Texans' Harris Acts Like 'Sponge' as His 'Game Develops'

The Houston Texans selected Alabama's Christian Harris with the 75th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping to add some depth to the linebacker room. However, Harris shined during training camp and Houston gave him a ton of meaningful snaps in the regular season.

In 12 games, the rookie registered 74 tackles, six for loss, three quarterback hits, one sack and one interception.

Now entering year two, Harris is still trying to soak everything in as he continues to develop.

"I'm still trying to be a sponge as much as I can," Harris said during Monday's training camp press conference. "I feel like my game is definitely developing. The game is slowing down and I'm able to anticipate more and see more things."

Due to the amount of talent in the linebacker room, it is currently uncertain if Harris will start as many games as last year. However, he's attempting to improve his pass coverage abilities to stand out.

"I know I'm gonna be in space a lot," Harris said. "Knowing where to put my eyes is a major thing that goes along with those drills and doing the footwork. When I do get in that position where I'm looking at everything, I want to make the most of that opportunity."

In addition to pass coverage, Harris always looks for ways to get better.

"I find something new every day to improve on," Harris said. "Whether that's with the scheme, myself individually, fundamentals or technique, every single part of my game I try to evolve"

The Texans made a lot of changes to their organization this offseason, including the hiring of coach DeMeco Ryans. Ryans' NFL linebacker experience from 2006-2015 makes him a great candidate to further Harris' NFL journey.

"It's probably the best situation you could ask for," Harris said. "I try to listen to every single thing he tells me during practice and meetings. I try to write it down and apply it as much as I can."

Harris explained that Ryans' linebacker expertise is already affecting the room during training camp and it reminds him of his college days.

"We got guys coming everywhere with pressure," Harris said. "It's something I'm used to from playing at Alabama. We had a lot of those in our defense, just a lot of different complex blitzes. It's really good to get back in that position and work on those things."

Harris is one of five Texans who used to play for Alabama, as receiver John Metchie III, linebacker Henry To'oTo'o, edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and even Ryans suited up for the Crimson Tide. Harris was college teammates with each of the active players and explained the group's early advantage.

"The chemistry is a lot like what it was in college as far as being able to communicate and trust each other," Harris said.

The chemistry will continue next training camp practice on Aug. 3 at 9 a.m. CT.