(SportsRadio 610) -- When linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis signed with the Texans in free agency two months ago, he was sold on the competition theme from team leadership.
First-year general manager Nick Caserio and head coach David Culley have stressed competition at every position as they try to remake the Texans. Perhaps no position is it more pronounced than at linebacker, where they've signed and drafted six new players.
Pierre-Louis had somewhat of a breakout season for Washington in 2020, when he started in 11 out of 13 games played. It was his first season starting more than three games.
The eighth-year pro, a former fourth-round pick out of Boston College by the Seattle Seahawks, said he made the most of his opportunity in Washington last year. He wants to do the same as the Texans rebuild.
"It was clear to me that they were trying to start something new and head in a clear direction," Pierre-Louis said Thursday. "Every team's preparing for the Super Bowl. But being able to have the opportunity to be a part of something going forward was something that attracted me to this place, the competition level, truly testing myself to see where I can be."
Pierre-Louis, like some of his teammates, also spoke highly of defensive coordinator Lovie Smith. The 4-3 defensive scheme is expected to feature linebackers in prolific ways, requiring them to fly to the ball, run sideline to sideline as well as cover in the passing game.
Pierre-Louis recalls first meeting Smith during a visit to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he was entering the 2014 NFL Draft.
"A guy that has somewhat, sort of like an aura around him," Pierre-Louis said of Smith. "You just trust him right away, once you meet him. Just a regular guy, you don't really view him as a coach. He's just somewhat of a mentor, a person to look up to and a person to really think of and listen to. So the fact that I get the opportunity to play under him is something I won't take for granted, for sure."
As for the learning curve, with so many new players fighting for a chance to contribute, Pierre-Louis is expecting an active camp.
"It definitely creates a sense of urgency, which every team should have," Pierre-Louis said of the competition. "But now, it's right in front of your face because you realize you can't walk into OTAs as comfortable as you were the year before, because everything is new. Everything is different. With that level of competition that's across all positions, it makes you really take advantage of your time while you're here and really be a true professional.
"I feel as though this offseason, this camp is going to test a lot of us. And a lot of us are going to be ready for that challenge and it's going to be a blessing to be a part of and to watch. It's going to be an active camp, for sure."
