverage and confidence within the defensive scheme in each of his 13 starts...led the MWC with 12 pass break-ups and was second in the league, behind teammate DeAndre Wright, with 12 passes defended...was outstanding in run support and shooting up field to defeat screen passes and runs to the perimeter...ranked 3rd on the team (29th MWC) with 63 tackles, which was the most by a UNM corner since Art Celestine had 72 in 1995...also had 2 tackles for loss, forced and recovered a fumble...8 PBUs in 8 conference games (1st MWC).
SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI CC: Posted 40 tackles, 8 deflections, 2 interceptions and a TD in 2005 for head coach Dom Green...broke his right arm the second game of the 2004 season and missed the remainder of the year.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of North Pike HS in Summit...four-year letterman in football and basketball, and he was the Jaguar's team MVP in both sports as a senior...totaled 2,552 rushing yards, 224 tackles and 13 interceptions in his prep career...played for head coach Adam Barron...received the U.S. Army Scholar-Athlete Award.
PERSONAL: Born in McComb, Miss...full name is Glover Freeman Quin Jr...son of Glover and Annie...has three sisters...graduated with a degree in Business Administration in December of 2008.
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
3rd Round Pick, Glover Quin
(Conference Call transcribed by Charles Hampton) (On how he can help the Texans defense) “I think it will help them bringing in some toughness, bringing in some physical play at the corner position to add to the defense.” (On if he’d have any problems moving to free safety) “No sir. I don’t think it would be a problem at all. I’m a defensive back and one thing I pride myself on is being versatile so I want to come in and work as a corner and if I need to move to free safety, work as a free safety, and do whatever I have to do to help the team.” (On his special teams abilities) “I think I can play all special teams and I can return kicks, I can cover kicks, anything that I am asked to do on special teams, I can do it. So, I think that will help out a lot, too.” (On if they told him whether or not he’d play corner) “Yes sir. They told me I was coming in as a corner – looking to play a nickel corner. Just keep practicing and, you know, try and move into the starting lineup.”
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Quin's journey from junior college to Texans' roster was full of setbacks Two Lobos drafted in NFL
By: Isaac Avilucea
Posted: 4/27/09
The parallels are all there. On Sept. 8, 2002, the Houston Texans became the first team in 41 years to win in its expansion debut, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 19-10. Sunday, former UNM cornerback Glover Quin, the first person in his county to play Division-I football, reached the summit of football and is surely the first person from his small Mississippi county to be drafted in the NFL. Quin was selected in the fourth round, the 112th overall pick. And who better to draft him than the Texans? "Every experience I went through to get to this point - the journey - everybody's journey is different," Quin said. Before Sunday, Quin said Houston had never phoned him. As it goes, their journeys, the franchise's and Quin's, have been strikingly similar. It goes back years ago, to 1997, before Quin was even a Lobo and before he became the seventh UNM player to be selected in the NFL Draft since 2005. Two weeks after Bob McNair and Chuck Watson's attempt to bring an NHL hockey team to the city of Houston was derailed, Houston Oilers owner Bud Adams received final approval to relocate his franchise to Tennessee. Houston found itself deprived of a professional football team for the first time since 1959. Years later, Quin knew the feeling. He was almost deprived of football. "Going into senior year, I didn't get big-time recruited," Quin said. But football, in the city of Houston, would make a glorious comeback, returning to the city in 2002. Years later, in 2005, Quin would have to make one, too, if he wanted to salvage a shot at his dream. Forced to settle and spend a year at Southwest Mississippi Community College, Quin's chance to showcase his talent was zapped in '04 when he suffered a broken arm two games into the season. "That kind of got me down because I wanted to leave early," Quin said. "I thought that would hinder my chance of going D-I." Meanwhile, the Texans had just concluded their most successful season in their infant history, going 7-9. But in 2005, things soured. A 7-9 record turned into 2-14 a year later.
Page 1 of 2Daily Lobo - Quin's journey from junior college to Texans' roster was full of setbacks
In the same year, one in which Quin needed to make up for lost time, Hurricane Katrina shortened his junior college's schedule from nine games to seven. But once again, because of injury, Quin played in just five games. In his junior year after transferring to UNM, Quin had surgery to repair his damaged groin. "When I came to New Mexico, getting injured was just like, 'Man, I can't not get away from this injury bug,'" Quin said. When would this one-step-forward-two-steps-back curse subside for Quin and the Texans? In 2008. With Reliant Stadium damaged by Hurricane Ike, the Texans were forced to flee their home and play three consecutive road games before returning in October. But under the circumstances, Houston pulled together, tying a franchise-best with eight wins - its second .500 season in a row. Free of injury and completely healthy for the first time in years, Quin compiled a fine senior season. He earned first team All-Mountain West Conference honors, after tying a school record with 32 pass breakups in just 36 career games. On Sunday, the Texans made Quin a part of their organization and the first UNM corner drafted since 1988, when Ramos McDonald went to the Minnesota Vikings in the third round. "Getting to play there is a great situation," Quin said Eerily perfect, considering their analogous nature. Quin has earned the right to call himself a Texan - something that has been years in the making.
April 25-26, 2009 ANTHONY HILL Tight End Height: Weight: Drafted: 4th round (122 overall) North Carolina State University CAREER: Finished his career with 79 receptions for 852 yards and five touchdowns….saw action in 37 games, while missing an entire season due to injury…finished with a 10.8 yards-per-catch average…three-year started in the ACC…accomplished blocker and good hands. 2008: Returned from a knee injury and saw action in nine games…caught 19 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns…strong blocker and gave quarterback a big target down field. 2007: Suffered a torn ACL in July and underwent surgery before preseason camp began... had been named to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end…missed 2008 spring workouts, but hopes to be ready for fall camp. 2006: A second-team 2006 All-ACC performer, he was the Wolfpack's leading receiver with 45 catches - 15 more than any other NC State player…ranked fifth in the ACC with 3.75 receptions per game…most experienced player on offense, he has seen action in 1,038 snaps for his career…pulled down the longest catch of his career, a 29-yarder, versus Maryland…led the team in receiving six times, including Akron and UNC when he had a career-high seven grabs…84 receiving yards against UNC was a career-high as well. 2005: Started 11 of 12 games…scored his first career touchdown in the win at ninth-ranked Florida State, that ended up being the game winner…tallied an incredible eight knockdown blocks against the Seminoles, a record for a Wolfpack tight end and a mark that tied for the team high…pulled in a career-high four grabs in the loss at Wake Forest…named the Wolfpack's most dependable tight end following 2006 spring drills. 2004: Saw action in four contests, including a season-high of 12 snaps in the win over East Carolina in the season finale…did not have a catch for the season …co-recipient of the Most Improved tight end award following 2005 spring drills…named the King of the Boards for the offense as well. PERSONAL: Played one season at Hargrave Military Academy…collected 10 catches after switching to tight end from the defensive side of the ball…played defensive end in high school…rated No. 44 nationally at his position by Rivals.com…Hargrave teammate of former Wolfpack wide receiver Darrell Blackman…majored in sports management .
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
TE Anthony Hill
(Transcribed by Deon Reynolds) (On how exciting it is for him to play in his hometown) “I’m really excited and it’s definitely a blessing just to be back here in Houston. I think the last time I played here was about 7-8 years ago. So it’s really a blessing to be back.” (On what are his strong suits as a tight end) “I really think that I’m a tight end that can block really well. I also feel like I can come in and catch the ball and be a threat in the passing game as well.” (On if he had the opportunity to speak with any of the Texans coaches or General Manager Rick Smith) “I had the opportunity to talk to them when they picked me. They congratulated me and told me that I was a big physical guy and a good tight end and they were looking forward to coaching me.” (On his memories of playing with Texans DE Mario Williams at NC State) “He was huge and a really good guy. He was a hard worker and came in everyday and did what he had to do and as you can see he’s not doing too bad now.” (On going against Williams during practice at NC State) “It was good. We really competed a whole lot. I think I was a freshman or a sophomore at the time. I believe having the opportunity of going against such a great defensive end everyday is one of the reasons I made it here today.” (On his personal goals as a rookie in the NFL) “I’m just planning on coming in and giving everything that I have. Also, do what ever the coaches ask me to do and play my role.”
Scout.com > North Carolina State
Hill Selected by Hometown Texans
James Henderson PackPride.com
Apr 26, 2009
NC State tight end Anthony Hill is a happy man as he was selected No. 122 overall and in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Hill's family resides in Houston. NC State tight end Anthony Hill was selected No. 122 overall and in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.
Hill was the sixth tight end picked in the draft and the second from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
During his career, Hill was one of the most versatile tight ends in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The 6-foot-5, 262-pounder is known as a devastating pass blocker who is extremely physical and capable of making plays in the passing game. He had a breakout season in 2006, recording 45 catches for 478 yards to garner second-team All-ACC honors.
However, he was sidelined all of 2007 with a knee injury and missed some of 2008 with a chest injury. He still managed to total 19 catches and four scores, and remained on the radar of NFL scouts.
April 25-26, 2009 James Casey Tight End Height: 6-3 Weight: 243 Drafted: 5th round (152nd overall) Rice University CAREER: Casey started 17-of-25 games at Rice, catching 157 passes for 1,914 yards (12.19 avg) and seventeen touchdowns... His 157 receptions rank third in school history behind teammate Jarett Dillard (292, 2005-08) and Eric Henley (186, 1988-91)...His 1,914 receiving yards placed fourth in Rice annals, topped by Dillard's 4,138 yards, Henley's 2,199 and David Houser's 2,358 (1974, 1976-78)... his seventeen touchdown catches are topped only by Dillard (60) and Houser (18) on the school all-time record chart... added eleven touchdowns on 102 carries for 392 yards (3.84 avg)...completed 4-of-12 passes for 37 yards, two touchdowns and one interception...returned 15 punts for 117 yards (7.8 avg) and gained 2,393 all-purpose yards, an average of 95.72 yards per game...set school season-records with 111 receptions for 1,329 yards in 2008, topping the old marks of 91 catches for 1,247 yards by Jarett Dillard in 2006... Became the first player in school history to catch more than 100 passes in a season, setting the Conference USA annual record in the process, as only Casey and Arnold Jackson of Louisville (101 in 1999) reached the century mark in a season in league annals... His 1,329 receiving yards placed third on the C-USA season-record chart behind Donnie Avery of Houston (1,456 in 2007) and Roddy White of Alabama-Birmingham (1,452 in 2004)... his thirteen touchdown receptions rank fourth on the Rice season-record list behind Jarett Dillard (14 in 2007,20 in 2008, 21 in 2006) and placed seventh on the C-USA annual record chart... 2008: All-American first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report, earning third-team honors from Rivals.com...Academic All-American second-team choice by ESPN...Unanimous first-team All-Conference USA pick... Named league Offensive Player of the Week vs. Memphis, Texas-EI Paso and Houston... Started all thirteen games at the "Y" receiver position, but also saw action at the other three receiver spots, in addition to playing quarterback and returning punts... Set the school season-records as he caught 111-of-142 passes targeted to him (78.17%) for 1,329 yards (12.0 avg) and thirteen touchdowns... Led the conference and ranked second in the nation with an average of 8.54 receptions per game... Place second in the league and seventh nationally with an average of 192.23 receiving yards per game...67 of his receptions (60.36%) produced first downs, as he converted 14-of-25 third-down throws (56%)... Proving to be the team's "money player," 32 of his receptions came inside the red zone, as he had big catches to set up 27 touchdown drives and three other series that ended with field goals. 2007: Freshman All American first-team selection by the Football Writers Association, adding second-team honors from The Sporting News and R.ivals.com...Consensus Conference USA All-Freshman Team choice... Named the Athletic Department's
Freshman of the Year at the end of the 2007-08 school year...Awarded the Conference USA Academic Medal for posting a grade point average of better than 3.75... Started four of twelve games, ranking second on the team with 46 receptions for 585 yards (12.7 avg) and four touchdowns... Carried 45 times for 144 yards (3.2 avg) and five scores... Completed 2-of-7 passes (28.6%) for 32 yards and one interception... Returned one punt for 5 yards... Played seven different positions vs. Southern Mississippi, making three tackles (2 solos) that included an assisted sack, 1.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, two catches for 16 yards and twelve carriers for 38 yards and a touchdown... Gained over 100 yards receiving in each of the Marshall, Tulane and Tulsa clashes. 2006: Retired from pro baseball at the end of the 2006 baseball season and sent out inquiries to a number of schools, including Rice, where former HS teammate (Dustin Hufsey) was on the team and forwarded his information on to the coaching staff. PERSONAL: Holds a 3.84 grade point average with a triple major in Economics, Managerial Studies and Sports Management... Son of Jerry and the late Susan Casey... Married, wife's name is Kylie... Born James Byron Casey on 9/22/84 in Fort Worth, Texas... Resides in Azle, Texas…Attended Azle (Tex.) High SchooL... Standout in both football and basebalL... Earned AII- District honors as a quarterback during 'his junior campaign in 2001... Missed most of his senior football season with injury problems... Named All-State and Academic All-State in baseball and was named District 6-4A Most Valuable Player as a senior... Threw a no-hitter in first varsity game... Member of the National Honor Society at Azle High…selected in the seventh round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft by the Chicago White Sox.
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
5th Round Draft Pick, James Casey
(Transcribed by Charles Hampton) (Opening statement) “First of all, it’s obviously a dream come true to be drafted into the NFL and get a chance to play in the NFL. It’s something that I’ve dreamed about my whole life and just my whole goal was to get into the NFL. On top of that, to be drafted by the Texans is just unbelievable. It couldn’t have worked out any better for me. You know, I went to Rice here in Houston, I’ve been here, I live here. It’s great. I love Houston. I got a lot of friends and family in Houston, so like I said again it couldn’t have worked out any better. I’m just so happy to be in Houston right now. I’m so excited about the opportunity. I saw (owner) Mr. (Bob) McNair earlier and I told him, ‘Thanks for taking a chance with me and I’m going to give you everything that I’ve got and try to help the team win and just hope for the best and keep working hard.’ I’m just so happy. I can’t even really describe it. It’s been so fast. I got drafted like fifteen minutes ago. I’m so happy just to get drafted, just to be in Houston, and it couldn’t have worked out any better.” (On if he feels any added pressure being a local guy) “No sir. I feel even less pressure now being in Houston, being from the area and being familiar with everything. I don’t have to go to a different city and get used to everything else. So I feel even less pressure being in Houston. I’m familiar with the coaches a little bit here and with the Texans. So it’s just a great opportunity and I’m just so much looking forward to it.” (On if he thought the Texas Bowl gave him added exposure to the Texans staff) “I think it did. We just got done playing our bowl game here at Reliant Stadium against Western Michigan on the NFL Network. So, I think it really did get exposure out to Rice, and let some more people see me that may not have seen me. My last game was here at Reliant Stadium and hopefully my next game is going to be here too. So, it couldn’t have worked out any better. I’ll probably keep saying that over and over. But, I’m so happy to have it this way and I’m just happy to be here right now.” (On what was going through his head when he found out he was drafted) “From when I got the call, it was just complete chaos. I was sitting around all day yesterday, all day today, just hoping someone would take a chance with me. Then finally I got the call from the general manager, Rick Smith, who said they took me. My wife and all my family around were all going crazy. They asked, ‘Can you make it to here (Reliant Stadium)?’ I was like, ‘Of course. I live like a mile away from here.’ So they said, ‘Well, can you be here in like 15 minutes?’ and I said, ‘Sure, I can be there in 5 minutes.’ So, I just got dressed really fast because I was just wearing some casual clothes, me and my wife. I think that is the fastest I’ve ever seen her get ready. We drove straight over here and here I am. It’s just been chaos ever since. I’ve had probably 30 text messages that I haven’t been able to respond to yet because I’ve been coming over here.”
(On if day one of the draft was difficult not having been drafted) “Yeah, it was difficult. I thought going into it, I was expecting third or fourth round and hoping maybe possibly someone would take a shot at me in the second round. But it didn’t work out that way. That’s just going to serve to motivate me even more. I like to see it of course that the Texans got a steal at this pick. Of course I think that, going in the 5th round. It kind of balances out going in the 5th round, but I went to the Texans. I get to stay in Houston, being from Rice. So it’s a great opportunity that way and for all those teams that passed on me, it’s another thing that motivates me. Stuff that has motivated me my whole life is when people doubt me. So, I’m really going to use that as motivation to show people that I’m a lot better than people think and I’m going to use that with the Houston Texans and hopefully show everybody how good I am.” (On if he was packed up or waiting around to see where he would go) “Well, just as the process went, we didn’t know where we were gonna go. So we just started packing things up just in case we had to go somewhere. We live in an apartment that is literally like maybe a mile and a half or two miles from here, just on the other side of (highway) 610. Our lease is up anyway, so we’re going to have to move, but I can stay in the same apartment or I’ve got a lot of friends and family from Rice and everything around here that probably can help me find somewhere to live pretty easily. I’m obviously familiar with the area. It’s great. We can stay in the same apartment if we want to.” (On if he will have knowledge for younger draft picks having been drafted to play professional baseball) “Coming in, being a rookie, I don’t know how much I’ll be able to help the other guys because I’ve gotta worry about myself a lot, just to make the team. But I think it helps me out personally playing for the White Sox in the minor leagues and understanding professional sports and how it works, being more mature. Going into Rice, what I learned from professional sports, really helped me out and was the reason I was real successful at Rice. So I’m going to take the same mentality going into things here with the Texans. I think it’s going to help me out a lot if anybody asks me for any kind of advice about professional sports or anything like, it may help a little.” (On if he was happy for Rice teammate Jarrett Dillard) “I was extremely happy. I saw his name go to the Jaguars and I sent him a text message right away. It’s been great to have somebody to go through the process with. Coming from Rice, its not a big top school, so we don’t get a lot of notoriety that other guys get from being from big schools. So to have two guys go in the 5th round, you know, obviously we were both hoping to go really high but still the 5th round, you’re getting drafted into the NFL. Not many guys get to do that. I’ve been with him through this whole process. We’ve been working out together just down the road at Rice. We talked just recently after I got drafted, and we’re both just so excited. Hopefully, we’re going to try and go into the league and show people what guys at Rice can do and show them that we can be successful even though we’re from Rice.” (On if there will be trash-talking between him and Dillard) “Yeah, I’ll probably be doing some trash talking when I see him. You know – the competitiveness. He’s a real competitive guy too but also we’re from Rice so we’re going to be on each other’s side but when we play each other, of course, he’s going to be the opponent.”
(On if it is important to him to make an impact on special teams) “Of course. That’s probably going to be my priority going into camp and just trying to show the coaches that I can play special teams and I’m definitely more than willing to play any special teams that they would like. I did a lot at Rice. I was a punt returner. I did holding. I may not be asked to do that stuff here but I can be on the kickoff team, kick return, anything special teams that they want me to do I will be more than willing to do it. I’m going to give everything I’ve got on special teams because I know how important that is to make the team.” (On if he thought he would be here back when he was playing minor league baseball) “I couldn’t have even imagined it back then. If you would’ve come talk to me when I was twenty years old and in the minor league system with the White Sox and say, ‘Hey, maybe in 3 or 4 years, you’re going to get drafted by the Houston Texans as a tight end,’ I would’ve said, ‘You’re crazy.’ There is no way I could even imagine that. I’ve had so many things happen to me to be in this situation to come from riding the buses in the minor leagues, having 16-hour bus rides, then going to Rice. Even going to Rice I thought I was treated like a king being able to fly places. Now, coming into the NFL it’s just going to be unbelievable.” (On if any of the guys he played with in the White Sox organization have made it to the major leagues) “Yeah, there have been some guys to go. No really big names, but I still stay in contact with some guys who have been up and down through the majors.” (On how big it was to stay in Houston) “It was huge to being able to stay in Houston. Of course, my wife was happier than anybody that we get to stay here in Houston. So we don’t have to worry about packing and moving and all that stuff. So it couldn’t have worked out any better to stay here with the Houston Texans. Being at Rice these last couple of years and being in Houston, it’s just an ideal situation. I couldn’t be any happier than what I am right now.”
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Melissa Phillip Chronicle After two seasons at Rice, James Casey won't have to travel far to begin his NFL career.
Casey's long draft wait ends at hands of Texans Rice TE chosen eight picks after teammate Dillard By MEGAN MANFULL Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle April 26, 2009, 10:56PM
• See other picks from Texas schools The NFL draft didn’t play out quite like James Casey had hoped, but the former Rice tight end was not complaining as the idea of playing for the Texans started to sink in with him on Sunday night. Casey anticipated being a second- to fourth- round draft pick when he decided to forego his
final year of eligibility at Rice to enter the draft. The weekend proved much longer than he expected. Casey’s name wasn’t called until the fifth, round when the Texans selected him with the 152nd overall pick.
The 6-3, 246-pounder was selected eight picks after teammate Jarett Dillard, who was taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 144th pick. They are the first Rice football players to be drafted since 2003.
“I am completely happy with my decision,” Casey said. “I don’t have any regrets about it, because I’ m a big believer in things happen for a reason. And although I was expected to go a little bit higher and I wish I had gone a little bit higher, things happen for a reason. I was meant to go in the fifth round, and I’m still extremely excited about it because I get to stay in Houston and have a shot with the Texans. ”
Casey, 24, played minor league baseball prior to attending Rice. He will likely make his biggest impact on special teams next season. He will be one of four tight ends on the Texans roster, joining Owen Daniels, Joel Dreessen and fourth- round pick Anthony Hill.
“We know he can play tight end,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “Obviously, that’s where everybody in this league was taking a look at him, and we’ re no different. I also think he can play some fullback for us. He can go outside — he caught 111 balls last year, if I’m correct. And I know he’s a very smart young man, so there won’t be any load that we can give him mentally that he can’t handle.”
Page 1 of 2Casey's long draft wait ends at hands of Texans | Houston Texans Football | Chron.com - ...
Casey will be able to keep a closer eye on Dillard, who also was drafted into the AFC South. Dillard (5-10, 191 pounds) was the second receiver selected by the Jaguars and the 22nd receiver overall taken in the draft. “This was a long day,” said Dillard, who scored an NCAA-record 60 touchdowns at Rice. “I would never want to relive it. I was getting so upset at times. And then so happy at times. It was just ridiculous. But I’m glad it’s over with, and I’m glad I have the opportunity to try out for a team now.” [email protected]
Page 2 of 2Casey's long draft wait ends at hands of Texans | Houston Texans Football | Chron.com - ...
By JIM CARLEY Special to the Star-Telegram HOUSTON — As all NFL teams do on the second day of the draft, the Houston Texans brought in some of their selections to meet with the media.
They brought in first-round pick Brian Cushing of Southern Cal to Reliant Stadium. They brought in second-round pick Connor Barlow from Cincinnati.
And at mid-afternoon, they brought in fifth-round pick James Casey … from just outside the 610- Loop.
"They asked me if I could be here in 15 minutes," Casey said with a laugh. "I told them I’d be there in five. I just live a mile and a half from here."
Casey played at Rice last year. But the former Azle High standout has taken a long and circuitous route to the Texans. Even he couldn’t have dreamed he’d be here on this day, especially not a couple of years ago when he was riding minor league buses in the Chicago White Sox organization.
Casey had been a seventh-round pick of the White Sox out of high school after a career that included stardom in football and baseball and a tragedy.
His mother died in a fire caused by an electrical heater malfunction when he was a sophomore. Casey later said it impacted the direction of his life, causing him to grow up faster and work harder because, "I realized my mom would have wanted me to pick myself up and to succeed."
Casey succeeded first as an All-District quarterback in football. But he was All-State in baseball and took off for the pros.
After three years, though, he realized baseball was probably not going to work out. So he enrolled at Rice where a high school teammate, Dustin Hufsey, helped get him on the football team.
Casey earned a scholarship as a linebacker, then switched to defensive end. But coaches quickly moved him to offense, where he spent time as a flanker, slotback, H-back, deep snapper and quarterback as a freshman.
Then last season, he stuck primarily with tight end and was second in the nation in receptions with 111 for 1,329 yards and 12 touchdowns.
At 24 years old, Casey decided to come out for the draft and many thought he would be a low second-round pick before he fell to the fifth round Sunday. But NFL scouts might not have known where to project a player who played seven positions in one game.
Casey had no complaints Sunday. He and wife Kylie sat in the press room at Reliant Stadium almost aglow.
"This is just a dream come true," Casey said. "To play at Rice and to be drafted by the Texans is just unbelievable. I love Houston. I have so many friends here."
And Casey said he feels no pressure entering the NFL.
"I feel even less pressure now than I would have otherwise," he said. "I don’t have to go to another city and try to get adjusted to a team I don’t know much about. This couldn’t have worked out any better."
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Monday, Apr 27, 2009
Page 1 of 1Long road finishes with a short jaunt | NFL | Star-Telegram.com
(Transcribed by Roland Buck III) (On drafting Anthony Hill) “Drafting Anthony Hill in the 4th round out of North Carolina State. He’s a local kid that played high school here, and we think he had a great career at North Carolina State. What he bring to our offense is he’s a run blocker. I thought he did a tremendous job in the senior bowl and in the draft workouts, and also at Indianapolis at the combine. But there’s not a lot of career stats that you can say of a tight end of his caliber. When you draft a player like this people are going to say, what about the numbers and those things and what this guy brings. You have to run the ball in this league and this is what this guy does. He will add to the group of (TEs) Owen (Daniels), and Joel (Dreessen) and with Mark (Bruener) retiring you know he will be a good fit for what we want to do.” (On if James Casey will play tight end) “What I think you see in James is you see a outstanding athlete. He can catch the ball and make a lot of plays. When I evaluated him, or we did, you see him play everywhere for Rice, receiver, tight end, H back. He played running back in situations. What we liked about James is his versatility and in this league you can’t have enough tight ends that are versatile. You go back to (TE) Owen (Daniels) when we drafted him out of Wisconsin and as he develops in the system to were he today, even (TE) Joel (Dreessen) coming out of Colorado State so what you get is, you get versatility and I think the more versatility you have the more weapons you have on offense and that helps us as a team. So really he’s going to come in and play a lot of spots, but in this offense it is about playing spots. And you see what we do in the games and so I don’t think you can have enough tight ends in my opinion in the game today to win. You see more teams going to that and again we are excited bout having a local kid. You know this guy is a tremendous kid also.” (On what he thinks about special teams) “I think any time you come in to do that you need speed and James (Casey) brings speed to the table at 4.65 and those things, so he’s going to be on special teams doing that. He has been a long snapper for Rice and Anthony (Hill) has played special teams also so what it does is it gives you value in those areas.” (On if deep snapping with James Casey caught their eye in the local workout) “No it didn’t. He was on the list to evaluate as a tight end, and that’s the first thing you have to do as a position coach is evaluate him as a tight end to play in this league and we felt he could do that. Obviously he wasn’t out to do a lot of blocking at Rice but those are things that can be taught and people that have played in this offense both in Denver and at Houston have learned how to block over time and we think that he will develop to do those kinds of things and help us win.”
(On what he has planned for Anthony Hill) “He going to come in and his job is obviously to play in our two tight end package and be a line of scrimmage blocker and pass protector and do those things. Those are the qualities that he brings to the table and it’s going to be some great competition for the players we have on the team and also for him to continue to grow in to what we are trying to do as a organization.” (On how he classifies the fourth and fifth round picks) “Yes if you wanted to classify those two picks in the fourth and fifth rounds, correct. That’s how you would classify them today, but they are both good football players that have a chance to play in this league a long time.” (On if age was an issue with James Casey) “No I don’t think age comes into play in my mind because I think that playing tight end that has to do with maturity and learning again how to play the position and I think that he showed enough things at Rice that he knows how to play the position. He was a quarterback, he was a baseball player. He is a very good athlete, and you see that today a lot of tight ends are good athletes that might have played a different position in college than they are playing in the league today. So no I don’t think that it hindered him in being old. I don’t, I think it helped him to tell you the truth once it comes to playing in the league. I think you have to be mature mentally to play.” (On the similarities to him and TE Owen Daniels when he was drafted) “The similarities would be being able to make plays in man coverage and help their team in the passing game. I think he was used more in the run game at Wisconsin than James (Casey) was at Rice. James was really a detached player. They did ask him to block and do things on the perimeter where Owen was doing things at the full back position and the tight end position at Wisconsin. But again I think they bring the mental aspect to the game. The toughness that needs to be played at this level.” (On if he spoke to Connor Barwin about playing tight end) “No I had not spoken to him today about playing tight end, I think we are a little full right now at that position, so we will see how that goes as we get going. But it’s great to have great athletes that we drafted yesterday and today to help us win.”
(On if feels good as a position coach to get two tight ends) “Yes it does. But the only way to get better as a team, through my experience, is to continue to bring in players to challenge the players that you have. So I think that drafting players not only helps your organization, but I think that Anthony (Hill) and James (Casey) are going to make (TEs) Owen (Daniels) and Joel Dreessen better players and I think that that’s how you win. I think we’re to the point now and I’ve talked to (head coach) Gary (Kubiak) and (general manager) Rick (Smith) were to the point where we want to win and we want to go farther. And I think you can’t keep bringing in good players. The more you can bring I think your team is going to get better and better.”
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009 BRICE McCAIN Cornerback Height: 5-9 Weight: 182 Drafted: 6th round (188th overall) University of Utah
CAREER: Three-year starter played in 49 games, starting 39 ... won all-MWC recognition as a defensive back (2007-08) and kick returner (2006) ... 103 career tackles ... 21 career pass breakups is tied for sixth all-time at Utah ... 37 kick returns ranks ninth at Utah while 846 kick return yards is 11th... fastest player on the team was clocked in a 4.28-second 40.
2008-First team all-MWC pick started all 13 games at cornerback ... 35 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception ... season-high six tackles with a pass breakup vs. BYU ... four tackles against Michigan and Oregon State... a sack and a pass breakup vs. New Mexico ... one kick return for 23 yards against Michigan.
2007-Second team all-MWC defensive back started all 13 games ... 11 pass breakups tied for fifth all-time at Utah in a season and was tied for third in the MWC in 2007 ... finished fifth in the MWC in passes defended with 12 (11 breakups and 1 interception) ... 28 tackles and one forced fumble ... tied the school's single-game record for pass breakups with four against New Mexico ... season-best five tackles against Air Force ... four tackles in bowl win over Navy ... had a pass breakup and an interception versus UNLV ... on the kickoff return team for the first seven games and led the team with 18 returns for 419 yards (23.3 average) ... career-best 102 yards in kickoff returns against UCLA (long of 46).
2006-Played in 13 games, starting 12 at cornerback ... honorable mention all-conference kick returner ... led Utes with five pass breakups ... 28 total tackles ... season-high three pass breakups vs. BYU ... five tackles at New Mexico ... interception against Colorado State ... began returning kickoffs in game five and finished fourth in the MWC in kick return average (22.4 average) ... long returns of 54 yards at New Mexico and 43 yards at Wyoming.
2005-Appeared in 10 games with one start as a true freshman cornerback ... 12 total tackles included 10 solo stops ... season-high five tackles against Colorado State ... academic all-MWC.
HIGH SCHOOL: All-state and all-area ... all-district as a running back and defensive back ... county and Terrell High (Texas) MVP ... played cornerback, wide receiver and running back and returned punts and kickoffs ... also lettered in basketball and track ...
ran 100 meters in 10.3 seconds ... on 400 meter relay team that placed second in the state (40.6 seconds).
PERSONAL: Son of Darrell Brockins and Tammie McCain ... has six siblings and two stepbrothers ... brothers Tony and Ricky played college basketball ... economics major ... born Dec. 10, 1986.
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
6th Round Pick Brice McCain
(transcribed by Sarah Matthews)
(On if he is excited to play for a Texas team) “Yeah I am, it’s more than excitement, I can’t describe it for you. I’ve been wanting to play in the NFL since I was five years old. I always told my mom I was going to play in the NFL, so all of my dreams are coming true.” (On how it feels to grow up in Dallas and play for a Houston team) “It’s really good for me because it’s not too far and its not too close from my family. I’m in a great location. I’ve only been to Houston once, it was for my visit. I’m very glad to come back to Houston because I’ve only been to Houston once in my whole life.” (On what he feels he can bring to the Texans) “I’m going to come in Thursday and compete for a job. Special teams, anything, catch kicks, run down on kick off, punt return, anything. I’m going to bring hard work and competiveness. I’m going to come to practice every day and do my best every day.” (On how his speed could help him play CB) “I ran a 4-2-4, my first one was a 4-3-3 so I have speed. Speed helps me out so much because a lot of receivers run full speed, I can run half speed and break faster than them because you break faster when you’re not running so fast. My speed is a great thing, I’m quick. I’ve got a good advantage. God blessed me with speed and I’m very grateful for that.” (On if he is concerned about the Texans’ lack of a winning record) “No I don’t think about that at all. I think Texans took a big leap last year and made a lot of improvement. They are one of my favorite teams coming up. I love [WR] Andre Johnson, and watching him. I love the defense. I’ve never dreamed of playing for the Houston Texans, and now that dream has become a reality.” (On if his dream was to play for the Dallas Cowboys) “I didn’t care really. I grew up with Dallas, Houston; I’m a Texas man, period. My grandpa was a big Dallas fan. I’ve been surrounded by Dallas my whole life. I love football so much that it didn’t really matter what team I went to but I’m very grateful that I went to Houston, close to my home.” (On if he thinks he can fit in right away as a starter) “Absolutely. Absolutely. I’m smart I catch on fast. I’m good with my surroundings. If I see a player in front of me who has something good I’m going to go talk to him. I’m going to wait for him to get done. I’m going to get done every day, I can get that. Every day I get smarter I pay attention to details. I can’t wait. I’m going to compete every day because that’s our job.”
McCain, Brown headed to NFLBy Lya Wodraska The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake TribuneUpdated:04/26/2009 09:54:33 PM MDT
Utah corner Brice McCain, who earned the attention of pro scouts with his 4.24 40 during Utah's pro day, became the third Ute taken in the 2009 NFL draft when the Houston Texans selected him in the sixth round with the 188th pick Sunday. The 5-foot-9, 182-pound McCain was the second corner taken by the Texans. The Texans picked New Mexico's Glover Quin in the fourth round. Also Sunday, Utah receiver Freddie Brown was selected by Cincinnati in the seventh round with the No. 252 pick. On Saturday, Utah defensive lineman Paul Kruger was selected by Baltimore with the 57th pick and corner Sean Smith went to Miami with the 61st pick. McCain was at home in Terrell, Texas, watching the draft with his family when he got the call. "Everybody was real quiet then the house just erupted," he said. "I'm glad it's over. It was a long process. I was getting stressed, my mom was getting stressed." McCain's official times in the 40-yard dash were 4.33 and 4.34 seconds as reported by NFL.com. All of those times were faster than any other corners at the NFL combine, which probably lifted the two-time All-Mountain West defensive back from free agent material to a draft pick. "I'd hoped to go earlier, but I like Houston," McCain said. "They said I could come in and play for a position and that is what I'm going to do." The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Brown was Utah's leading receiver in 2008 with 77 catches for 900 yards and seven touchdowns to earn second-team All-MWC honors.
April 25-26, 2009 TROY NOLAN Safety Height: 6-2 Weight: 207 Drafted: 7th round (223rd overall) Arizona State University CAREER: Former junior college transfer who had an outstanding two years in a Sun Devil uniform...started all 25 games in the last two seasons...served as a team captain in 2008...recorded 128 tackles (81 solo), 13 pass break-ups and 10 interceptions over his two-year career...scored five touchdowns on defense, with four interception returns and one fumble return...tied the single-season school record with two interception returns for a touchdown in both 2007 and 2008...had six interceptions in 2007, the most by a Sun Devil since Nathan LaDuke also had six in 1989...was named Second-Team All-Pac-10 each of the past two seasons...joined the team during the spring of 2006, but missed the entire 2006 season due to injury...a junior college teammate of former Sun Devils Justin Tryon and Jonathan Johnson. 2008: Started all 12 games...was second on the team with four interceptions and led the defense with 167 interception return yards and three touchdown returns...tied for fourth in the Pac-10 with his four interceptions, and his 167 interception return yards led the conference...was fourth on the team with 64 tackles (42 solo) and second with six pass break-ups...earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 honors for the second consecutive year. 2007: Started all 13 games at safety...led the team with six interceptions, 129 interception return yards and two interception returns for touchdowns...his six interceptions put him second in the Pac-10, and only 11 players in the Bowl Subdivision had more on the season...finished third on the team with 64 tackles (39 solo) and second with seven pass break-ups...earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 honors...was named to the Watch List for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's top defensive back...posted three tackles in his first career college game against San Jose State on Sept. 1...had his first career interception in the second quarter against Colorado on Sept. 8, and he returned it 26 yards for a touchdown that helped the Sun Devils rally back from an early 14-point deficit to defeat the Buffaloes... 2006: Redshirted due to injury. JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate of the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif...named All-Western States Conference first-team on defense in 2005...led College of the Canyons to the National Championship, the Western States Conference Championship and the California State Championship in 2004...also led the College of the Canyons to the Western States Conference Championship in 2005...coached by Chuck Lyon.
HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, Calif...named first-team All-West Valley Conference on defense in 2003 and second-team on offense...was the Most Valuable Player of the West Valley Conference in 2003...named second-team All-West Valley Conference on defense in 2003 and first-team on offense...named the El Camino Real High defensive Player of the Year in football in 2003...captained the football team in 2003...lettered in football, basketball, track anf field and soccer. PERSONAL: Earned his degree (B.I.S., interdisciplinary studies) in May of 2008...plans to pursue a career working for the F.B.I. once his football career ends...parents are Troy Nolan Sr. and Karen Gatewood...is an only child...lists having won the Junior College National Championship as his most exciting sports moment...chose to attend ASU because he wanted to compete in the Pac-10 Conference...born Sept. 7, 1986...full name is Troy Dana Nolan Jr.
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
7th Round Pick Troy Nolan
(Transcribed by Sarah Matthews and Roland Buck III) (On his thoughts on being drafted late by the Texans) “I got chosen pretty late but that’s okay. It’s a great opportunity. The coaches seemed like they liked me when I talked to them on the phone. I’m just excited to get out there, get done, get to something new, and help the team out, just play and do what I can.” (On what he brings to the team attitude- and skill-wise) “Skill-wise, I’m a ball hawking safety. I like to get to the ball and I like to make plays on the ball and I get out there and make hits. I can bring all of that to the team skill-wise, and attitude-wise I was a leader in college. You know I can bring my leadership qualities to the table and see where it takes us.” (On his chances of starting this season) “I don’t know about that right now, but I know I’m coming in to compete and try to get a starting spot and do everything I can. I believe that. I’m going to do my best to get a starting spot, get out there, and compete with everybody.”
Published on ASU Web Devil - ASU's Online News Source (http://www.asuwebdevil.com)
Fanaika, Nolan picked in NFL draft Football Sports
By:Nick Kosmider [1] Published On:Monday, April 27, 2009
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It took a while, but the names of two former Sun Devil football players were called at the NFL draft on Sunday.
Offensive lineman Paul Fanaika and safety Troy Nolan were selected in the seventh and final round.
Fanaika was selected as the fourth pick of the round (213th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former ASU walk-on played in 48 games during his Sun Devil career and was twice named an All-Pac-10 honorable mention.
Ten picks after Fanaika went off the board, Nolan was drafted by the Houston Texans (223rd overall).
Nolan, a former junior-college transfer who was named to the 2008 All-Pac-10 second team, returned four interceptions for touchdowns during his two seasons in Tempe.
Notable Sun Devils who were not selected and will now hope to sign a free-agent contract include: quarterback Rudy Carpenter, running back Keegan Herring, wide receiver Mike Jones and linebacker Morris Wooten.
Head Coach Gary Kubiak and General Manager Rick Smith
(Press Conference transcribed by Sam Shainsky and Charles Hampton) General Manager Rick Smith (Opening statement) “We just wrapped up what we consider to be a couple of productive days. We’re very pleased with the additions to our football team. We have added some very good football players and good men that are going to fit into our locker room, which is something that we always talk about and think about. These guys are going to add toughness, athleticism to our team both offensively and defensively. We followed up yesterday with some solid picks today. We’re excited about this class. Obviously, we have to wait until they get here, until they assimilate, until they get out onto the field and start to produce in the fall for subsequent years. What we have today, we feel good about – their ability to fit in our team need-wise, position-wise, ability-wise. We’re excited. We feel like we got some quality and quality athletes in this draft.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak (Opening statement) “Yes, I agree. We’re just very fortunate, on this second day, to add some depth to our football team. They’re some guys that once again we think have a chance to be impact players for our team very quickly. All fine young men. So, we’re looking forward to getting them in here and getting going on May 18th.” General Manager Rick Smith (On if they considered drafting a running back) “Yes we did. Another thing that we said is that we’re going to let the process run itself. If there are players that are available when we have opportunities to select, we’re going to take them. That opportunity at that position never really materialized for us today and we didn’t (draft a running back). Another thing I’ve said a lot is that there is a number of ways to add players to our team and certainly free agency and the draft are the two major ways to do that. We had hoped that we could have gotten a back out of the draft this weekend. But I also said the other day that we didn’t really feel like we had to come out of this draft with anything because I think there are other ways that we can solve that issue. We just felt like where we picked today, when we had those opportunities, we had good players at other positions that were a better value and those are the guys that we took.” (On drafting TE James Casey for his athleticism) “Yes, that’s exactly right. We had this guy rated a heck of a lot higher on our board. The conversation then turns to, we have the opportunity to get an outstanding football player. Do you continue to address your needs or do you stop and say, ‘Hey, this guy has way too much value to pass up on’? His story, what he’s made of and what he’s about, the success that he’s had as a man and as a football player, and his versatility – there’s just so many things about him that we really like. I’ll let (head coach) Gary (Kubiak) talk about that. We just felt like we could add so much to our football team and that’s why we decided to make the pick.”
Head Coach Gary Kubiak (On 5th round selection TE James Casey) “He’s just very versatile. We know he can play tight end. Obviously, that’s where everybody in this league was taking a look at him and we’re no different. I also think he can play some fullback for us. He can go outside – he caught 111 balls last year, if I’m correct. And, I know he’s a very smart young man so there won’t be any load that we can give him mentally that he can’t handle. So we’re just very pleased, surprised that he was there. It makes us more athletic as a football team and he gives you a lot of options. When you have tight ends on your team that can play special teams, he gives you a lot of options on gamedays. We’re just very pleased to get this. You guys all know what type of a young man he is.” (On shoring up depth on defense) “It was very important. We were looking specifically, from a defensive backs standpoint in this draft, for somebody who we felt like could play the nickel position and that became a big factor for us as we went and got (CB) Glover Quinn. Then later in the draft we were able to pick up (CB) Brice McCain. A lot of people were looking at the other cornerback from Utah. Throughout the draft, as we watched him we noticed this young man on the other side and the type of football player that he was. To come out of it with two, you never have enough corners in this league. To come out of the draft with two guys who look like they also have some flexibility makes it even better.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak (On if this draft has helped removed the expansion team label) “Well, I hope we’ve been removing that. But, we can keep getting better on defense. We can get more athletic, tougher on that side of the ball – more physical on that side of the ball. Then, you know obviously, that is what we try to do with the draft, looking for impact players. We had two of them here today in (LB) Brian (Cushing) and (DE Connor) Barwin. Two guys we think can make big time impacts very quickly. Our guys out there are looking for some help, some guys to make them better. That’s what we’re trying to do right here. You never know what’s going to happen but we’re going to put these guys to work real fast and our track record proves we’re going to play these guys very quickly and these guys won’t be any different. We expect them to contribute. (On if S Glover Quin will move to free safety from corner) “No, we plan on playing him outside. We like the fact that he can go in and play the nickel position so I think that is where he’s going to go from the start.” General Manager Rick Smith (On whether or not they were trying to improve special teams) “I think that the more you can improve athleticism overall with team speed, by nature, by definition, you improve your special teams. I think that is a byproduct of better position players. The more depth you have on your football team, I think, that just improves your special teams units. So, that’s what we try to do, and that’s just a byproduct of continuing to try and add more athleticism and speed to our football team. Head Coach Gary Kubiak (On if James Casey is a candidate to long snap) “He’s definitely a candidate. Yeah, he struggled in Indy. Some guys came up to him and gave him some pointers and tips on
how he can get a little better. Within the two week period from Indianapolis to when we had him here in the (Methodist Training Center) bubble, he improved dramatically and we’ve got one of the best all-time snappers in the business in our building right now so we’ll put (assistant coach) Bruce (Matthews) to work with him and see if we can get him to take another step.” General Manager Rick Smith (On if they accomplished their defensive needs and how they would rate their draft) “I don’t know what we would rate it. I think we’re pleased with the process. I’m very pleased with the way our guys worked. I thought we came together as a group and I mentioned the other day that I thought our scouts did an outstanding job and I thought as the coaches came into the process that they jumped in and I think it just worked. I feel very good about our picks. I think we have solid picks. I think we’ve addressed some needs and so from that standpoint I think we all are fairly happy with what transpired over the last couple of days. From the standpoint of the defense, I think our job is to continue to improve this team and this is a big opportunity. The draft is a big chance for us to add value to our football team and that’s what we tried to do this weekend and I think we at least accomplished that so far. We’ll see what happens.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak “I agree with Rick. What we set out to do on both sides of the ball, we got those things accomplished as far as where we were looking for the impact-type players. One of the things that I’m very pleased with is all these kids that we’re looking at here… a lot of good careers. Not a lot of one year-type players. There are guys in here that have had good college careers, very productive careers and those guys have been the guys that have really panned out for us and played extremely well. So we’re expecting this group to come in and lend a hand just the same.”
Houston Texans NFL DRAFT
April 25-26, 2009
LB Brian Cushing and DE Connor Barwin
(Press Conference transcribed by Sam Shainsky and Sarah Matthews) LB Brian Cushing (Opening Statement) “I would just like to thank everyone for having me here today. I’m more than excited to be a part of the Houston Texans family. I’m going to be a player that brings a lot of excitement, intensity and anything that helps the team win as best as possible. I know as the 15th pick of the (2009 NFL) Draft, you guys are expecting a lot out of me. I’m here to bring that, whether it be practice every single day or every single game. I’m more than happy to be here – it’s my first time in Houston. I’m glad to be part of the family, absolutely.” DE Connor Barwin (Opening statement) “Like Brian, this is my first time in Texas, but I’m very, very excited and happy to be a part of the organization. I’d like to thank (Houston Texans owner) Mr. Bob McNair for bringing my whole family down here and my godmother. It’s a good experience for all of us to be down here. I’m just excited about playing football.” LB Brian Cushing (On his defensive intensity) “I think it is something that I’ve developed over the last couple of years in my life and in my football career. I remember, ever since playing football in the third grade I’ve been a leader of my football team. I’ve never wanted to lose. I’ve always wanted to be that guy to drive everyone in the locker room. No matter where I was, I’ve just wanted to have that winning attitude and lead by example.” (On former USC teammate QB Mark Sanchez) “To the first question, Mark and I have talked. I just let him know a couple times that I’m sure I’ll be hitting him a couple times in the first game. It won’t be the first time we’ve came in contact. (On handling the steroid allegations) “It has been difficult, especially with the rumors. There are people out there trying to slam and tarnish your name. You work hard for 22 years in order to build up a reputation for yourself and your family. They’re with me every step of the way. When I get hurt, they get hurt; when I’m proud, they’re proud. The biggest thing is, I don’t know how many more drug tests or anything I can go through to prove that I’m a hard working guy and I don’t take anything illegal. The Houston Texans believe in me and that’s what’s most important. I’m just going to keep proving people wrong.” (On goals for 2009 season) “Some of my goals right now – I’m going to have to go short term because I’m going to take it step by step, day by day. As far as right now, I’m probably going to get on a plane back home tomorrow and be right back in the gym
getting ready for OTA’s coming in and try to make impact as soon as possible to help this team be better than last year.” DE Connor Barwin (On goals for 2009 season) “I think my goals are, like somebody mentioned, just immediately being an impact. I want to be an impact to the game right away. Obviously, I’ll be playing on the special teams and then I want to be in there giving the quarterback a hard time.” LB Brian Cushing (On pressures of being a high draft pick) “I don’t think it is pressure. This is something I should expect. I have worked very hard to be at the top of my game, to be a top-notch player and along with that comes responsibility. With expectations of coming in and being a high pick, a very important player, that’s what I live for. That’s what I play this game for, not just to be an average player.” DE Connor Barwin (On pressures of being a high draft pick) “Yes, I think the same thing. I don’t think it’s pressure. You want to get drafted by a team that wants you to make an immediate impact. I wouldn’t have it any other way, so I’m excited about the challenge. I’m ready to attack it full on.” (On his basketball career and guarding 7-foot Portland Trail Blazers C Greg Oden in college) “I don’t know how I did that, I think I got lucky. To answer that question honestly, to guard those big guys you just have to push them away from the basket because once they get close to the basket, I can’t do anything against Greg Oden. You try to use your strength to push them away from the basket so they can’t get the ball close.” LB Brian Cushing (On talking with teammates DE Mario Williams and LB DeMeco Ryans) “No, I have not yet. I am just excited to be apart of that defense and bring intensity to a very good young defense. I’m thrilled to start camp with them.” DE Conner Barwin (On talking with teammates DE Mario Williams and LB DeMeco Ryans) “I haven’t talked to them either. Same thing I’m just excited to play with guys of their caliber. So you learn from them and get to play with them.” LB Brian Cushing (On his mentors growing up) “I think my family first and foremost has always been there for me. They are the one’s who have helped me out the most. My mom’s sitting right here, helped me put on my pads in third grade when I couldn’t figure out my knee pad from my thigh pad. She helped me out with everything. My dad’s the one that really established himself as an intense kind of guy, a no bull about anything, a strict household which was best for me. As far as a coach or a mentor, Ken Norton Jr., my linebacking coach in college, never let up. He taught me the same way freshman year as he did senior year. If I had a bad day he was on me about it. Even if I had a good day he still knows I can get better. And I felt that though at times we had conflicts, we still wanted
the best out of each other, and have very similar personalities.” (Reporter: “You know that’s his younger brother right there”) “I know that.” (On talks with USC Head Coach Ken Norton Jr. on what the difference will be playing in the NFL as opposed to playing in college) “Well, we’ve talked all four years. I’ve tried to pick his brain and everything. It’s a different game; it’s a grown man’s game. Football is football, it just keeps elevating up to the next level. Now I know I’m going to be going into the locker room with guys with families, supporting their children. It’s a business now more than ever. The thing with that, with what he’s taught me, is just keeping a level head. Be the same guy when you enter the league as when you leave the league and just being that hungry guy every single day.” (On when the turning point in his career occured) “My first turning point in my career was I think my freshman year after we lost the national championship to Texas. I think the whole team had a bitter taste in their mouth knowing that we lost a game that we shouldn’t. I think the class I came in with, the ’05 recruiting class and a lot of other kids, really turned the page in that book and just tried to get better from there on out. We promised ourselves that this is going to be a defensive team, that we were going to be a dominant hungry team that would be relentless for the next three years.” (On his thoughts on the past Rose Bowl and former Texas QB Vince Young) “I think about it. You know I’ll have my opportunity to play against them again. It was an unfortunate moment that we lost that game. I think we did pretty good from there on out the past three years.” (On the bet between him and his former teammates of who would be drafted first) “Well there were no friendly wagers or anything, just a lot of bragging rights. I think I’ve got those for the next couple of years being the first one taken.” (On his reaction to negative media attention and his “tight hips”) “I guess it puts you in the spotlight a lot. I have tight hips and the fastest agility in the whole country, so I don’t know how that goes hand in hand. I guess people just have to say something and you just have to ignore it. The process is very long and people get a lot of time to observe you and break you down. You’ve got all these draft analysts who think they know everything about you; but I’m happy where I am and hopefully I can loosen those hips up.”
