Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. Deemed 'Stud' by Veteran Teammate

Houston Texans second-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. has already made a great impression on veteran safety Jimmie Ward.

HOUSTON — Derek Stingley Jr. could have a breakout season with the Houston Texans in 2023. He is entering his second year with a new coach in DeMeco Ryans, who could create a defensive scheme made for Stingley's best on-field attribute as a lockdown corner. 

Stingley's rookie season ended early due to a hamstring injury. Now healthy, veteran safety Jimmie Ward believes Stingley will be a "stud" after going through the first few weeks of voluntary workouts with the Texans.

"When you’re playing in the SEC, the level doesn’t just jump up too much because a lot of guys that he locked down at LSU are in the league," Ward said. "Didn’t they just break a record of SEC guys drafted this year? Okay, this guy Stingley, covered majority of the top wide receivers coming out or tight ends. Like, he did this already. That’s the reason his confidence is so high."

Stingley had a solid rookie season despite the hype created by his counterpart Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner with the New York Jets.

The LSU prospect was the only rookie cornerback who did not allow a touchdown while registering 43 tackles, five pass deflections and 1.0 sacks.

He recorded his lone interception during the Texans' 13-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars when he picked off quarterback Trevor Lawrence's pass attempt to wide receiver Zay Jones.

But when the Texans selected Stingley with the No. 3 pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, there were reasons to be concerned about his durability. 

Several injuries plagued Stingley's final two seasons at LSU. His most noteworthy came during his junior year when a Lisfranc injury limited him to three games. His first injury scare came during the Texans' Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

If Stingley can stay healthy, the second-year defensive back will live up to the high expectations that made him a highly sought-after prospect coming out of LSU. And a player Ward believes will make his job easier in Houston.

"It’s going to keep clicking for him," Ward said. "The game is going to slow down and slow down and sooner or later I’m not looking at his side. I’m going to go steal some on the other side. You aren’t going to catch the ball on Stingley."

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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