Derek Stingley Jr. saw a wobbly football fluttering toward wide receiver Nico Collins by the sideline. It was a prime opportunity for the Texans’ talented cornerback, and he capitalized Monday morning. AaronWilson_NFL
It was a snapshot of how the former first-round draft pick from LSU can transform a difficult play into a routine one and yet another example of how Stingley Jr. is emerging as a popular defensive breakout candidate heading into his second NFL season after being selected with the third overall pick a year ago.
“I love the way Stingley has been practicing these five days of training camp,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s going after it every play, and his adjustment, I think you’ll see him in more one-on-one opportunities. As you saw today, he made a big-time play for us there. It’s that every day. Working in tandem with Pitre, who led the Texans in tackles and intercepted five passes last season, Stingley envisions a formidable duo.
Stingley has been mentored by former Texans Pro Bowl corner Johnathan Joseph, who’s with the team in training camp on a Bill Walsh minority coaching fellowship. “I get to be at the line of scrimmage,” Stingley said. “I get to be off. I’m doing everything, so I feel like I’m around the ball a lot more. More plays to be made, so we’ll see.”
“I’m feeling good about this offseason for sure,” Stingley Sr. said. “Naturally, he went into it healthy and it kind of reminds of his offseason going into LSU his first year. He enrolled and was able to get into the weight room as younger going going into college. This is a new experience with a new coaching staff and being able to be full-tilt. It’s been a while since he was full-tilt, ever since his freshman year when he was exactly himself. That makes a huge difference in how he can perform.
“He’s not only seeing it in meeting rooms, he’s getting in that extra work with him being at the Texans facility and the things him and I do on the weekends. He’s even more prepared. It reminds me of what he’s always been. I think this offseason has been good, one of the best he’s had.” “I put in a lot of work every day with coach Mike,” said Stingley Jr., who celebrated his 22nd birthday this offseason. “I didn’t even realize it until I started seeing everybody saying, ‘You got big, you got swole.’ Even when I was in high school, I always had muscle. It is a little different now.”
“Love him, I don’t think he gets enough credit because he’s not in a bigger market,” Cromartie told KPRC 2 after overseeing a workout of several college players at Ollin Athletics and Sports Medicine. “I think if Sting was in New York, it would be a whole different spiel. I think Stingley had a great rookie season and I think it’s going to be even better as he goes on. The kid is phenomenal.”He comes from a football family steeped in tradition and accomplishments.
Having that kind of deep football background in his home has been extremely beneficial for Stingley Jr. in his development. And that shows on the field and away from the field. Stingley Jr. has a low-key, friendly personality. He’s never outspoken or cocky and shows respect to his opponents, teammates and coaches.
“I know with Jalen on my side, I can trust him,” said Stingley Jr., who’s playing under a $34.657 million fully guaranteed contract that includes a $22.385 million signing bonus and is represented by Rick Roberts, Martin Fischman and Don Weatherell of Ballengee Group. “He’s going to do what he’s going to do, and I’m sure he can trust me, too, to take care of my job. Everybody, we all trust each other. We’re all communicating and we’re making sure we’re good from the front end to the back end.
Stingley Jr. has been described as an old soul, a football purist and just a regular guy. His teammates love him. To his family, he’s simply Derek, a respectful young man who’s focused on his goals. “I really just see everybody having fun the whole year,” Stingley Jr. said. “I feel like when we’re having fun that’s what leads to everybody flying around and communicating. We’re going to be good as a defense. That’s my goal right there and, of course, always win.”
“So, encouraging from the defensive side, but there’s give and take there. We have to be better on offense in protecting the ball.”
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