The Houston Texans signed defensive tackle Corey Liuget to the practice squad on Sept. 28, and the former San Diego Chargers 2011 first-round pick has worked his way onto the active roster.
Given Liuget’s track record as a proven veteran with the Chargers, Oakland Raiders, and Buffalo Bills, defensive end J.J. Watt believes the 6-2, 300-pound defensive tackle can be a good influence on the younger guys along the defensive line.
“He’s a great player,” Watt said. “I think with opportunity, he plays well, and I think he’s also a good resource for some of the young guys, too.”
One of the young guys from whom the Texans have great expectations is second-round rookie Ross Blacklock from TCU. The former Fort Bend Elkins product has produced 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit in his 12 games for Houston, none of which he has started to this point.
According to Watt, what will help Blacklock is taking advantage of his reps in the games, whether he is starting or not.
Said Watt: “If he gets more reps, it’s more opportunities. It’s the only way to get better in this league, like I’ve said the whole season long, is to play football. More game reps, more opportunities to prove what you’ve got and opportunities to get better.”
One of the ways Blacklock can also get better is to pay attention to players such as Liuget, who has four combined tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and 1.0 sack in five games.
“He’s had a lot of success in that league,” said Watt. “I think that he wants opportunities, obviously, as he should. Guys want to get on the field, they want to play.”
With defensive tackle Brandon Dunn out for the final three games with a pelvic fracture, Blacklock and Liuget each should get an increase in game reps.