Cornerback Brice McCain will look to contribute on special teams to earn his way onto the field.
The Texans announced Monday that they have signed sixth-round draft pick cornerback Brice McCain. McCain is the first Texans draft choice to sign.
"I feel like this is a lot of pressure being lifted off my shoulders because I don't have to worry about my contract," McCain said. "I'm excited to just go out there and play and be a part of this team."
McCain (5-9 179) was the 188th selection in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Utah and he is the first Ute to be drafted by the Texans.
"I know that I am going to have to compete to get time on the field and I am going to work hard every day," McCain said. "I want to battle for a spot at cornerback, but I am going to battle on special teams and take any playing time I can get. I just want to walk out that tunnel on game days."
The cornerback started for three years at Utah, playing in 49 games and starting 39. He received All-Mountain West Conference recognition as a defensive back (2007-08) and kick returner (2006). He finished his career with 103 career tackles, and his 21 career pass breakups were tied for sixth all-time at Utah. He finished his colligate career with 37 kick returns, ranking him ninth at Utah, and his 846 kick return yards ranked 11th in school history.
"I know I will need to show that I can contribute on special teams," McCain said. "In college, I was a great returner, but I can play just about any position on special teams. Whatever position the team needs me to play on special teams, I am willing to go out there and do it."
McCain, a Texas native, was voted all-district at Terrell High School as a running back and defensive back. He played cornerback, wide receiver and running back and returned punts and kickoffs. He also lettered in basketball and track. He posted a best time of 10.3 in the 100 meters in high school.
