Andre Hal's changed his body.
He might also change positions soon.
The 2014 rookie from Vanderbilt logged time at cornerback last season. He spent the offseason in town, putting in hours at the NRG Stadium weight room. With the commencement of OTAs, though, he's also seen action at the safety spot.
"We've put Andre Hal there," head coach Bill O'Brien said on Monday. "He's done some good things at safety over the first four OTAs that we've had."
Hal played cornerback in 14 games, notching 15 tackles and defending four passes. A 7th-round pick a year ago in May, he's up for becoming more versatile.
"I'm trying to do whatever I can to make the team," Hal said. "We need some help at safety. We lost a couple guys. I'm just trying to step up and help the team."
Hal's willingness to play multiple roles in the secondary has made an impression on veteran safety Rahim Moore.
"He's done a great job," Moore said. "He's competitive. He's very inquisitive. He's always asking questions. He's always putting in extra work after practice, and that's what it's all about."
Moore said he knows the defense now, and feels a lot "more comfortable" than he did as a rookie. That no doubt helps in the maturation of a player. So too, does changing physically. O'Brien cited Hal as one of the 2014 rookies who are now in "fantastic shape". The head coach added that Hal "can go all day" in practice, and the young corner was quick to point out that the time he spent in February, March and April has helped him now in May.
"Yeah, I've been working out all offseason," Hal said. "Just trying to get better, trying to get bigger, trying to get faster, so I'm ready."
Hal, Moore and the Texans are in the midst of their second week of OTAs.
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