Houston Texans: Tackling Down Louis Nix III: Part Deux

After a delayed start to the Houston Texans organized team activities (OTAs) this week because of the torrential flooding, things are now in full swing.

As the Houston Rockets season transitioned to a soft landing the Texans look to charge out of the gate with all of their characters — some old, some new.

And it’s excellent to know that those said characters will be featured on Hard Knocks, HBO’s long-running, award-winning series.

We’ll get to see exclusive behind-the-scenes access to our favorite Texans which is quite unprecedented.

The Texans have a tight fist on how they’re covered so it’s quite rare to get this type of access.

We’ll be seeing emotions/soliloquies of many of the stars such as J.J. Watt, Arian Foster, DeAndre Hopkins, Jadeveon Clowney and many more!

But there’s one player that I hope they do a few pieces on and that’s Louis Nix III.

Around this time last year, I wrote a piece on then-rookie Nix and it’s time to check in on him one year later.

“I’d say the ability to make it through a practice.” –Bill O’Brien on what he’d like to see most out of Nix in 2015.

For a rookie season that I thought was going to one of success and exuberance for the 2014 third-round pick (No. 83 overall), the door shut on him early.

Why?

As much as things were promising going into the season, Nix suffered a torn meniscus effectively ending his season.

But that’s not the whole story.

Bill O’Brien had become clearly disgusted with Nix’s work ethic as well which may have factored into why he injured himself.

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He continued to stress the importance of Nix to continue to work hard to hone his craft to which according to O’Brien had been lacking.

When asked what he’d like to see most of out Nix this season here’s what O’Brien bluntly told the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain back in March:

"“I’d say the ability to make it through a practice,” he said."

Ouch! Being able to practice effectively and prepare for the big game is one of the most important attributes for a professional athlete.

More from House of Houston

If you’re not practicing, then what’s the point of playing?

O’Brien obviously feels those same sentiments that I do and will have to prove himself worthy earning some playing time.

Up until last month, Nix wasn’t even in the state of Texas as he has been back in Florida, his home state, supposedly working on his game.

O’Brien hadn’t seen him up until that point.

Hopefully, some of the veteran leadership from recently acquired nose tackle Vince Wilfork as well as J.J. Watt will rub off on Nix and help push his ethic over the edge.

We all know that hard work and dedication are the hallmarks of those two future Hall-Of-Famers.

Here’s what Nix said about that. Take look at it here.

Also here’s what O’Brien added in regard to those guys being role models for him:

"“It would be nuts not to use those guys as examples,” O’Brien said about Nix. “This is a great opportunity for Louis Nix.”"

His conditioning and stamina have long been concerns about Nix since the days he starred at Raines High School in Jacksonville, Fla. so let’s hope he can buck that trend of negativity.