Hello Texans, Welcome to the show. Mark VanderMeer and John Harris with you. No General, No John McClain tonight. I know, it's strange. It's like having an eclipse or something, because it's so rare that we don't have him on on a Thursday night.

Hello Texans, Welcome to the show. Mark VanderMeer and John Harris with you. No General, No John McClain tonight. I know, it's strange. It's like having an eclipse or something, because it's so rare that we don't have him on on a Thursday night.

He's out and about doing.

He's out and about doing.

Doing some footage for a documentary with Jimmy Johnson down in the Keys.

Doing some footage for a documentary with Jimmy Johnson down in the Keys.

So that's gonna be good, can't Well. Sometime yesterday afternoon we just got this, I would say, not random text, but we just got a text and just had a picture. Yeah, and it was The General with Jimmy Johnson and then a few other obviously Lynch documentary Coharts in that right picture as well.

So that's gonna be good, can't Well. Sometime yesterday afternoon we just got this, I would say, not random text, but we just got a text and just had a picture. Yeah, and it was The General with Jimmy Johnson and then a few other obviously Lynch documentary Coharts in that right picture as well.

So very cool, very cool. Indeed, all right, speaking of very cool, it's cool when a relatively decent sized story on your football team is Battle of the long Snappers, because yes, that's right. There's a competition to see who gets to replace John Weeks.

So very cool, very cool. Indeed, all right, speaking of very cool, it's cool when a relatively decent sized story on your football team is Battle of the long Snappers, because yes, that's right. There's a competition to see who gets to replace John Weeks.

And we'll let both guys on.

And we'll let both guys on.

The show a little bit later on, also in the Lab Weekly podcast, Drew Doherty, John Harris, and it's about JJ Watt who was at practice, and we'll talk about that a little bit here the opening segment perhaps, and I know the big story broke this morning about Jimmy Ward, but not much to say about that. Obviously, the Texans are aware of it and we'll see where it goes. And our prayers are with everybody involved with that story, so hoping for some resolution there. Anyway, Let's get to it here, Johnny, because OTA's Mini camp, it's all over.

The show a little bit later on, also in the Lab Weekly podcast, Drew Doherty, John Harris, and it's about JJ Watt who was at practice, and we'll talk about that a little bit here the opening segment perhaps, and I know the big story broke this morning about Jimmy Ward, but not much to say about that. Obviously, the Texans are aware of it and we'll see where it goes. And our prayers are with everybody involved with that story, so hoping for some resolution there. Anyway, Let's get to it here, Johnny, because OTA's Mini camp, it's all over.

It's all over.

It's all over.

A team out to get together today and they break for the big gap between mini camp and training camp, and here we go. You and I are going to be out it every night every night, six o'clock Texans Radio, and we've got so many interviews with Texans players that you're going to be hearing over the next few weeks.

A team out to get together today and they break for the big gap between mini camp and training camp, and here we go. You and I are going to be out it every night every night, six o'clock Texans Radio, and we've got so many interviews with Texans players that you're going to be hearing over the next few weeks.

So that's gonna be cool.

So that's gonna be cool.

Plus tomorrow night, Glenn Davis, I'm gonna hear some soccer stuff because July sixth will be Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium, first time ever the final, So we'll talk to Glead about that and about other soccer things, the other kind of football. Very interesting stuff always with Glamb. But a day after Mini camp, here we go into the break.

Plus tomorrow night, Glenn Davis, I'm gonna hear some soccer stuff because July sixth will be Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium, first time ever the final, So we'll talk to Glead about that and about other soccer things, the other kind of football. Very interesting stuff always with Glamb. But a day after Mini camp, here we go into the break.

Absolutely had the family barbecue today and then it's off into the nether world wherever they're gonna go. We talked to Honey Interviews, You do forty forty. When we asked them about that break, we would kind of mention the word break, and it's funny because it's really not a not a break for us. I was actually walking back from practice one day during Ota Is I think, and Nick Cassario walked up next to me and said, so, you guys going to break two essentially, and I was like, no, man, we're doing We're twenty four to seven three sixty five. I said. The only time that we go off the air is the time period between the end of the season and the end of season in the Super Bowl, then after that, and I said, so when you start winning the Super Bowls, we will be twenty four to seven three sixty five, right, And we want it to be that way. We want to work every single day. But I said that's only break, and he goes, God enough to keep you busy. I'm like, oh, yeah, we got plenty always. We're all good. We're all good all the time. But when we mentioned that to the guys about the break, there was something that kind of looked at us, said it's not really a break. We're just out of the building because, in paraphrasing many of them saying, look, you show up here for training camp and you are a smidge out of shape, or you're a smidge not ready to pay the price. It's going to be hell to pay. Yeah, and not because Demko ranged down from on high.

Absolutely had the family barbecue today and then it's off into the nether world wherever they're gonna go. We talked to Honey Interviews, You do forty forty. When we asked them about that break, we would kind of mention the word break, and it's funny because it's really not a not a break for us. I was actually walking back from practice one day during Ota Is I think, and Nick Cassario walked up next to me and said, so, you guys going to break two essentially, and I was like, no, man, we're doing We're twenty four to seven three sixty five. I said. The only time that we go off the air is the time period between the end of the season and the end of season in the Super Bowl, then after that, and I said, so when you start winning the Super Bowls, we will be twenty four to seven three sixty five, right, And we want it to be that way. We want to work every single day. But I said that's only break, and he goes, God enough to keep you busy. I'm like, oh, yeah, we got plenty always. We're all good. We're all good all the time. But when we mentioned that to the guys about the break, there was something that kind of looked at us, said it's not really a break. We're just out of the building because, in paraphrasing many of them saying, look, you show up here for training camp and you are a smidge out of shape, or you're a smidge not ready to pay the price. It's going to be hell to pay. Yeah, and not because Demko ranged down from on high.

It is.

It is.

You walk out in ninety four degree weather and it is on and then three days later you're putting pads on. So you've got to be ready to go. And the guys are very very well aware of, even the rookies. They've been well counseled on. You don't show up out of this break not in shape. You've got to stay the course of what you've been doing. I bet we have a record number of guys hanging around during the break. Oh yeah, I think so too.

You walk out in ninety four degree weather and it is on and then three days later you're putting pads on. So you've got to be ready to go. And the guys are very very well aware of, even the rookies. They've been well counseled on. You don't show up out of this break not in shape. You've got to stay the course of what you've been doing. I bet we have a record number of guys hanging around during the break. Oh yeah, I think so too.

They'll take a vacation maybe exactly, but they're gonna come back. They're going to work out just like they were before off season conditioning began.

They'll take a vacation maybe exactly, but they're gonna come back. They're going to work out just like they were before off season conditioning began.

Yep, and you had that.

Yep, and you had that.

Thirty plus player turnout for workouts that were not part of the offseason conditioning program. But the strength and conditioning staff is here to help them as much as they want help, right, and those guys. We've always said this about football, strength and conditioning coaches see more of the players than probably anybody.

Thirty plus player turnout for workouts that were not part of the offseason conditioning program. But the strength and conditioning staff is here to help them as much as they want help, right, and those guys. We've always said this about football, strength and conditioning coaches see more of the players than probably anybody.

That's right.

That's right.

You know the trainers obviously, if you're in a rehab situation, you get taped up by some of them. Whatever, But it's going to be the strength and conditioning people that spend a lot of time with them. And you're working on your body, you're trying to add muscle. How about the Neil Hunter saying yeah, I added five pounds of muscles.

You know the trainers obviously, if you're in a rehab situation, you get taped up by some of them. Whatever, But it's going to be the strength and conditioning people that spend a lot of time with them. And you're working on your body, you're trying to add muscle. How about the Neil Hunter saying yeah, I added five pounds of muscles.

Like, where did it go?

Like, where did it go?

That's like, I mean, yes, muscles on muscle Johnny, because he don't have enough.

That's like, I mean, yes, muscles on muscle Johnny, because he don't have enough.

I'm just like his The number i'd like to know on him is what's his body fat? Yeah? That percentage just got to be almost in the negative category.

I'm just like his The number i'd like to know on him is what's his body fat? Yeah? That percentage just got to be almost in the negative category.

But he also probably wants some I don't. I don't know how he handles it. He is his body type. It's almost like he could take a little weight off and look like a really built basketball play.

But he also probably wants some I don't. I don't know how he handles it. He is his body type. It's almost like he could take a little weight off and look like a really built basketball play.

Yeah yeah, you know, yeah, such long arms, so athletic. I mean, just to watch him he's tall, yeah, just to watch him work is you know? I remember when he signed here in twenty four and we got him in studio and we were we were we were discussing a lot of stuff and you could just you know, he's very I don't say quiet, but he just you don't say a whole lot. He says what he needs to say in two three sentences, yeah, and just goes about his business. But he's so pleasant to be around. And I always love fighting him in the locker room after a game, especially when he's made a big play, because he is just like it's his smile is a strong handshake, like he's not gonna sit there and smile and like, hey, this is like like I love to give him just this big, strong handshake after a game, especially when he's made plays. But he's such a creative rusher, and I love that he has a plan beyond the fact that he's an all around guy. He's an all I mean, he plays the run extremely well, he sets the edge very well. He's he's everything you could have wanted when you signed a free agent. And then you put him opposite you know, the terminator, and it's Cyborgan terminator with those two and like the first two plays a team. A couple of practices ago maybe was first practice Mini camp I think, like, forget it. They tried to run a push pass reverse Daniel and he just he ate up two yards into the backfield and you're like, all right, well, I guess he's ready to go. And the play before that, Will Anderson ran right through somebody to get the c J. And You're like, all right, you said it, bubble wrap them. Let's go rid of them. We don't.

Yeah yeah, you know, yeah, such long arms, so athletic. I mean, just to watch him he's tall, yeah, just to watch him work is you know? I remember when he signed here in twenty four and we got him in studio and we were we were we were discussing a lot of stuff and you could just you know, he's very I don't say quiet, but he just you don't say a whole lot. He says what he needs to say in two three sentences, yeah, and just goes about his business. But he's so pleasant to be around. And I always love fighting him in the locker room after a game, especially when he's made a big play, because he is just like it's his smile is a strong handshake, like he's not gonna sit there and smile and like, hey, this is like like I love to give him just this big, strong handshake after a game, especially when he's made plays. But he's such a creative rusher, and I love that he has a plan beyond the fact that he's an all around guy. He's an all I mean, he plays the run extremely well, he sets the edge very well. He's he's everything you could have wanted when you signed a free agent. And then you put him opposite you know, the terminator, and it's Cyborgan terminator with those two and like the first two plays a team. A couple of practices ago maybe was first practice Mini camp I think, like, forget it. They tried to run a push pass reverse Daniel and he just he ate up two yards into the backfield and you're like, all right, well, I guess he's ready to go. And the play before that, Will Anderson ran right through somebody to get the c J. And You're like, all right, you said it, bubble wrap them. Let's go rid of them. We don't.

We don't need those guys around here until September.

We don't need those guys around here until September.

We do LA.

We do LA.

Just be ready, be ready for LA. You gotta do, and they will stay in shape. And it's gonna be interesting to see how these guys stay in shape. The whole league has this issue, and I've said it, I think this break should be shortened to about three weeks. I think maybe the off season conditioning program starts three weeks later.

Just be ready, be ready for LA. You gotta do, and they will stay in shape. And it's gonna be interesting to see how these guys stay in shape. The whole league has this issue, and I've said it, I think this break should be shortened to about three weeks. I think maybe the off season conditioning program starts three weeks later.

I know the coach.

I know the coach.

I don't know this for a fact, but I'll bet some of the coaches in front office people won't like that because this is their only break.

I don't know this for a fact, but I'll bet some of the coaches in front office people won't like that because this is their only break.

YEP. So I don't know how all that would play out. And we'll see, all.

YEP. So I don't know how all that would play out. And we'll see, all.

Right, some headlines from around the NFL because we're gonna have the in the lab conversation about Watt coming up we're gonna have the long snappers coming up here, and in no particular order of importance here, but Jacksonville obviously on the practice field this week, as well as every other team in the league. Trevor Lawrence spoke directly about his arm sleeve, saying it's for soreness. He did not throw between what December and OTAs, so that was the first time, so sore was the word that came up. I don't like if I'm a Jags fan, I don't like the word sore because sore and I know it went around here last week of the week before Demiko Ryan's general soreness as opposed to lieutenant sorenis or a corporal soreness, but general soreness.

Right, some headlines from around the NFL because we're gonna have the in the lab conversation about Watt coming up we're gonna have the long snappers coming up here, and in no particular order of importance here, but Jacksonville obviously on the practice field this week, as well as every other team in the league. Trevor Lawrence spoke directly about his arm sleeve, saying it's for soreness. He did not throw between what December and OTAs, so that was the first time, so sore was the word that came up. I don't like if I'm a Jags fan, I don't like the word sore because sore and I know it went around here last week of the week before Demiko Ryan's general soreness as opposed to lieutenant sorenis or a corporal soreness, but general soreness.

But CJ.

But CJ.

Stroud is fine and he threw yesterday in the day before. Great with Trevor Lawrence, I've got a guy who's had some injury concerns and now and it was his left shoulder last year that got him knocked out. Right, I shouldn't say knocked out because he was knocked out as well, but that's essentially the reason they shut him down for the rest of the Yeah, the shoulder, the left shoulder. This is a right arm situation with him with general soreness.

Stroud is fine and he threw yesterday in the day before. Great with Trevor Lawrence, I've got a guy who's had some injury concerns and now and it was his left shoulder last year that got him knocked out. Right, I shouldn't say knocked out because he was knocked out as well, but that's essentially the reason they shut him down for the rest of the Yeah, the shoulder, the left shoulder. This is a right arm situation with him with general soreness.

Because he hasn't thrown much since December.

Because he hasn't thrown much since December.

But I don't like sore because they'll say sore sometimes they meeting football people, and it could mean something a whole lot worse. But I do believe that he'll be okay, and if he has to exit the field again, it won't be because of this, It'll be because of something else in bad luck for him.

But I don't like sore because they'll say sore sometimes they meeting football people, and it could mean something a whole lot worse. But I do believe that he'll be okay, and if he has to exit the field again, it won't be because of this, It'll be because of something else in bad luck for him.

AFC South think about AFC South offseason. Yeah, it was discussed in Houston about QB one shoulder. It was discussed in Jacksonville about soreness in the arm for Trevor Lawrence. Anthony Richardson, Oh yeah, I mean definitely like thing ran rampant through the AFC South. Cam Wart's okay in Nashville.

AFC South think about AFC South offseason. Yeah, it was discussed in Houston about QB one shoulder. It was discussed in Jacksonville about soreness in the arm for Trevor Lawrence. Anthony Richardson, Oh yeah, I mean definitely like thing ran rampant through the AFC South. Cam Wart's okay in Nashville.

So there's yeah, I saw I'm gonna steal this from ESPN because I saw this bigger impact for a rookie season, cam Ward or Travis Hunter.

So there's yeah, I saw I'm gonna steal this from ESPN because I saw this bigger impact for a rookie season, cam Ward or Travis Hunter.

Bigger impact for his team cam Ward.

Bigger impact for his team cam Ward.

He's a quarterback, so it's kind of easy that way, all right, But let's let's get an exchange rate going on this. How much of an impact does Travis Hunter bring the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie, it's both sides of the ball. He practiced on both sides of the ball for the first time in the last Jags outing yep.

He's a quarterback, so it's kind of easy that way, all right, But let's let's get an exchange rate going on this. How much of an impact does Travis Hunter bring the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie, it's both sides of the ball. He practiced on both sides of the ball for the first time in the last Jags outing yep.

But what do you think of that? It's gonna be interesting how much they they're gonna use him on both sides of the ball.

But what do you think of that? It's gonna be interesting how much they they're gonna use him on both sides of the ball.

We talked about leading receiver Thomas is their leading ran Thomas jor.

We talked about leading receiver Thomas is their leading ran Thomas jor.

So what's the stat line in a sense that Travis Hunter, you look up and go it was worth it to move heaven and earth to go get him at number two? So how about DeAndre Hopkins rookie year fifty two, catches about eight hundred something yards, few touchdowns and Calen Block's number of interceptions, which is what five? I believe it's five.

So what's the stat line in a sense that Travis Hunter, you look up and go it was worth it to move heaven and earth to go get him at number two? So how about DeAndre Hopkins rookie year fifty two, catches about eight hundred something yards, few touchdowns and Calen Block's number of interceptions, which is what five? I believe it's five.

Yeah, that would be huge, that would be absolutely colossal if he did that. And I'm gonna say he's not doing that. He I don't think any five picks. No, I don't think so either. I don't think so either. Mean, let me dial it down. Two picks plays a bunch. I gotta know what the record is too. I think that's gonna be a big fan Yeah, I think.

Yeah, that would be huge, that would be absolutely colossal if he did that. And I'm gonna say he's not doing that. He I don't think any five picks. No, I don't think so either. I don't think so either. Mean, let me dial it down. Two picks plays a bunch. I gotta know what the record is too. I think that's gonna be a big fan Yeah, I think.

That has to be. But but what are people expecting him to do. People are expecting Mark. I think people are expecting him to have fifty two catches plus eight hundred plus yards receiving, handful of touchdowns, are more receiving, and four or five interceptions defensively. I think that's what people are expecting. I think that's what Jaguar fans are expected. I think they're over expecting. Yeah, I didn't agree with you.

That has to be. But but what are people expecting him to do. People are expecting Mark. I think people are expecting him to have fifty two catches plus eight hundred plus yards receiving, handful of touchdowns, are more receiving, and four or five interceptions defensively. I think that's what people are expecting. I think that's what Jaguar fans are expected. I think they're over expecting. Yeah, I didn't agree with you.

They're expecting triplets and they're gonna get a single kid.

They're expecting triplets and they're gonna get a single kid.

They had Treyvon Walker as a number one draft pick a few years ago, and they're still thinking he's a bust because he hasn't been an eighteen sack of year guy. He's not a bus. He's getting better every rider, exactly. That's my point, even though he hasn't gotten to eighteen sacks. And I'm not just saying this is Jaguar Jaguar fans. Browns fans were upset with Miles Garrett for a long time. Texans fans were upset with Mario Williams. Still to this day, they think Mario was a bust. And I don't think Mario was a bust at all, absolutely not. But that's what people expect out of a number one pick. Travis wasn't the number one pick, but kind of in essence he was. Yeah, I get it, he would have been. If you know, if Tennessee had had a if Tennessee had had a quarterback and a number one pick, he would have been Travis would have been a number one pick. So the next standpoint, there's so much hype about him, and in Jacksonville they're feeding the hype. He makes an interception that goes up on their video, their their stream or not to stream their feed. And I can't tell you how many Jacksonville people we've never had anything like this this. I mean, they've been down for so long that in a mini camp interception kind of like us, you know, when Sting got here, was like, oh my god, look at this dude. We were doing the same thing in a sense because we had not seen that in a few years. They haven't seen that kind of play in a few years in a while, actually probably since Jalen Ramsey. But I think the fact that it's this unicorn I play both sides of the ball sort of thing. I'm just curious, how, to your point, how are they going to what's going to be deemed to success for him too. It paid Jaguars and that your final point was the team. If the Jaguars get to seven wins, Travis plays in sixteen or seventeen games, and he has been impactful on both sides of the ball, regardless of what the numbers are, then I think it could be deemed to success. I think, though, but I think it's going to be really difficult.

They had Treyvon Walker as a number one draft pick a few years ago, and they're still thinking he's a bust because he hasn't been an eighteen sack of year guy. He's not a bus. He's getting better every rider, exactly. That's my point, even though he hasn't gotten to eighteen sacks. And I'm not just saying this is Jaguar Jaguar fans. Browns fans were upset with Miles Garrett for a long time. Texans fans were upset with Mario Williams. Still to this day, they think Mario was a bust. And I don't think Mario was a bust at all, absolutely not. But that's what people expect out of a number one pick. Travis wasn't the number one pick, but kind of in essence he was. Yeah, I get it, he would have been. If you know, if Tennessee had had a if Tennessee had had a quarterback and a number one pick, he would have been Travis would have been a number one pick. So the next standpoint, there's so much hype about him, and in Jacksonville they're feeding the hype. He makes an interception that goes up on their video, their their stream or not to stream their feed. And I can't tell you how many Jacksonville people we've never had anything like this this. I mean, they've been down for so long that in a mini camp interception kind of like us, you know, when Sting got here, was like, oh my god, look at this dude. We were doing the same thing in a sense because we had not seen that in a few years. They haven't seen that kind of play in a few years in a while, actually probably since Jalen Ramsey. But I think the fact that it's this unicorn I play both sides of the ball sort of thing. I'm just curious, how, to your point, how are they going to what's going to be deemed to success for him too. It paid Jaguars and that your final point was the team. If the Jaguars get to seven wins, Travis plays in sixteen or seventeen games, and he has been impactful on both sides of the ball, regardless of what the numbers are, then I think it could be deemed to success. I think, though, but I think it's going to be really difficult.

You almost need more than seven wins. They better be damn exciting. I'm one or both sides of the ball. If it seven wins, well, they don't have a first round pick next year.

You almost need more than seven wins. They better be damn exciting. I'm one or both sides of the ball. If it seven wins, well, they don't have a first round pick next year.

Hmm.

Hmm.

That's rough, yeh, because they gave it up in this deal. Remember when the Texans two years ago. Let me take you back two years ago, Johnny, to when the Texans hired Demiko Ryans and drafted CJ.

That's rough, yeh, because they gave it up in this deal. Remember when the Texans two years ago. Let me take you back two years ago, Johnny, to when the Texans hired Demiko Ryans and drafted CJ.

Straut and Will Anderson Junior.

Straut and Will Anderson Junior.

And despite those obviously great acquisitions yep as a coach and two players that you began your draft with, among others obviously, but despite all of that, the expectations were still low. The Jags were coming off that playoff appearance and the comeback win over the Chargers and a lost to the Chiefs. The Titans melted down, but hey, there's still a good team and they're gonna be fine. Right, They're gonna be better than the Texans, right right, and the Colts are the Colts.

And despite those obviously great acquisitions yep as a coach and two players that you began your draft with, among others obviously, but despite all of that, the expectations were still low. The Jags were coming off that playoff appearance and the comeback win over the Chargers and a lost to the Chiefs. The Titans melted down, but hey, there's still a good team and they're gonna be fine. Right, They're gonna be better than the Texans, right right, and the Colts are the Colts.

The Colts should be okay.

The Colts should be okay.

I know they just drafted Anthony Richardson, but they're gonna bounce back there. The Colts have got talent, they got Jonathan Taylor. This is gonna be good. Where the Texan's gonna finish. We don't know a lot of people thought third would be okay because you thought the Titans and the Jags are gonna be that much better. And then what happens. Texans win ten games, knock off the Colts last game regular season, Titans nowhere to be found, and JAG's total freaking meltdown. But they still go nine to eight, not eight. Get that had a meltdown. So I look at it like this, they could bounce back the jaguar. Who's got the best bounce back potential here? Jags, Titans. I'll just put them into conversation because look, the Texans were there two years ago, or the Colts better bounce back.

I know they just drafted Anthony Richardson, but they're gonna bounce back there. The Colts have got talent, they got Jonathan Taylor. This is gonna be good. Where the Texan's gonna finish. We don't know a lot of people thought third would be okay because you thought the Titans and the Jags are gonna be that much better. And then what happens. Texans win ten games, knock off the Colts last game regular season, Titans nowhere to be found, and JAG's total freaking meltdown. But they still go nine to eight, not eight. Get that had a meltdown. So I look at it like this, they could bounce back the jaguar. Who's got the best bounce back potential here? Jags, Titans. I'll just put them into conversation because look, the Texans were there two years ago, or the Colts better bounce back.

Potentially, Daniel Jones doesn't give games away, and Jonathan Taylor stays healthy. Yeah, I could see it. This is as you were going through that. You know what hit me? What I kept thinking in my mind, I'm like, we had Demika Ryans. Okay, handle this question. What is the record of Jacksonville, Tennessee, Indianapolis if Demikos is each of those teams head coach that year or anytime this year? Oh this year, Demiko, take him off our squad. Let him be the head coach. You got to hire a seat. He's got to hire the right assistant. Jackson understood, understood. I mean, let it be Demiko and the staff. I don't care, but let Demiko Ryans. Because my pointing is, as I'm listening to you recount twenty twenty three, I just remember thinking, yeah, but we have Demko and that matters. And obviously Demiko yesterday when he was talking about the acquisition Nick Chubb, you know, he talked about Nicko Sario. I think we're extremely lucky to have the head coach GM combination that we have. It's unbelievable, and I think that that makes the biggest difference in the roster Nick has put together since twenty twenty one. That's exactly right, and I think that's made a huge difference. But let's just say you take de Miko and you put Demko on the Colts. Now, I know Demiko would look got the talent building and may not have drafted Anthony Richardson at twenty twenty three. I don't know. But of those three teams, which one is the best. If you just take Demiko Ryans, take Demiko and the staff, and take this staff and put it with any one of those other three teams.

Potentially, Daniel Jones doesn't give games away, and Jonathan Taylor stays healthy. Yeah, I could see it. This is as you were going through that. You know what hit me? What I kept thinking in my mind, I'm like, we had Demika Ryans. Okay, handle this question. What is the record of Jacksonville, Tennessee, Indianapolis if Demikos is each of those teams head coach that year or anytime this year? Oh this year, Demiko, take him off our squad. Let him be the head coach. You got to hire a seat. He's got to hire the right assistant. Jackson understood, understood. I mean, let it be Demiko and the staff. I don't care, but let Demiko Ryans. Because my pointing is, as I'm listening to you recount twenty twenty three, I just remember thinking, yeah, but we have Demko and that matters. And obviously Demiko yesterday when he was talking about the acquisition Nick Chubb, you know, he talked about Nicko Sario. I think we're extremely lucky to have the head coach GM combination that we have. It's unbelievable, and I think that that makes the biggest difference in the roster Nick has put together since twenty twenty one. That's exactly right, and I think that's made a huge difference. But let's just say you take de Miko and you put Demko on the Colts. Now, I know Demiko would look got the talent building and may not have drafted Anthony Richardson at twenty twenty three. I don't know. But of those three teams, which one is the best. If you just take Demiko Ryans, take Demiko and the staff, and take this staff and put it with any one of those other three teams.

AFC South, I think it means a lot for Jacksonville because that I think so just Demiko's the coordinator is gonna make that defense so much better.

AFC South, I think it means a lot for Jacksonville because that I think so just Demiko's the coordinator is gonna make that defense so much better.

That yeah, that defense should not be as bad as it was last.

That yeah, that defense should not be as bad as it was last.

Year, But I still say it's the Colts with the biggest bounce back because positive effect on the offense. But that defense is gonna play so much better with a running game with Jonathan Taylor right that offensive line, with those receivers.

Year, But I still say it's the Colts with the biggest bounce back because positive effect on the offense. But that defense is gonna play so much better with a running game with Jonathan Taylor right that offensive line, with those receivers.

Those receivers in Indianapolis are really good and deep, really good.

Those receivers in Indianapolis are really good and deep, really good.

They just haven't had anybody to throw to him. Somebody put up the stack. Comparison again with Trevor Lawrence and Daniel Jones.

They just haven't had anybody to throw to him. Somebody put up the stack. Comparison again with Trevor Lawrence and Daniel Jones.

Is eerily very similar. If somebody else put up this is on read it.

Is eerily very similar. If somebody else put up this is on read it.

I think they put up CJ and Mariota through a similar number of games, and it's pretty it's pretty comparable. However, the one loss record is very different. What the stat comparison doesn't show is third downs is clutch plays, clutch throws, moment of truth, first downs and like the throw in the Buffalo game last year, just to get that field goal a little closer and make it doable for this team. Obviously, the Tampa Bay game year one, J Mariota is that's the comparison. Yeah, I mean, I'll give you the biggest difference. Here's the biggest difference, winning plate play, kept getting hurt, right, hurt? I put hurt in air quotes. Yeah, and what do they have?

I think they put up CJ and Mariota through a similar number of games, and it's pretty it's pretty comparable. However, the one loss record is very different. What the stat comparison doesn't show is third downs is clutch plays, clutch throws, moment of truth, first downs and like the throw in the Buffalo game last year, just to get that field goal a little closer and make it doable for this team. Obviously, the Tampa Bay game year one, J Mariota is that's the comparison. Yeah, I mean, I'll give you the biggest difference. Here's the biggest difference, winning plate play, kept getting hurt, right, hurt? I put hurt in air quotes. Yeah, and what do they have?

I talked to Titans, a pretty good team, Titans players, people around a Titans organization at that time that were like, Marcus needs to be one hundred percent before he plays. Yep. Yeah, remember the twenty eighteen game, we all thought we were gonna see Mariotta. It's week two. We go to Tennessee after going to New England, and we think we're gonna see We're gonna see Marcus Mariotta, you see Blaine Gabbard instead seen Blaine Gabbert. And I remember Vrabel after the game, like hearing what Rabel had to say, I was like, Oh, that's not good. That's not good. And then the next so I asked some of the people that we knew with the Titans, I said, so, what's the deal? And I remember one of them looked at me at one point and said, if Marcus is not one hundred percent all the time, he's not playing, well, that's awful. And that's different than seven. That's track and field. Svin can have three toes hanging out of his shoe, his left arm hanging by his side, three concussions, and he's gonna want to go out there and play.

I talked to Titans, a pretty good team, Titans players, people around a Titans organization at that time that were like, Marcus needs to be one hundred percent before he plays. Yep. Yeah, remember the twenty eighteen game, we all thought we were gonna see Mariotta. It's week two. We go to Tennessee after going to New England, and we think we're gonna see We're gonna see Marcus Mariotta, you see Blaine Gabbard instead seen Blaine Gabbert. And I remember Vrabel after the game, like hearing what Rabel had to say, I was like, Oh, that's not good. That's not good. And then the next so I asked some of the people that we knew with the Titans, I said, so, what's the deal? And I remember one of them looked at me at one point and said, if Marcus is not one hundred percent all the time, he's not playing, well, that's awful. And that's different than seven. That's track and field. Svin can have three toes hanging out of his shoe, his left arm hanging by his side, three concussions, and he's gonna want to go out there and play.

An old coach once told me that's track and field mentality, and for a good reason. In track and field you have the mentality if you have an injury, you can't go out there. It's tense of a second. We're talking about differentially. You got to be able to go get that. So you need to be perfectly healthy. Yeah, I mean, I.

An old coach once told me that's track and field mentality, and for a good reason. In track and field you have the mentality if you have an injury, you can't go out there. It's tense of a second. We're talking about differentially. You got to be able to go get that. So you need to be perfectly healthy. Yeah, I mean, I.

I understand it because you know, if you're an NFL player, when you go out on a field, a lot of times people don't know what you're dealing with. They don't know you might be dealing with the hernia, a bad knee, a bad toe.

I understand it because you know, if you're an NFL player, when you go out on a field, a lot of times people don't know what you're dealing with. They don't know you might be dealing with the hernia, a bad knee, a bad toe.

You will be judged as a healthy player. That's exactly You're putting stuff on tape that is going to judge.

You will be judged as a healthy player. That's exactly You're putting stuff on tape that is going to judge.

That's exactly right.

That's exactly right.

I don't care how you got to the starting line and you were limping and agreed you're groin is.

I don't care how you got to the starting line and you were limping and agreed you're groin is.

Ripped off or whatever.

Ripped off or whatever.

Once you're out there, you're on the record, and that's the way it's regarded.

Once you're out there, you're on the record, and that's the way it's regarded.

And that's why I value the guys that much more that go out there and play because of that, because they're putting that to the side and saying, I'm going out there for my guys. I'm gonna be out there. I'm gonna be on that field, and I don't care how people are judging me. I gotta go out there and make winning plays for my team. And that's the thing. Seven's going out there banged up, not one hundred percent shoulder hanging off. He's still gonna find a way. The Green Bay game is a great case of that. Last year. Can't be can't protect him the entire day, cannot protect him. We somehow find a way with defensive special teams to stay in that game. Joe Mixon with some great runs and he makes that throw take Xavier Hutchinson on third down right before the two minute, and then you would should have been the game, and it should have been It should have been the game, and it ends up not being the game. But that's that's what we have. That's what we have here. So any comparison to someone like Marcus Mariota numbers wise, my hands up.

And that's why I value the guys that much more that go out there and play because of that, because they're putting that to the side and saying, I'm going out there for my guys. I'm gonna be out there. I'm gonna be on that field, and I don't care how people are judging me. I gotta go out there and make winning plays for my team. And that's the thing. Seven's going out there banged up, not one hundred percent shoulder hanging off. He's still gonna find a way. The Green Bay game is a great case of that. Last year. Can't be can't protect him the entire day, cannot protect him. We somehow find a way with defensive special teams to stay in that game. Joe Mixon with some great runs and he makes that throw take Xavier Hutchinson on third down right before the two minute, and then you would should have been the game, and it should have been It should have been the game, and it ends up not being the game. But that's that's what we have. That's what we have here. So any comparison to someone like Marcus Mariota numbers wise, my hands up.

In the crazy like, miss me with that. This guy's a winner. CJ's a winner. Yeah, and CJ watching him operate these last couple of days was so much fun just watching him throw the ball again.

In the crazy like, miss me with that. This guy's a winner. CJ's a winner. Yeah, and CJ watching him operate these last couple of days was so much fun just watching him throw the ball again.

I forgot how enjoyable it was.

I forgot how enjoyable it was.

Yeah, it's been a while, you know, it's been since playoff practice and playoff games since we've been able to see him operate. Okay, Coming up in the Lab, Johnny and Drew discuss what who is at practice Mini Camp Finale, and Watt had a lot to say. Johnny and Drew have a lot to say about him and the battle of the long snappers? Is that dramatic enough? It's happening in Texans camp this summer it's been happening in OTAs.

Yeah, it's been a while, you know, it's been since playoff practice and playoff games since we've been able to see him operate. Okay, Coming up in the Lab, Johnny and Drew discuss what who is at practice Mini Camp Finale, and Watt had a lot to say. Johnny and Drew have a lot to say about him and the battle of the long snappers? Is that dramatic enough? It's happening in Texans camp this summer it's been happening in OTAs.

How's it going.

How's it going.

We'll hear from both guys, Austin Brinkman and Tucker Addington. They're coming up also here on Texans Radio. Back to it here on Texans Radio. Mark VanderMeer and John Harris as promised the Battle of the long Snappers.

We'll hear from both guys, Austin Brinkman and Tucker Addington. They're coming up also here on Texans Radio. Back to it here on Texans Radio. Mark VanderMeer and John Harris as promised the Battle of the long Snappers.

John Weeks is a forty nine er.

John Weeks is a forty nine er.

Two men in OTAs in mini camp duking it out. We'll see what they do in training camp with Austin Brinkman and Tucker Addington. First, we will visit with Tucker Addington out of sam Houston State University.

Two men in OTAs in mini camp duking it out. We'll see what they do in training camp with Austin Brinkman and Tucker Addington. First, we will visit with Tucker Addington out of sam Houston State University.

Eat him up, cats man.

Eat him up, cats man.

Yeah, no, I mean you'll be calling his games this year, but I actually call it his games. I know.

Yeah, no, I mean you'll be calling his games this year, but I actually call it his games. I know.

Johnny's the unofficial voice of the game.

Johnny's the unofficial voice of the game.

For Sam Houston. Yeah, back when, back when you're playing at sam Houston, been doing doing it for a while. So yeah, glad Bearcat Orange runs deep. Yeah. I mean I've got good friends that owned baseball stadiums over there, so yeah, it's it's good being here, Tucker. I know a lot of pressure on, you know, following a guy that had been here for so long in John Weeks. That's not something you can think about on a daily but there's gonna be pressure on whoever long snapper is going forward, definitely, but there's just general pressure on a long snapper anyways.

For Sam Houston. Yeah, back when, back when you're playing at sam Houston, been doing doing it for a while. So yeah, glad Bearcat Orange runs deep. Yeah. I mean I've got good friends that owned baseball stadiums over there, so yeah, it's it's good being here, Tucker. I know a lot of pressure on, you know, following a guy that had been here for so long in John Weeks. That's not something you can think about on a daily but there's gonna be pressure on whoever long snapper is going forward, definitely, but there's just general pressure on a long snapper anyways.

Nature it is.

Nature it is.

I mean, Mark will call your name when you're snapping the ball, but after that you don't want to hear it because you could be a bad snap here there. But that's a lot of pressure. How did you kind of live through the years of dealing with that pressure of just being that guy that man, this is my one job. I gotta do it and if I don't do it, well, this could this game can go sideways in a hurry.

I mean, Mark will call your name when you're snapping the ball, but after that you don't want to hear it because you could be a bad snap here there. But that's a lot of pressure. How did you kind of live through the years of dealing with that pressure of just being that guy that man, this is my one job. I gotta do it and if I don't do it, well, this could this game can go sideways in a hurry.

So dealing with the pressure, Yeah, I think the nature posision is we kind of have one shot and we're out, you know, and so I think take the best of that opportunity. You know, each snap is a is a blessing, you know. And for me, my motto is the next net mentality. So you you get one shot, you go out there, you snap, and you don't let it affect your next one. So I think when you take it like that, the pressure can be lightened.

So dealing with the pressure, Yeah, I think the nature posision is we kind of have one shot and we're out, you know, and so I think take the best of that opportunity. You know, each snap is a is a blessing, you know. And for me, my motto is the next net mentality. So you you get one shot, you go out there, you snap, and you don't let it affect your next one. So I think when you take it like that, the pressure can be lightened.

Right. So yeah, snap at a time.

Right. So yeah, snap at a time.

You were part of the I want to get this right. The Texas Long Snapping Organization.

You were part of the I want to get this right. The Texas Long Snapping Organization.

Yeah, so I was actually I trained there out of high school.

Yeah, so I was actually I trained there out of high school.

So this exists, it does snapping, or it does exist, it doesn't exist. Yeah, And you know, there's a lot of people wrapping it out there and at least have learned something from it. And I think coach Connery has taken the steps to lead a snapper to uh to the next level, you know, whether that's the best high school snapper you can be or to whatever college you can think of. You know, I mean, the coaches are looking for guys and it's becoming more and more prevalent in terms of long snapper specific trainings and stuff like that. And so you know, I might have been one of the last guys who had played other positions prior to getting into long snapping, you know, like hey linebacker, Hey can you also snap?

So this exists, it does snapping, or it does exist, it doesn't exist. Yeah, And you know, there's a lot of people wrapping it out there and at least have learned something from it. And I think coach Connery has taken the steps to lead a snapper to uh to the next level, you know, whether that's the best high school snapper you can be or to whatever college you can think of. You know, I mean, the coaches are looking for guys and it's becoming more and more prevalent in terms of long snapper specific trainings and stuff like that. And so you know, I might have been one of the last guys who had played other positions prior to getting into long snapping, you know, like hey linebacker, Hey can you also snap?

Kind of thing? Hey tied in? Can you also snap?

Kind of thing? Hey tied in? Can you also snap?

Now there's people that are committing middle school age kids to long snapping and where and oh that y'all? Yes, yeah, I mean you're you're talking about sixth graders wanting to snap, you know, and maybe I mean that attests to the guys who have been in the league for years John Weeks being one of them. You know, uh, he's he's he's, I mean him and the other people have late a path to uh to kind of show the position position as a skill, you know, a skill set and art and uh, I think it's awesome.

Now there's people that are committing middle school age kids to long snapping and where and oh that y'all? Yes, yeah, I mean you're you're talking about sixth graders wanting to snap, you know, and maybe I mean that attests to the guys who have been in the league for years John Weeks being one of them. You know, uh, he's he's he's, I mean him and the other people have late a path to uh to kind of show the position position as a skill, you know, a skill set and art and uh, I think it's awesome.

So when did it happen for you, the turn to long snapper or was it something that you knew all along?

So when did it happen for you, the turn to long snapper or was it something that you knew all along?

So it's actually sophomore year of high school. I kind of just got thrown the position. So I had a coach from high school, coach Sierra. He just kind of said, hey, you're snapping.

So it's actually sophomore year of high school. I kind of just got thrown the position. So I had a coach from high school, coach Sierra. He just kind of said, hey, you're snapping.

I said, all right. He said, what you didn't do is before I said, no, I haven't. How do you hold the ball?

I said, all right. He said, what you didn't do is before I said, no, I haven't. How do you hold the ball?

You know?

You know?

He said, oh, here you go. This is how you hold it.

He said, oh, here you go. This is how you hold it.

You learned everything on the spot.

You learned everything on the spot.

I had never done it, and he said, man, you're pretty good at it. And then I kind of started training, you know, doing long doing a doing a linebacker and tied end duties you know in high school and I had started working at a gym and he said, hey, man, I played and them I know some guys that snapped, you know, in the league, are snapped in college.

I had never done it, and he said, man, you're pretty good at it. And then I kind of started training, you know, doing long doing a doing a linebacker and tied end duties you know in high school and I had started working at a gym and he said, hey, man, I played and them I know some guys that snapped, you know, in the league, are snapped in college.

And you can go.

And you can go.

Play college and do this really all right? So that's when coach Conyrie came to the picture. He kind of the strength trainer I was with all those de la Garza. He kind of brought Conrie down to his gym and said, hey, this kid's got something, you know, and snapped for him, and coach kind of said, yeah, I think we can work on some things and and straighten you up, you know, get a little more consistent. And obviously I was young at the time too, so put a little bit more muscle on and stuff like that. And man, you know, use your athleticism to your advantage here and try to try to build something, you know.

Play college and do this really all right? So that's when coach Conyrie came to the picture. He kind of the strength trainer I was with all those de la Garza. He kind of brought Conrie down to his gym and said, hey, this kid's got something, you know, and snapped for him, and coach kind of said, yeah, I think we can work on some things and and straighten you up, you know, get a little more consistent. And obviously I was young at the time too, so put a little bit more muscle on and stuff like that. And man, you know, use your athleticism to your advantage here and try to try to build something, you know.

Tucker addicton with us, what's the path? Like?

Tucker addicton with us, what's the path? Like?

You go right to the gamblers? You out of football for a while? How does all that work?

You go right to the gamblers? You out of football for a while? How does all that work?

Yeah, so I'm out of football for a little bit.

Yeah, so I'm out of football for a little bit.

I was working at rehab hospital at the time, thinking about going to pet school, and I was kind of an interm hey, you know, football might be the thing that I'm interested in, you know, and had a call.

I was working at rehab hospital at the time, thinking about going to pet school, and I was kind of an interm hey, you know, football might be the thing that I'm interested in, you know, and had a call.

From a team to come work out.

From a team to come work out.

When I was a year and a half removed, still working in the hospital, were and worked out there and then you know, my agent said, hey, I think you so, Phil's an opportunity for you, you know, and uh, of course Houston Gamblers. I was like a sweet you know, go from Sam Houston to Houston and then now I'm here, you know. So it's like a full circle moment trying to stay in that Houston jeans.

When I was a year and a half removed, still working in the hospital, were and worked out there and then you know, my agent said, hey, I think you so, Phil's an opportunity for you, you know, and uh, of course Houston Gamblers. I was like a sweet you know, go from Sam Houston to Houston and then now I'm here, you know. So it's like a full circle moment trying to stay in that Houston jeans.

But have you ever seen any old Houston Gamblers footage from the eighties? Jim Kelly, I had seen some because somebody. I think it was a little a little hype real that somebody made and yeah, yeah it was. It was a cool little thing for sure. Yeah.

But have you ever seen any old Houston Gamblers footage from the eighties? Jim Kelly, I had seen some because somebody. I think it was a little a little hype real that somebody made and yeah, yeah it was. It was a cool little thing for sure. Yeah.

So where did where'd you grow up? And how do you get this? I mean, obviously long snapping get you, you know, opportunities, but why was it Sam Houston that you ended up siding on?

So where did where'd you grow up? And how do you get this? I mean, obviously long snapping get you, you know, opportunities, but why was it Sam Houston that you ended up siding on?

You know, It's kind of a crazy turn of events. Coach Connery, who owns Texas long Snapping owner and founder, he actually went to Sam Houston and he somehow had connections still there through alumni stuff, and one of I hadn't I hadn't been to any star ranked camps or anything like that.

You know, It's kind of a crazy turn of events. Coach Connery, who owns Texas long Snapping owner and founder, he actually went to Sam Houston and he somehow had connections still there through alumni stuff, and one of I hadn't I hadn't been to any star ranked camps or anything like that.

I'd just been training there.

I'd just been training there.

And so he contacted especially his corterner at a time, who you know, I don't know if he offered me on the spot or like before to walk on spot or how it worked out exactly, but uh yeah, at the end of the time, committing there, them choosing having the ability to give me some money.

And so he contacted especially his corterner at a time, who you know, I don't know if he offered me on the spot or like before to walk on spot or how it worked out exactly, but uh yeah, at the end of the time, committing there, them choosing having the ability to give me some money.

And I'm a triplet.

And I'm a triplet.

My mom's a single mom, so I'm I was like, yeah, i'll tick, I'll take the money.

My mom's a single mom, so I'm I was like, yeah, i'll tick, I'll take the money.

So what are the other two guys I have?

So what are the other two guys I have?

I have a.

I have a.

Brother and a sister, so they're still living back at home. I'm from the Bronfles by the way, Texas, right down the road, yuh and uh yeah they're still yees. So I just kind of followed the money at the time, and and you know, I built a lot of great relationships there and I met a lot of great people and I had I had a great career, I feel like, and it's continued to go up from there.

Brother and a sister, so they're still living back at home. I'm from the Bronfles by the way, Texas, right down the road, yuh and uh yeah they're still yees. So I just kind of followed the money at the time, and and you know, I built a lot of great relationships there and I met a lot of great people and I had I had a great career, I feel like, and it's continued to go up from there.

All Right, we know you got to go, but what more for you Bronfles or Fredericksburg as a destination.

All Right, we know you got to go, but what more for you Bronfles or Fredericksburg as a destination.

I know you're gonna be there's a lot of bias here.

I know you're gonna be there's a lot of bias here.

Yeah yeah, but go for it.

Yeah yeah, but go for it.

Make your pitch because a lot of people are sending their people set theirselves to Fredericksburg.

Make your pitch because a lot of people are sending their people set theirselves to Fredericksburg.

Well, you know, I mean depends on what you're into. But I can tell you New Bronfles is growing rapidly and fredericks burstall is a little bit.

Well, you know, I mean depends on what you're into. But I can tell you New Bronfles is growing rapidly and fredericks burstall is a little bit.

I mean they both have that small town feel.

I mean they both have that small town feel.

But I think Fredericksburg when you consider the amount of people, it depends on how fast paced you want to be, you know, and what you're into, water sports, water activities. Green Hall obviously, oh yeah, I actually lived like our was born and raised. The New bron FLEs lived five minutes from green Hall and stuff like that. And so my wife, actually she'd probably be happy to me saying this, but she introduced me to all the green you know, prior to that I had been I made my way around it, but understanding actually that little town or history in the history there and the music and stuff like that. She actually got me into that when we met in high school. So yeah, prompts to her. But I think, I mean I would bias New bron Fules, but uh, Frederis was a great spot as well.

But I think Fredericksburg when you consider the amount of people, it depends on how fast paced you want to be, you know, and what you're into, water sports, water activities. Green Hall obviously, oh yeah, I actually lived like our was born and raised. The New bron FLEs lived five minutes from green Hall and stuff like that. And so my wife, actually she'd probably be happy to me saying this, but she introduced me to all the green you know, prior to that I had been I made my way around it, but understanding actually that little town or history in the history there and the music and stuff like that. She actually got me into that when we met in high school. So yeah, prompts to her. But I think, I mean I would bias New bron Fules, but uh, Frederis was a great spot as well.

So Verry Night, very politically good answer. Thanks a lot.

So Verry Night, very politically good answer. Thanks a lot.

Tucker, of course, there's Tucker Addington, one of the two long snappers. Duke g get out this off season to replace John Wicks. The other Austin Brinkman from West Virginia. Tell us a little bit about yourself West Virginia. Yep, and long snap there. I know, not all long snappers and basically, well I should say all long snappers don't start out being long snappers.

Tucker, of course, there's Tucker Addington, one of the two long snappers. Duke g get out this off season to replace John Wicks. The other Austin Brinkman from West Virginia. Tell us a little bit about yourself West Virginia. Yep, and long snap there. I know, not all long snappers and basically, well I should say all long snappers don't start out being long snappers.

Tell us about yourself.

Tell us about yourself.

Yeah, no, so thanks for having me, guys.

Yeah, no, so thanks for having me, guys.

Yeah, so I was at West Virginia originally from you know, bel Air, Maryland.

Yeah, so I was at West Virginia originally from you know, bel Air, Maryland.

You know, played for my dad in high school. Was learned a lot there.

You know, played for my dad in high school. Was learned a lot there.

Yeah, there we go, played quarterback my senior year. I had a lot of fun with that, punted as well, and then you know, made the transition and was recruited as a long snapper to West Virginia. You know, competed my second year there for the job and then you know, took it from there.

Yeah, there we go, played quarterback my senior year. I had a lot of fun with that, punted as well, and then you know, made the transition and was recruited as a long snapper to West Virginia. You know, competed my second year there for the job and then you know, took it from there.

And how do they know long snap? Hey, here's a quarterback. I mean it seemingly makes sense quarterbacks could be good long snappers because all you're doing is throwing the ball.

And how do they know long snap? Hey, here's a quarterback. I mean it seemingly makes sense quarterbacks could be good long snappers because all you're doing is throwing the ball.

Between the ball right.

Between the ball right.

Yeah, but no, I did the like the camp circuit as a as a snapper, and then we just needed a punter my senior year. So I just kind of did that once the long snapping kind of you know, recruitment kind of closed up and we were good to go.

Yeah, but no, I did the like the camp circuit as a as a snapper, and then we just needed a punter my senior year. So I just kind of did that once the long snapping kind of you know, recruitment kind of closed up and we were good to go.

So at what point, Austin, did you realize, yeah, I can do this long snapping thing. Was it more kind of your dad saying, hey, we think you can have a future doing this or what we'll kind of led you in that direction.

So at what point, Austin, did you realize, yeah, I can do this long snapping thing. Was it more kind of your dad saying, hey, we think you can have a future doing this or what we'll kind of led you in that direction.

Yes, it's funny you say that.

Yes, it's funny you say that.

My dad, uh taught me in our basement when I was little, because he's like, I don't know if you're going to be athletic or not, so here's here's a little tool that we could potentially exactly. Yeah, and then know and then we needed one kind of freshman year for varsity in high school. Uh, and then sophomore year is when I started the camp thing and kind of realized, you know, going to these camps like okay, like I can compete with with these guys, and you know, the more I work at it, I could potentially have a shot.

My dad, uh taught me in our basement when I was little, because he's like, I don't know if you're going to be athletic or not, so here's here's a little tool that we could potentially exactly. Yeah, and then know and then we needed one kind of freshman year for varsity in high school. Uh, and then sophomore year is when I started the camp thing and kind of realized, you know, going to these camps like okay, like I can compete with with these guys, and you know, the more I work at it, I could potentially have a shot.

Yet you played quarterback as your high school career evolved.

Yet you played quarterback as your high school career evolved.

Yes, but it's either in the back of your mind, I got this exactly.

Yes, but it's either in the back of your mind, I got this exactly.

Exactly, and you know that's kind of what I was able to take and run with and you know, it's got me to this point. So I think it worked out pretty well.

Exactly, and you know that's kind of what I was able to take and run with and you know, it's got me to this point. So I think it worked out pretty well.

I mean, there's no questions, worked out pretty well. The you know, going to West Virginia. What was that like playing there and being a long snapper where it's one of those things where I hate to say it this way, but you don't really want anybody to know your name, right because they know your name, you probably airmailed one that stuff. Yes, yeah, you want to be a pretty important part. You are a pretty important part of the entire scheme of football at that university. So what was that kind of like being West Virginia And how is that?

I mean, there's no questions, worked out pretty well. The you know, going to West Virginia. What was that like playing there and being a long snapper where it's one of those things where I hate to say it this way, but you don't really want anybody to know your name, right because they know your name, you probably airmailed one that stuff. Yes, yeah, you want to be a pretty important part. You are a pretty important part of the entire scheme of football at that university. So what was that kind of like being West Virginia And how is that?

Yeah, I mean I was incredibly thankful for my time at West Virginia and you know coach Brown, Coach Brown, and you know, being able to work my way into a leadership role on that team, you know, as a long snapper was something that was big for me just because I felt like as a team dynamic special teams is something that I was able to represent, you know, in the team room and leadership meetings and stuff like that, but also have a presence on the team and on the field of hey, like you know, I kind of you know, I'm able to run this show.

Yeah, I mean I was incredibly thankful for my time at West Virginia and you know coach Brown, Coach Brown, and you know, being able to work my way into a leadership role on that team, you know, as a long snapper was something that was big for me just because I felt like as a team dynamic special teams is something that I was able to represent, you know, in the team room and leadership meetings and stuff like that, but also have a presence on the team and on the field of hey, like you know, I kind of you know, I'm able to run this show.

I know where everybody's supposed to be and really help out in that aspect.

I know where everybody's supposed to be and really help out in that aspect.

Austin Brinkman with us long snapper for your textans. So what are they looking for from you? It's flawless delivery, yep, But what about getting down field, making a tackle, all of that, because I know there are two guys here right now.

Austin Brinkman with us long snapper for your textans. So what are they looking for from you? It's flawless delivery, yep, But what about getting down field, making a tackle, all of that, because I know there are two guys here right now.

Yeah, No, for sure.

Yeah, No, for sure.

You know, like you said, it's obviously the consistency piece and delivering a flawless ball, but being able to help in protection and do my job on the punt team, you know, take take my man, communicate with the guys on the line, and you know, really be a big threat in the protection game for punt.

You know, like you said, it's obviously the consistency piece and delivering a flawless ball, but being able to help in protection and do my job on the punt team, you know, take take my man, communicate with the guys on the line, and you know, really be a big threat in the protection game for punt.

What's it been like being in Houston? Do you have any experience in Houston? Know anybody from Houston, any family in Houston.

What's it been like being in Houston? Do you have any experience in Houston? Know anybody from Houston, any family in Houston.

No.

No.

The only time I've been down here before is when we played at Houston in twenty three and my.

The only time I've been down here before is when we played at Houston in twenty three and my.

Game didn't go well.

Game didn't go well.

Yeah, that's talking about that's what we don't like to talk about. Yeah, I figured, but no, my college roommate, funny enough, he's a g A at Rice now. Uh so I've been able to kind of hang out with him and he showed me around the city a little bit y.

Yeah, that's talking about that's what we don't like to talk about. Yeah, I figured, but no, my college roommate, funny enough, he's a g A at Rice now. Uh so I've been able to kind of hang out with him and he showed me around the city a little bit y.

Yeah, so it's been a great experience so far.

Yeah, so it's been a great experience so far.

Is bel Air, Maryland in the part of Maryland that's near West Virginia or is it east.

Is bel Air, Maryland in the part of Maryland that's near West Virginia or is it east.

It's it's East, it is, Yeah, So it's like thirty minutes north of Baltimore.

It's it's East, it is, Yeah, So it's like thirty minutes north of Baltimore.

Okay, So when you go to Morgantown, what is that like for you?

Okay, So when you go to Morgantown, what is that like for you?

Culturally? Morgantown is interesting.

Culturally? Morgantown is interesting.

I mean, they die obviously, die hard West Virginia fans, but there's just something about the state of West Virginia. It's just surrounded and the way they banned together for that football team is special.

I mean, they die obviously, die hard West Virginia fans, but there's just something about the state of West Virginia. It's just surrounded and the way they banned together for that football team is special.

Yeah, and that was one of the reasons I went there. Like, you are playing for the state. We're the only Power five program in the state, and you know, every Saturday in the fall, you know, at home, our fans are coming together, the state's rallying behind us, and you know, we really know that we're playing for one point eight million people rather than just just a small fan base. So that's something that was really important for us in our team.

Yeah, and that was one of the reasons I went there. Like, you are playing for the state. We're the only Power five program in the state, and you know, every Saturday in the fall, you know, at home, our fans are coming together, the state's rallying behind us, and you know, we really know that we're playing for one point eight million people rather than just just a small fan base. So that's something that was really important for us in our team.

No pro team in the state, I mean that is like that we are the pro team. So I'm sure you've been asked as having been a special teams member at West Virginia University. Did you ever hear from McAfee at all?

No pro team in the state, I mean that is like that we are the pro team. So I'm sure you've been asked as having been a special teams member at West Virginia University. Did you ever hear from McAfee at all?

So, yeah, he was one of the like guest coaches for our spring game in twenty four so we we were able to talk to him, you know, as a unit, get get some advice from him, and hear about some of his experiences. And that was a blessing in itself, just because it's somebody that's been through the system and we were able to talk to him.

So, yeah, he was one of the like guest coaches for our spring game in twenty four so we we were able to talk to him, you know, as a unit, get get some advice from him, and hear about some of his experiences. And that was a blessing in itself, just because it's somebody that's been through the system and we were able to talk to him.

So that was nice, excellent. Austin, thanks a lot for joining us. Best of luck to you.

So that was nice, excellent. Austin, thanks a lot for joining us. Best of luck to you.

Appreciate you.

Appreciate you.

There's Austin Brinkman, West Virginia Mountainair long snapper battling with Tucker Addington for the job vacated by John Weeks, who's now a San Francisco forty nine er. Coming up in the Lab, Johnny and Drew discuss JJ Watt, among other things here I'm Texans All Access. In our final segment tonight on the show, Drew Jordy and Johnny Harris get together for in the Lab. Let's get a chunk of that podcast in here. As they talk about JJ Watt being at mini camp.