DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH?
Don't be surprised when this talented rookie back makes an impact for the Texans
Jun 17, 2020, 2:51 pm
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH?
In 2009, the Houston Texans signed Arian Foster as an undrafted free agent from the University of Tennessee. After he appeared in six games as a rookie, Foster went on to become a four-time Pro-Bowler and a three-time member of the NFL All-Pro team. By the end of his seven-year tenure in Houston, he held the franchise record as the all-time leader in yards (6,472) and rushing touchdowns (54) — which still stands today.
As one of the greatest players in team history, the Texans found a hidden gem in Foster as he became one of the most dynamic running backs of the 2010s. Eleven years later, Houston has another opportunity to strike gold once again with the signing of undrafted free agent, Scottie Phillips.
Unlike most players in his situation, Phillips has a realistic opportunity to not only make the Texans' 54-man roster but also earn playing time due to the uncertainties surrounding Houston's backfield.
David Johnson and Duke Johnson will undoubtedly split the majority number of touches in 2020, but neither of the two are dependable to fill the void as the Texans' every-down back. Throughout their careers, Duke has continuously flourished as a team's dual-threat second option, while David has yet to prove he can return to his 2016 All-Pro form.
Any one of the "Johnson Brothers" have the morale to take the helms as Houston's primary running back, but if one falls short of expectations, it will enable an opportunity for Phillips to showcase his merit as a professional halfback in the NFL.
Placed in the 21st percentile of best running back coming into the 2020 NFL Draft, Maurice Jones-Drew of NFL.com stated, "Phillips was inconsistent at Ole Miss, but showed a lot of promise when he was on. When he flashed, the 5-8, 209-pounder showed great burst, was explosive, and was a sure-fire threat out of the backfield."
The reality that the Texans were able to sign Phillips following the draft was a steal within itself. Several mock drafts had the 5-foot-8 running back from Ole Miss projected as an early-sixth to late-seven round draftee. He currently possesses all the elements of a future franchise halfback, given his ability to breakdown defenders when looking for open gaps in an attempt to make a play downfield. If presented with the chance to capitalize on his skill set, Phillips has the opportunity to become the Texans' primary backup for 2020 — as well as the team's No. 1 option in the near future.
In the video clip above, Phillips' 26-yard rushing touchdown is a prime example of what the Texans can expect from the Mississippi native.
On second-and-2, Phillips was able to maneuver through the smallest gap and instantly switched into second gear to record what could have been a 20-yard gain. However, once warped by a pair of defensive backs, Phillips' strength to power through contact added six more yards to the play — which resulted in a touchdown for the Rebels. His ability to record extra yardage after contact is Phillips' best aspect as a running back.
Based on his stature, Phillips is not the ideal back to insert as a receiver, but he can provide another dependable target for Deshaun Watson coming out of the backfield.
In the video clip above, Phillips' best "sure hands" impression gave way to a 21-yard touchdown reception from quarterback John Plumlee on a third-and-13 down. It was his lone receiving touchdown of the season after recording 77 reception yards on eight catches in 2019.
If not for sharing snaps with a five-star recruit (Jerrion Ealy) amid his senior season, Phillips' stock would have been much higher entering the draft.
Fast. Short. And stocky. The best current player to compare Phillips to is Baltimore Ravens star, Mark Ingram. Despite being slightly below the average height for an NFL running back (5'11), Ingram (5'9) has put together a substantial nine-year career as a three-time Pro-Bowler with 7,025 rushing yards.
In two seasons with the Rebels, Phillips recorded a combined 1,470 rushing yards on 5.2 yards per attempt and 17 touchdowns in 20 games played. Ironically, the best game of his collegiate career took place at NRG Stadium, where he exploded for 204 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries — during Ole Miss' 47-27 victory over Texas Tech in 2018. During his two year stint at Jones County Junior College, Phillips became a top JUCO running back recording 2,282 rushing yards with 27 trips to the end zone.
As quarterback C.J. Stroud returns to lead the Houston Texans for a third season, his offense has a much different look than it did a year ago.
Top receiver Nico Collins and leading rusher Joe Mixon are back. But the Texans have a new offensive coordinator in Nick Caley after Bobby Slowik was fired and longtime left tackle Laremy Tunsil was traded to the Commanders in the offseason.
In other moves on offense, Houston traded for receiver Christian Kirk, signed receiver Justin Watson and drafted Iowa State receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel before signing running back Nick Chubb last month.
Chubb should get a lot of work early in camp with Mixon opening camp on the non-football injury list after missing minicamp with an ankle injury.
“Every year you’re looking to add more and more to your team,” coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday as the Texans opened camp. “I’m excited about the receivers that we’ve added. The young guys, Noel, Higgins, also with Kirk, Watson, all the guys we’ve added at those spots will definitely enhance our offense, giving us more options for where the football can go, and that will help our quarterback a lot.”
It’s officially training camp szn ‼️ pic.twitter.com/WBYXQE8myg
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 23, 2025
The Texans needed depth at receiver after veterans Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods left in free agency and with Tank Dell out indefinitely recovering from a gruesome knee injury sustained in December.
Even though it’s early, Stroud has already been impressed by his rookie receivers. Higgins, who has been compared to Collins, had 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns last season for the Cyclones and Noel added 80 catches for 1,194 yards and eight scores.
“They’ve came in with a great mindset,” Stroud said. “They are really mature guys. Guys who love to work, consistently, here at the building or working with me in the offseason. So, I’m really excited to see those guys’ growth and see them take a step forward each and every day. Not going to be perfect for them, but I think they’re going to make a lot of plays.”
I am speed 🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/Z6tjqebi1z
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 23, 2025
While the Texans addressed their need at receiver, their most pressing issue is improving the offensive line after Stroud was sacked 52 times last season, which ranked second in the NFL. Though Tunsil was penalty-prone he was Houston’s most consistent lineman and replacing him won’t be easy.
Second-round pick Aireontae Ersery could be Houston’s left tackle of the future after starting 38 games at the position over three seasons at Minnesota. But veteran Cam Robinson will likely open the season at left tackle while Ersery adjusts to the NFL.
Ryans knows everyone is concerned about the offensive line after Stroud was sacked eight times in a 23-14 loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs last season.
“I know I’m going to get a ton of questions about the offensive line and what it looks like,” Ryans said. “You guys will see what it looks like when we line up across from another team and we get a chance to actually compete in live reps. Me talking to you is probably not going to convince anybody here … we’ll see what it looks like, man. I’m excited about the group because I know they’ll be better.”
Stroud is also looking to take another step after leading the Texans to the postseason in each of his first two seasons. Stroud threw for 3,727 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 games last season after winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in his debut when he had 4,108 yards passing with 23 TD passes and just five interceptions in 15 games.
He was asked what the biggest lesson he learned last year was that he believes will help him this season.
“Just trust the process,” he said. “It’s not about what people think, who people think you are, what they think you are or when they think you should do it. It’s about your process and how you’re going to go about it. If God is happy, your teammates are happy and yourself, then you’re good.”
You can watch Stroud discuss his growth as a QB in the video below.
'I've grown a lot' #Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud @CJ7STROUD @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/OOMIWpC8zF
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 23, 2025