The Houston Texans selected defensive lineman Ross Blacklock out of Texas Christian University in the second round (40th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Blalock grew up in Missouri City and attended Elkins High School, just 20 minutes from NRG Stadium.
"I had pretty high hopes of being drafted in the first round," Blacklock said via conference call with media. "That's kind of where my goal was, maybe first or early second. Unfortunately, I didn't go in the first but I'm beyond excited to be able to come and play for my hometown, just to be able to do good things for this city and play great football. I'm just excited."
Houston looked to fortify its front after losing nose tackle D.J. Reader in free agency and did so with its first pick in the draft.
"He's dynamic and physical," Texans football analyst John Harris said. "He has the ability to rush the quarterback. He can get up the field as quickly as anyone in this draft. He's been well-coached and will play his guts out every down."
Blacklock (6-3, 290), who played three seasons for the Horned Frogs, redshirted in 2016 and was named First-Team All-Big 12 after his junior season in 2019. He started all 12 games and finished with a team-tying high 3.5 sacks, 9.0 tackles for loss and 40 tackles. Blacklock also earned Honorable-Mention Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.
