The Houston Texans had a strong claim to being the worst team in the AFC about a year and a half ago. Since then the organization has undergone a radical transformation and now they're one of the strongest contenders in a loaded conference playoff picture.
Hiring head coach DeMeco Ryans was the first step in this massive surge forward, followed by selecting Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud at No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL draft. Even as the No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young floundered in Carolina, Stroud went the exact opposite direction, quickly establishing himself as the best quarterback in his class and one of the most-polished rookie QBs the league has ever seen.
As Stroud's stock has risen so has that of the Texans, and expectations have perhaps never been higher for this team going into 2024. Few people saw Stroud's incredibly quick rise coming, but nobody's had a better perspective to see his whole development than Stroud's high school coach. Here's a look at coach Mark Verti raving about how much Stroud's game has grown over the years.
With Houston Texans training camp starting in 12 days I figured I would #DigInMyDuffelbag and let you hear what C.J. Stroud’s high school football coach Mark Verti said when he attended a home game last season. #Texans #BigSargeMedia pic.twitter.com/dh7vHfGMIg
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) July 6, 2024
