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The two have not played on the same team since 2021, but have picked up where they left off.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clks3p1rp001p357ezr807he7@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“The chemistry is a lot like it was in college, as far as just being able to communicate, just trusting each other and stuff like that,” Harris said. “So, that definitely makes it a lot of fun.”', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clks3p1tg001q357ef0ywphl5@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Aside from playing with some familiar faces, Ryans said it’s evident that the work Harris has put in to this point has him seeing the game through a different lens.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clks3p1vg001r357egkvzgwhd@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“The game has slowed down, he’s able to process things much quicker and be able to utilize his speed and playmaking ability,” Ryans said. “So, seeing that growth, seeing the trajectory of where he’s headed is encouraging and it’s exciting to see.”', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clks3p1xf001s357eobgoias9@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Harris agreed and attributed his ability to react and play faster to spending time with Ryans, during and after practice, as well as veterans like safety Jimmie Ward and linebacker Denzel Perryman.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clks3p1zm001t357egjjboa2e@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“I think every day the game is definitely slowing down – I’m able to anticipate it a little more [and] utilize my ability that I have right now,” Harris said. “So, yeah, it’s just getting better day by day with that.”', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clks3p21s001u357esoo6fe9w@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Harris has a different role in a Ryans led defense this season. He’ll be asked to do more in coverage and said that his\xa0experience playing safety and cornerback in high school have helped him adjust thus far.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clks3p23u001v357esbtlccz4@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“I like being in the space a lot – definitely helps me evolve in the new part of my game,” Harris said.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clks3p25q001w357ex4ac42mq@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Throughout the first week of training camp, Harris and Ryans have been seen talking often in between team periods. 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Texans LB Christian Harris evolving in 'best situation' under DeMeco Ryans' coaching

By Shaun BijaniAug 01, 2023

(SportsRadio 610) - Earlier this offseason, one of the newest Texans said he understood the vision of the team that general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans had when they began constructing the roster.

"I've been part of successful teams in the past, and I know we've got a recipe," right guard Shaq Mason said.

The result of whatever that recipe creates is still months away, but the foundation of it started with a little home cooking for the Texans, who brought in one of the hottest coaching candidates on the market this offseason.

While first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans inherited fellow Crimson Tide linebacker Christian Harris, who Caserio selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Texans have surrounded him with some familiar faces from Alabama with impact players from that Nick Sabin led defense in Will Anderson Jr. and Henry To'oTo'o.

That trio of defenders combined for 27 sacks in 2021 for an Alabama defense that finished fourth in the nation against the run, allowing less than 85 yards per game.

For Harris, who's entering his second season in the league, having familiar faces is welcomed, particularly with To'oTo'o. The two have not played on the same team since 2021, but have picked up where they left off.

"The chemistry is a lot like it was in college, as far as just being able to communicate, just trusting each other and stuff like that," Harris said. "So, that definitely makes it a lot of fun."

Aside from playing with some familiar faces, Ryans said it's evident that the work Harris has put in to this point has him seeing the game through a different lens.

"The game has slowed down, he's able to process things much quicker and be able to utilize his speed and playmaking ability," Ryans said. "So, seeing that growth, seeing the trajectory of where he's headed is encouraging and it's exciting to see."

Harris agreed and attributed his ability to react and play faster to spending time with Ryans, during and after practice, as well as veterans like safety Jimmie Ward and linebacker Denzel Perryman.

"I think every day the game is definitely slowing down – I'm able to anticipate it a little more [and] utilize my ability that I have right now," Harris said. "So, yeah, it's just getting better day by day with that."

Harris has a different role in a Ryans led defense this season. He'll be asked to do more in coverage and said that his experience playing safety and cornerback in high school have helped him adjust thus far.

"I like being in the space a lot – definitely helps me evolve in the new part of my game," Harris said.

Throughout the first week of training camp, Harris and Ryans have been seen talking often in between team periods. The opportunity to have a former NFL linebacker as his head coach is one that Harris said he isn't taking for granted.

"Man, it's probably the best situation you could ever ask for," Harris said. "I mean, like I said, I try to be a sponge, so I just listen to every single thing he [DeMeco Ryans] tells me at practice and meetings – any little advice I can try to get, I write it down and just apply it as much as I can. It's definitely the best thing I could probably ever ask for."

While other positions on the roster have garnered more attention this offseason and in camp, the linebacker group is one to keep an eye on as Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke try to vastly improve a group that was one of the worst tackling units in football last season.

Harris, like Will Anderson Jr., seems to be making all of the necessary strides thus far to see that the Texans front-seven compliments the secondary, which is the obvious strength of the defense right now.

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