New Texans cornerback Fred Bennett addressed the Houston media Sunday via conference call. Following are his comments.
(on the his reaction to being drafted) "I was just excited. It was a long wait. I'm just excited to be a Houston Texan."
(on his relationship with Texans CB Dunta Robinson) "I know him really well. He was a (junior) when I was a freshman in college, so we have a good relationship. I learned a lot from him. I was behind him when I was a freshman, and he taught me a lot of stuff not just about football but about the college life too. Hopefully he can teach me some things about the NFL."
(on speaking to Robinson today) "I got on the phone with him, and he gave me a heads up. He told me to be ready."
(on his feelings about being drafted on the second day of the draft) "I'm not disappointed. I just wanted a chance to play in the NFL, and I'm just fortunate that the Houston Texans gave me that opportunity. I think I'm going to go out there and make the most of it. I was a little bit down, but wherever the chips fell I'll be happy. I'm just happy to be a Texan."
(on if Robinson's gave him any advice for his pro workout) "He had no clues. The DB coach came and worked me out, and I did some things to impress him. But Dunta had no clue; I had no clue."
(on Robinson's help throughout the years) "Coming in to college, I wasn't a really strong back peddler. I was a tall, lanky corner, and some people doubted me. Some people thought I was more of a safety; some of my coaches, actually. Dunta worked with me. We would stay after practice some days, and he would work with me on my footwork and on my ball skills until I kind of got this corner thing figured out. He helped me on my skills, backpedaling and all that, and about the game of football."
(on whether Robinson had an influence on the draft) "I have no idea. They came and worked me out on my pro day, so I felt like I showed them enough of what they were looking for in a corner. I felt like I had a pretty good pro day. I'm just happy they liked me."
(on whether having a friend on the team will be beneficial) "I think it will help tremendously. I think he can show me the ropes of the NFL. He can help me with my plays. We've got a great relationship, so I'm pretty sure he'll be there for me. I'm up for taking in whatever he has to tell me."
