Texans security Jalen Pitre displays on rookie season, talks teaching search
CYPRESS, Texas — The gang that had gathered within the Verizon Wi-fi retailer waited patiently for the person of the hour to look out of the again room. Houston Texans followers held mini-helmets, jerseys, posters, and many others., all ready for the autograph of the participant they’d watched play 17 video games this season.
As Texans security Jalen Pitre approached the realm, followers started to get excited because the homegrown younger man from Stafford, Texas, flashed an enormous smile and spoke to every particular person with that “Southern Hospitality” that each one Texans followers have grown to like.
“It’s a blessing,” mentioned Pitre about his look for the Verizon sweepstakes, the place a fan will win Tremendous Bowl tickets for the subsequent three years starting this yr. “Everybody doesn’t get chosen to be within the league and do stuff like this, so I’m very grateful that I get the chance to come back out right here and see some followers right now.”
Pitre, 23, performed highschool soccer for Stafford earlier than receiving a soccer scholarship to play at Baylor College in Waco, Texas, the place later in his profession, he would obtain the 2021 Large 12 Defensive Participant of the 12 months award. The Houston Texans chosen him with the thirty seventh general choose within the 2022 NFL Draft.
Rising up within the Higher Houston space, Pitre informed reporters that he was unaware that occasions just like the one he hosted had been out there to followers when he was youthful.
“I actually wasn’t conscious that they’d stuff like this,” Pitre mentioned. “I’d have undoubtedly went out and seen all the nice Texans like Arian Foster (working again) and Andre Johnson (broad receiver). They had been my favourite gamers. So, I undoubtedly would have went and seen them.”
Pitre turned many heads throughout his rookie marketing campaign. He recorded 147 tackles (99 solos) to steer the Texans and all rookies within the class. During the last six video games, he averaged 11.6 tackles per recreation and had a season-high 16 on December 4 in opposition to the Cleveland Browns. His 5 interceptions had been second solely to Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen, who completed the season with six.
“I look again and say it was an ideal yr,” Pitre answered when requested about his rookie season. “I obtained a very good quantity of turnovers and was very impactful for the protection. Wanting ahead, I need to do much more. I’ll proceed to enhance.”
The Texans are interviewing candidates for their coaching position after firing former coach and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith after the season’s last recreation in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts.
That implies that Pitre may have an identical expertise as he did when he performed for Baylor. After committing in 2015, coach Artwork Briles was terminated attributable to a scandal. Matt Rhule was employed in 2017 and stayed two seasons earlier than transferring on to the NFL. His final two collegiate seasons had been underneath the steerage of present Bears head coach Dave Aranda.
His mindset heading into his second season is identical because it was in school.
“I don’t assume it issues if you end up speaking in regards to the scheme, whether or not he’s an offensive or defensive coach,” Pitre mentioned about whomever the Texans choose as the subsequent head coach. “The largest factor is you need to make a very good first impression and present the coach that you simply like to work, you care in regards to the staff, and also you need to get your job achieved. That’s what I’m trying ahead to, and actually enthusiastic about getting this new coach.”