Christian Harris and Kamari Lassiter are trying out a new workout in preparation for the start of training.
The two Houston Texans defenders recently went through a grueling workout at Buffalo Bayou Park as part of a regimen designed by trainer Jacory Nichols. The exercise is supposed to boost a player’s agility and reaction time while also helping with their change of direction.
“It’s great to work on the fundamentals and just get back out here and get used to the heat to get ready for camp,” Harris told KPRC Sports’ Aaron Wilson. “[It’s] good to see everybody out here just trying to get better.”
Harris was one of Houston’s breakout stars en route to its first division in four years last season. After totaling 101 tackles during the regular season, the second-year starter helped the Texans secure a 45-14 win over the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round with a 36-yard interception returned for a touchdown.
Last year, Harris partnered up with Blake Cashman, who agreed to terms to return to his home state of Minnesota to play for the Vikings. This year, he’ll partner up with Azeez Al-Shaair, a protege under Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans during his time in San Francisco.
“We got something in the works for sure,” Harris told Wilson. “He’s been working every day. He’s a great vet for me, giving out a whole lot of advice every day. I’m just looking forward to seeing what we can do.”
Lassiter, Houston’s second-round pick out of Georgia, might be the team’s X-factor in 2024. He’s already impressed fans and coaches during the early stages of OTAs while working opposite former No. 3 overall pick Derek Stingley Jr.
Most of the internet saw his highlight pass breakup against recently acquired Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs in practice. The former All-SEC second-team defender should be an immediate starter in the nickel or outside if he continues to shine during camp.
“I’m really excited to get to training camp and be back with the guys and just play football and focus on strictly football,” Lassiter told Wilson.
Cornerbacks often take time to transition to the NFL, but Lassiter could have an advantage given his success in Athens. Helping the Bulldogs clinch two national titles, Lassiter thrived in man press coverage while shadowing receivers, including recent first-round picks Malik Nabers and Xavier Legette.
According to Wilson, Harris and Lassiter were joined in the sand pit by Texans rookie linebacker Jamal Hill, Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback D.J. Turner, Los Angeles Rams safety Russ Yeast and Denver Broncos safety Tanner McCalister, among others.
The Texans return to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.
