Texans' Will Fuller turning heads after memorable debut

Recommended Video:

The advanced development of Texans rookie wide receiver Will Fuller is expected to trigger a few reactions from opposing defenses.

It may decrease the amount of bracket coverage assigned to Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

That's a major reason why the Texans drafted Fuller in the first round to decrease pressure on Hopkins.

"Hopefully, I know that's probably one of the reasons why they brought me here," said Fuller, a former Notre Dame star. "I'm going to continue to do my job, and if it goes that route, I'll be happy."

And Fuller can expect more attention from defensive backs on the heels of his successful debut, which included five catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in his first regular-season game last Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

"I guess that just means I'm doing my job," Fuller said. "I'm going to continue to do my job. The more recognition I get, the more I'm helping the team."

Fuller, the fastest player on the Texans' roster, caught a low screen pass from quarterback Brock Osweiler in the fourth quarter and immediately accelerated past defenders for an 18-yard touchdown catch that effectively clinched a 23-14 victory at NRG Stadium.

"He comes from a great college program like Notre Dame where he's playing high-caliber talent week in and week out," Hopkins said. "The NFL is different but he's used to being up and staying where he is.

Rookie wide receiver Will Fuller (15) cutd his way toward a touchdown during Week 1's 23-14 win over the Bears. Rookie wide receiver Will Fuller (15) cutd his way toward a touchdown during Week 1's 23-14 win over the Bears. Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 101 Caption Close Texans' Will Fuller turning heads after memorable debut 1 / 101 Back to Gallery

"He has game speed and just regular speed in general. Some people have game speed but run a slow 40. He has it all."

Fuller had one dropped pass, a potential 83-yard touchdown that glanced off of his hands.

"Yeah, the first series I was a little out of whack," Fuller said. "It was a good feeling but as the game went on, I got a lot more comfortable."

Fuller averaged 21.4 yards per catch and became the first rookie in Texans franchise history to catch a touchdown and generate 100 receiving yards in a season-opener.

What's next?

"Just continue to play fast, that's something I did since college so I'm going to continue to do that," Fuller said. "Whatever I'm doing to help the team, I'm going to continue to do it.

"I always play with confidence, so I wouldn't say it's a confidence booster. It was definitely good for me."

Quiet with a low-key personality, Fuller said there's no danger of him changing with his newfound success.

"I would probably say my family, just the way I was brought up," Fuller said. "I've always been the same guy."