Center Martin enjoys competing

One of the more interesting battles during the Texans’ training camp has nothing to do with a fight for playing time. It’s the constant wrestling match at the line of scrimmage between two of the Texans’ better young players.

Center Nick Martin and nose tackle D.J. Reader have a spirited, friendly rivalry that has served to sharpen both players’ respective games.

At 6-3 and 335 pounds, Reader is capable of providing a stout presence clogging up the interior of the defense and occupying doubleteam blocks to keep the linebackers clean. He’s athletic enough to line up at defensive end and bull-rush his way into the backfield.

Reader started seven games as a rookie and finished with 22 tackles and one sack. Now, he replaces five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

“It’s awesome,” Martin said. “He’s an awesome player. He’s strong. He’s tough as nails, good balance. Those are the guys you want to go against every day. It makes the games easier.”