Texans Rookie LB Henry To'oTo'o Reveals NFL 'Adjustments'

Houston Texans rookie linebacker Henry To'oTo'o details how his time at "complex" Alabama will help him with NFL challenges.

The Houston Texans selected Alabama's Henry To'oTo'o with the 167th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping to add depth to the inside linebackers room.

To'oTo'o had the most tackles (111) for Alabama in 2021 and the second-most (94) in 2022. The fifth-rounder's tackling abilities make him a solid backup on a team loaded with underrated talent in the front seven.

However, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said To'oTo'o's played very well during training camp and could earn some more reps at the MIKE linebacker spot during the season.

"Henry is in a really good spot for us right now," coach Ryans said during Monday's press conference. "He’s improving, he’s doing a really good job of communicating the defense, we ask a lot of the MIKE linebackers to communicate on defense. I’m pleased with where Henry is."

The MIKE linebacker position is essentially the quarterback of the defense, as they have to call out plays on the fly and tell their teammates to adjust within seconds. To'oTo'o explained how his time at school helped him with the toughest aspects of the position.

"We ran a lot of complex stuff at Alabama, so I think coach (Nick) Saban and (defensive coordinator) Pete Golding primed me into a (NFL style) scheme that I could adjust to on the fly," To'oTo'o said during Friday's press conference. "There's a lot you have to process as a linebacker. You have to see things before they happen and you gotta know the offensive formations."

Being the player in charge is a large aspect of the MIKE linebacker position. Teammates need to know that the MIKE is one move ahead. This could be very difficult for a rookie of any position to accomplish, especially one that was drafted on day three.

To'oTo'o explained that these challenges have been his and other Texans rookies' biggest adjustments since hearing their names called.

"Earning guys' trust again and being that guy that'll come in and put his head down to work every single day (has been difficult)," To'oTo'o said. I think that's the identity not only me, but all the rookies here during training camp are trying to create. It's just hard-nosed working individuals that'll ultimately collect into a great team."

To'oTo'o smiled throughout his entire answer regarding the chemistry that he and his former Alabama teammates, inside linebacker Christian Harris, receiver John Metchie III and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. have together. However, To'oTo'o stressed the importance of creating bonds with the rest of his position.

"Just building that chemistry with our whole entire linebacker group (is vital)," To'oTo'o said. "We got a great group of guys in there and we all work our tails off every single day to ultimately become the best linebacker group in the NFL."

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