Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. Inspiring Former Teammate at NFL Combine
For the second-straight season, the Houston Texans will be making a top-three draft selection, barring a trade of course.
Last year, LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley was the selection at No. 3 overall. But despite having just one season's worth of on- and off-field NFL experience, he's already sharing some "veteran" knowledge with a former teammate that's participating at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Former Alabama cornerback and 2023 draft prospect Eli Ricks got his collegiate career started with a bang, though it came at LSU in 2020. He tallied four interceptions (two for touchdowns) in an impressive freshman coming-out party.
But alongside him for two seasons was Stingley Jr., who had arguably topped Ricks' performance during the season before with six interceptions of his own. The two formed a strong relationship that has lasted all the way up to the combine, something Ricks talked about when asked who's a player he takes after.
“Me and him are very close,” Ricks said at the combine. “I talked to him the day before yesterday. He was one of my best friends. And I’ve learned a lot from him.”
Even though Stingley Jr. only played nine games as a rookie this past season due to injury, there's still plenty for Ricks to take notes from.
Stingley Jr. finished with 43 total tackles, one sack, five passes defended and one interception. Looking to get back to full reps in 2023, there are still tons for him to build off of.
But while the stats and production were solid, Ricks is taking hold of the mental advice that his former teammate has offered up.
“Just be yourself. Be comfortable, be confident in your own skin and I think I’m doing a pretty good job at that."
Ricks and the rest of the cornerbacks at the combine are set to begin drills at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday at 2 p.m. CT.
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