On a team filled with star power, one of the rising talents has been worth the price of admission to watch during Texans’ training camp.
C.J. Stroud might be building a rapport with All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs, but the past few practices have gone in favor of the third-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who might finally be putting together an All-Pro level season.
During team drills, Stroud tried to connect with Tank Dell on a vertical route, but Stingley was step-by-step with Dell and intercepted the pass. Physically, Dell tried to hang on but the former LSU product added a bit more to jar the ball loose and into his hands.
The crowd erupted as Stingley joined multiple Texans’ defenders to celebrate the turnover. And while Wednesday was the first time fans caught a glimpse at the former No. 3 overall pick’s progress, he’s been performing at this level since the camp broke last week.
Derek Stingley Steals One From Tank Dell!#wearetexans pic.twitter.com/p99tH0zFp7
— Ruben Gamez (@713HouSports) July 24, 2024
“Derek has done a great job during camp,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s been very consistent. One of our most consistent players in camp, so I’m encouraged with where Derek is.”
Stingley, a former All-American at LSU in 2019, wasn’t done with just the interception. He forced a fumble against Robert Woods that led to another turnover.
During 7-on-7 reps, he intercepted another pass, this time intended for Diggs. When matched against the four-time Pro Bowler, competitive reps that can go either way have become a regular occurrence.
“I actually think Sting is, and I won’t even shake when I say that, I think he’s one of the best DBs in the League, especially from talent level and he’s fast, he can run, he can break and he’s competed at a high level throughout his career,” Diggs said Monday.
Derek Stingley Jr. appears to go after Dalton Schultz at the Texans training camp
🎥: @YouGewdBro pic.twitter.com/mjqdw0XU9k https://t.co/pkdm7v875N
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) July 24, 2024
Stingley’s on-field play wasn’t during Wednesday’s practice. Nearing the end, he was engaged in a scuffle with multiple offensive players and eventually went after tight end Dalton Schultz.
Nobody on the Texans’ coaching staff encourages fighting, but this was more so a minor altercation. Players are ready to hit opponents, though cornerbacks coach Dino Vasso would prefer it to be between the whistles.
Derek Stingley Jr. stole the show at Texans’ training camp today, had an interception vs. Tank Dell and a scuffle with Dalton Schultz.
Houston CB coach Dino Vasso:
“He’s a competitive kid, he relishes the 1-on-1 moment. … You can’t teach that.”
More coming shortly @chron: pic.twitter.com/yeWXyCfvBo
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) July 24, 2024
“The extracurricular stuff is not what we want, but I like to see the [fire] and emotions are high,” Vasso told reporters following practice. “These guys are ready to compete against someone other than the Texans.”
Injuries aside, Stingley has come as advertised since joining the Texans in 2022. When healthy, he’s been an elite shutdown cornerback who rarely is penalized in coverage.
Last season, he picked off five passes and allowed a quarterback completion percentage under 37 percent in 11 games, including four over four weeks.
The injuries have been a concern but unsurprising. After a dominant freshman season in Baton Rouge, Stingley only played in 10 games over his final two seasons with the Tigers.
Since being drafted, he’s made 20 starts and missed six games for the AFC South champions last fall. Still, when the lights are on, Stingley has shined bright.
Against one of the league’s top passers heading into 2024, Stingley has been Stroud’s kryptonite.
“[I] love what he’s done so far,” defensive passing coordinator Cory Undlin said. “Just consistency, that’s all. We know he can make the big play.”
