Zac is back.
The Texans signed free agent linebacker Zac Diles on Wednesday and he practiced with the team in the afternoon.
"It's real crazy," Diles said. "I didn't think I'd be back here. I'm excited and very happy."
Diles was a 7th-round draft pick out of Kansas State in 2007, and played in 50 games. During that span from 2007 through 2010, Diles notched 212 total tackles as a linebacker in the 4-3 defense. He started eight games in 2008, 12 games in 2009 and 10 games in his final season with the club.
Diles signed with Tampa Bay in 2011 and appeared in seven games for the Buccaneers. He also spent time with the Colts that season, and saw action in four games. Over the last two seasons, he played a combined six games for the Titans.
"The last few years I've been playing in a 3-4," Diles said. "It's not really new to me. Just trying to get the terminology down."
Diles said he's been told he'll play an inside linebacker spot and help on special teams. He's familiar with Brian Cushing, because the two played together in 2009 and 2010. Diles said he's also kept tabs on Justin Tuggle, because the two both hail from the same college program. Interestingly enough, Diles played in Tennessee with Mike Mohamed when the latter was on the Titans' practice squad.
Termed a "smart" and "hard-working" guy by Bill O'Brien, the head coach said Diles will likely contribute very soon.
"I think he can be brought up very quickly," O'Brien said. "He's played a lot of football in this League. I think he can be brought up to snuff."
Diles will wear jersey number 91 with the Texans. In his first stint with the ballclub, he wore number 54.
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