Texans' Xavier Hutchinson 'Locked In' for Debut: Rookie Diary, Chapter 2
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will enter the regular season Sunday without a true No. 1 wide receiver. But Xavier Hutchinson is part of a young trio responsible for elevating Houston's receiving corps. The other receivers are Tank Dell and John Metchie III.
“He’s a big, strong guy who plays with speed," Noah Brown said. "A lot of times, you see a rookie come in and they’re a little bit hesitant. But ‘Hutch’ has been doing a good job of knowing his assignment and being able to play out there and show his physical ability."
The Texans drafted Hutchinson with the No. 205 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. As a 6-foot-3 rookie prospect, he played three seasons for the Iowa State Cyclones after a short tenure at Blinn College.
He finished his career in the Big 12 with 254 catches for 2,929 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Confidence has never been an issue for Hutchinson. Throughout training camp and the preseason, Hutchinson was a consistent contributor in the passing game.
He displayed his potential against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 27. Hutchinson caught four passes for 48 yards in the Texans' 17-13 preseason win.
Hutchinson snagged a 24-yard reception over the top of Saints defensive back Adrian Frye late in the third quarter. But his best play of the night came on special teams when He delivered a huge hit on the Saints' kick returner that nearly led to a fumble.
"That’s what he’s been doing, and it showed," coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game. "It was good to see it finally come to fruition with him making big-time plays. He keeps getting better each week, and that’s all we ask of him, and I’m happy with where he’s headed."
Hutchinson said he had no experience playing special teams in college. But ahead of his official NFL debut Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, the 23-year-old receiver has established himself as a reliable playmaker beyond recording catches from quarterback C.J. Stroud at M&T Bank Stadium.
The preseason is over. And now, you guys will begin the regular season on Sunday against the Ravens. But for you personally, how does it feel to have your first official game a few days away?
"It feels great, to be honest with you. This is the start of my journey. I am in a new chapter of my life. I am really excited. And hopefully, I can go out there and make a few plays for the team. Hopefully, it would be enough for us to get the win."
We are always hearing how the preseason is most beneficial for rookies. From what you have experienced, how has the preseason prepared you for your rookie campaign?
"The preseason has helped me get more locked in. It allowed me to see the pace of the game. Over the course of the three exhibition games, I felt myself slowing down. The preseason also gave me a boost in my confidence that I can play on this level. I am just excited."
What do you remember about the preseason finale against the Saints? You were one of the players people, including myself, kept talking about. You went out there and made plays in the passing game. But more importantly, you made a huge play on special teams.
"To be honest, my play on special teams is what I remember most about that game. I was able to see all of the hard work I've put in since getting drafted. It was a great feeling because of all the ups and downs I took just trying to learn special teams. The results in that play made me believe that I can do it."
You had a unique journey to the NFL. Before your three-year tenure at Iowa State, you began your college career at a JUCO. How much did the transition from JUCO to Division One prepare you for the college to NFL jump?
"It helped me learn how to adapt to a new environment very quickly. I had to adapt to new people. I had to adapt to new coaches and styles. New everything to be honest. It taught me that it did not matter where I was, always put my head down and work hard. That is where I started to build consistency. It also taught me how to control what I can control."
Not only are you about to play your first official game. But Sunday will be the next step in establishing a foundation for a successful career. But who are some of the veterans who have taken you under their wing to help with your development?
"Robert [Woods] is one for me. He took on that role quickly and early; even Noah [Brown] and Nico [Collins]. They have all been there for me. They are talking to me when I have bad days. They are talking to me when I have good days.
"They are vets I can lean upon throughout my rookie season. Having a group of veterans like that helps you evolve as a player and gives you confidence. They have all had success in this league. It means a lot."
