SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – Football is back and for the Texans it returns in the form of their new training camp base in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
The backdrop is different, but the mission of building a champion remains the same.
“I wouldn’t step on this field without those expectations,” Hopkins said after practice. “I hope nobody on this roster will step on that field without those expectations.”
Head Coach Bill O’Brien was happy to be there and was happy with the players' conditioning.
“It’s good, but it could be better," O’Brien said. “That’s the same for most teams, they have to get back in football shape. Everybody that ran the conditioning test passed it, and that was a first in my four years. They worked hard and came back ready to go.”
Day 1 was historic, as it’s the first Texans Training Camp held outside of Houston. This year's camp is being held in West Virginia at The Greenbrier resort.
“We miss the Texans fans and we’ll be back in a few weeks,” O’Brien said. “It’s great here and a chance to bond and eliminate distractions and become a better football team.”
Ninety players are in Texans camp, and thanks to the new NFL rule on roster cuts, they’ll all stick around awhile before the final 53-man squad is solidified. The journey to get there won’t be easy, as they will put in the work for three weeks at The Greenbrier Performance Center, which is laid out to meet every need the Texans will have.
The building and complex itself sits across the street, not far from the main hotel.
Team meeting rooms, which are a big part of any NFL Camp, along with their transplanted weight room and tented cafeteria for all of their meals are inside.
The Greenbrier welcomes NFL teams and serve as great hosts and have rolled out the red carpet for the Texans just like they did for the New Orleans Saints for three years.
Wednesday’s first day of camp brought on local West Virginia TV and web outlets along with the NFL Network, which is making camp stops, and began with the Texans.
Former Texans GM Charley Casserly was part of their group.
Also appearing at camp today was former University of Houston Cougars assistant Dana Holgorsen who is now head coach at West Virginia University. He was there with some of his staff Wednesday and will likely be there again on Thursday before they visit the Steelers camp for two days.
The special guest of the day was Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni and his wife Laurel who live near The Greenbrier in the offseason. D’Antoni is a big Texans fan and wished them the best while also saying he can’t wait until the new Rockets season begins. The D'Antonis love the area and are proud to promote local restaurants and activities to all of the media here.
.#Rockets HC Mike D'Antoni here at #Texans camp. He and his wife Laurel live here in the area. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/iSnIExr5T9
— Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) July 26, 2017
“You can ride horses and go rafting,” D’Antoni said. “Whatever you want to do is here and the people will be super nice to you. I’m here mostly as a fan, but will watch closely as it does parallel what we do. The mindset and intensity and being dedicated and seeing how they clean things up. Two different sports, but you can always learn.”
Practice notes from KPRC2's Randy McIlvoy
First thing noticed was the fact we were not sweating which is one reason why the Texans came here to West Virginia for camp. Temperatures were in the low 80s most of the morning with overcast skies and some humidity. Overall, though, it was very comfortable. I’m still a believer they should have stayed in Houston and battle through the heat and get conditioned. I know it’s tough but I’m not so sure these ideal posh conditions are what is going to build this football team.
J.J. Watt returned to the practice field and this marks his first camp since 2015. It’s been a tough year of rehab, but the pace was good and now Watt is ready to go.
“It’s been a long time coming and a lot of work to get to where we are,” said Watt. “Today is just the beginning. It’s just day one and really looking forward to stacking up days and really enjoy being with my teammates.”
.JJ WATT post practice on what he learned while being forced to sit last season. #Texans @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/VAiAUmr50N
— Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) July 26, 2017
At practice, Watt was one of the earliest players out on the field and was as fired up as ever. He took part in drills and made plays or created problems for the offense multiple times. It was good to see him out there with Jadeveon Clowney.
I’m enjoying playing the game,” said Watt. “I went through tough times, but enjoy playing football and the fans is what it’s all about.”
Watt said he likes what he sees at the Texans camp headquarters at The Greenbrier.
“You look and see the mountains and golf courses and rivers here you would think they have an NFL team full-time here the way they have the fields and facilities set up,” said Watt. “They really roll out the red carpet for you here.”
Watt said it was hard sitting and watching most of last season, but now, after a tedious rehab he’s now set to return to his old form.
“Really enjoy football, the fans and every aspect of the game,” added Watt. “I’m really thankful to be out here and playing.”
Before practice, it was fun to watch the defensive line guys bond together. They were joined by their new defensive coordinator, Mike Vrabel. They played a quick game of 4-Square on the field and shared some laughs before the whistle blew and it was time to get to work.
Quarterbacks will be a hot topic through camp and into the season. Tom Savage is the No. 1 guy, and won’t let it go easily. I thought he looked really poised in practice and made some nice throws including a nice throw and catch to Hopkins. Savage said he’s come a long way from the offseason to now as far as grasping this offense and commanding the respect in the huddle from the guys. Savage and Hopkins also caught up in the offseason to work together during a camp Jaelen Strong hosted in the Philadelphia area. It’s all about making progress and improving. Savage told the media he doesn’t take being the starter for granted because he knows you can lose that edge in an instant.
Tom Savage after practice #Texans @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/fMdlYJUvBt
— Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) July 26, 2017
While Deshaun Watson looked sharp, this offense belongs to Savage.
“We want to move forward and not take steps back,” said Savage. “Going out there ... getting the reps is huge and seeing me in the huddle. It’s good for everyone to get used to that. I’ve got to earn it. I’m not going to sit back I know how fast this can be taken from me.”
I watched a little of the special teams, and saw that the guys back there were the usual suspects: Will Fuller, Tyler Ervin, Wendell Williams, along with rookie free agent Riley McCarren.
The Texans will practice daily and have their first off-day Monday.
