Rookie offensive tackle Julién Davenport prides himself on his ability to adapt. When people pronounced his name like Julien (it's Julie-OWN), he didn't correct them. Even seeing Julién spelled Juli'en throughout his collegiate career didn't phase the 6-7, 318-pound offensive lineman.
"It's nothing I really gave too much emphasis to," Davenport said. "I'm more focused on football. I thought maybe it was a computer error. I know Macs can put the accent (but) some computers can't, so maybe that's what it was. I just play ball. I'm not worried about my name."
Before the start of last week's minicamp, Davenport was one of the players that head coach Bill O'Brien was eager see in action. He made sure to say the Davenport's name right too.
"We're excited to see all these guys," O'Brien said at the Texans Charity Golf Classic on May 8. "I'm excited to see the kid from Bucknell, which I learned to pronounce his name correctly. It's Julién ("Julie-OWN") Davenport. I'll make sure I get that right next weekend."
Now the Texans fourth-round draft selection will have to adapt on the field.
Davenport, who had 44 starts at left tackle during his four seasons at Bucknell (2013-16), has a chance to compete for the starting right tackle position. Derek Newton, who underwent season-ending surgery on both knees last year, has been placed on the Reserve Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and isn't expected to return this year.
Davenport is making the most of his opportunity.
"You definitely have to be able to transition," Davenport said. "Just with me playing left, it's definitely new but I've been working on it and I'm progressing very, very good."
His Bucknell education may also come in handy. Rookies arrived last week for their three-day minicamp. From Friday to Sunday, they were immersed in meetings and learning the playbook.
Davenport's grasp of the offense seems to have come easier to him than the correct pronunciation and spelling of his name.
"I wouldn't say overwhelming, not that hard for me," Davenport said of the playbook. "I'm a pretty smart guy. I can group everything together and make it pretty easy for me."
Phase 2 of the team's offseason workout program continues concludes this week. Phase 3, which includes OTAs (organized team activities), begins Monday, May 22.
