Stingley aims for big leap under Ryans
After showing flashes as a rookie, DB ready to embrace new scheme
Derek Stingley Jr. doesn’t normally say much. He’s quiet and typically keeps to himself.
But he seemed excited Thursday when asked for a brief interview after DeMeco Ryans’ introductory news conference as the Texans’ sixth head coach.
Stingley was one of 10 players from the Texans’ 2022 roster who showed up to see Ryans introduced.
“The hire is definitely something we were looking forward to,” Stingley said. “I feel like he’s a great person to come in here and help us get to the winning culture that we need.”
The Texans, who went 3-13-1 in 2022, drafted Stingley third overall in 2022 of LSU, where he was known for his man coverCornerback age and ability to shut down the opposing team’s best wide receiver.
But previous coach Lovie Smith employed a Cover-2 defense and primarily played zone. Stingley was a starter and played well in Smith’s scheme, but many critics around the league felt he could be utilized better in more manto-man coverage, which would allow him to shadow the opposing team’s best receiver and shut down one side of the field.
That was part of the reason other rookie cornerbacks like the Jets’ Sauce Gardner and the Seahawks’ Tariq Woolen got more attention. They were in position to make plays and did.
Woolen, who was drafted in the fifth round, was tied for the league lead with six interceptions, while Gardner, who was drafted fourth overall, had two picks and was a firstteam All-Pro.
Stingley has the talent and the potential. He played in nine games and had 43 tackles, one interception and five pass deflections. He didn’t allow a
touchdown in coverage.
He missed the final eight weeks of the season with a hamstring injury.
“I feel like it was good,” Stingley said of his rookie year. “I learned a lot. People like (Christian Kirksey), everybody else taught me a lot of things, taught me the way of how everything operates at this level.”
But in Year 2, Stingley said he’s hoping to take another step. During Ryans’ news conference, he singled out Stingley as a player he’s excited to coach.
“Stingley has outstanding talent,” Ryans said. “Scouted him the last year, and I know the talent that he has. I know the competitor that he is. Going to put him in position to make a lot of plays for us. Put him in a position where he can excel and showcase his talents.”
Stingley smiled when he heard that.
“Really looking at the 49ers defense, from the secondary to the D-Line, everybody — they are in sync,” Stingley said. “They play hard for him. So I’m looking forward to getting ready to learn the playbook. Learn the ends and outs of his defense.”
The next step for Ryans is hiring a staff. He’s expected to meet with coaches on the current staff Friday and has requested interviews with other coaches.
As for Stingley, he said he’s excited about what’s next.
“I know going into this year it’s going to be another big jump that I can take into my career just like every other year,” he said. “So I’m ready to get rolling.”