HOUSTON — Coach Lovie Smith has modified the attitude of the Houston Texans three months into his job. The unfavorable aura that surrounded the franchise all through 2021 seems to have weakened.
Smith’s presence led to basic supervisor Nick Caserio being able to re-sign 16 of the group’s free brokers together with stars Brandin Cooks and Laremy Tunsil.
Linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill talked about a relaxed presence inside NRG Stadium since Smith took the helm as head coach in early February. His arrival led to the Texans’ huge turnout throughout the first two days of voluntary exercises.
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The tradition shift in Houston is parallel to Smith’s days because the coach at The College of Illinois. NFL Draft prospects Tony Adams and Khalan Tolson skilled Smith’s serenity for a number of seasons in Champagne.
“He’s at all times like that,” Adams mentioned throughout the newest episode of Locked On Texans. “You’re by no means going to see coach Smith up too excessive or low. He at all times stays calm and down to earth. And also you see it in our recreation. When your coach is calm, you feed off it. It makes you not rattle when competing on the sphere.”
Adams and Tolson realized how you can maintain their composures. However gaining the expertise of taking part in in an NFL defensive scheme is probably the most important lesson they realized beneath Smith’s stewardship.
Illinois alumni embody Smith’s lofty calls for from his cornerbacks and linebackers for his Tampa 2 protection to run accurately.
Adams completed his collegiate profession as a defensive again whose attributes have been the proper mixture for Smith. He recorded 206 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 11 cross deflections and 6 interceptions.
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Tolson’s expertise performed into Smith’s favor as a hard-hitting linebacker who recorded 128 tackles with 10.0 tackles for loss, 5 cross deflections and a couple of.5 sacks.
“He calls for lots,” Tolson mentioned. “The linebacker is the quarterback of the protection. It is your job to get the d-line straight — together with lining everybody up. Taking part in linebacker is already a vial place. He taught us the place we must always look and react all through coverages.”
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Adams added: “I performed all the things in that Tampa 2 defensive scheme. Coach Smith desires gamers who’re mentally and bodily robust. However he in the end desires playmakers. He at all times taught us that the ball is a very powerful factor within the recreation. Having the ability to get the ball out and turnovers is a very powerful factor.”
Adams is coming into the 2022 NFL Draft as one of the vital versatile defensive backs. He performed all over the place within the secondary — from exterior nook to free security — and credit Smith for his growth.
Tolson constructed his versatility as a linebacker who excelled in cross protection beneath Smith. He believes his finest attribute comes when guarding the opposing group’s tight finish.
Adams and Tolson is probably not on the cusp of an NFL profession had Smith not taken an opportunity on the duo. Each gamers sustained knee accidents prematurely of their careers. The idea Smith showcased throughout their most troublesome profession moments has a number of NFL groups fascinated by Adams and Tolson.
The College of Illinois
The Texans at the moment have 10 choices coming into the draft, with 5 beginning within the fourth spherical at decide No. 108. The Texans worth gamers who’ve a way of familiarity with their group personnel, which may create a reunion between Smith and his two collegiate prospects from Illinois.
The College of Illinois has produced 290 NFL gamers in its historical past. The Texans drafted just lately retired linebacker Whitney Mercilus from Illinois with their prime total choice (No. 26 total) in 2012.
