Disappointment, joy follow cuts
DT Covington sees hard work pay offff; CB James does not.
HOUSTON — The elation of rookie defensive tackle Christian Covington learning on Saturday that he made the Texans’ roster was rivaled by feisty cornerback Charles James’ disappointment after being cut from the team.
The contrasting emotions defined the tenor of the fifinal major roster cutdown as the Texans reached the NFL limit of 53 players.
A sixth-round draft pick from Rice, Covington was consistent throughout the preseason in displaying mobility and versatility. He was excellent in pursuit, recording 10 tackles in four games. Although undersized for a nose tackle at 6-foot-2, 289 pounds, Covington held up fine at the point of attack against big offensive linemen and showed he was athletic enough to play defensive end.
“Dream come true. I’m taking it in right now,” Covington said. “I can’t be satisfified. I’m looking forward to the journey that lies ahead. I can’t wait to be on that field come Sunday.”
It was an extremely joyful day for Covington, who beat out former third-round nose tackle Louis Nix III.
“Excitement, joy, gratitude, appreciation,” Covington said. “It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time.”
Covington declared for the draft after missing time last season with a knee injury. The native of Vancouver, British Columbia, finished with nine career sacks for the Owls.
“It was a risk coming out early, especially with the injur y that I had,” Covington said. “It turned out for the best.”
James was the subject of trade discussions, according to sources not authorized to speak publicly. However, no deal could be worked out.
James captured the imagination of fans of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” with his aggressiveness and infectious personality. However, the Texans are loaded at cornerback with Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, A.J. Bouye, Kevin Johnson, Darryl Morris and Jumal Rolle.
Although relatively undersized for the NFL at 5 feet, 9 inches and 179 pounds, James’ aggressive style of play and willingness to play anywhere made him a popular fifigure in the locker room and resonated with the Texans’ fan base.
Despite this setback, the former Charleston Southern standout expressed confifidence that he’ll fifind success with another NFL team soon.
“I’m not angry,” James said. “I’m more disappointed than anything. You leave it all out there. Hard work didn’t pay offff this time because it didn’t work out, but it won’t go unnoticed.
“I competed my (butt) off. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. It’s the league. It’s a competitive business.”
James is subject to waivers and the Jacksonville, Fla., native could fifind new NFL employment quickly.
“I appreciate all of the people who became fans of Charles James, especially in Houston,” James said. “It’s another reason why I keep striving because of people like that. I want to have fun playing this game.”