Texans' Deshaun Watson impressed by 'hard-nosed' rookie Cullen Gillaspia

PHOTOS: Texans OTAs from last week Houston Texans fullback Cullen Gillaspia (44) and tight end Kahale Warring run an agility drill during rookie mini camp at The Methodist Training Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. >>>See photos from the Houston Texans' second week of OTAs ... less PHOTOS: Texans OTAs from last week Houston Texans fullback Cullen Gillaspia (44) and tight end Kahale Warring run an agility drill during rookie mini camp at The Methodist Training Center on Friday, May 10, ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close Texans' Deshaun Watson impressed by 'hard-nosed' rookie Cullen Gillaspia 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

Catching passes, throwing blocks and covering kicks, Texans rookie fullback Cullen Gillaspia is building a reputation with his versatility and work ethic.

The seventh-round draft pick from Texas A&M and Katy Taylor graduate is off to a good start with the Texans.

Gillaspia is the first 12th Man in school history to be drafted by an NFL team.

JOHN McCLAIN AT TEXAS SPORTS NATION: What Cullen Gillaspia brings to the Texans

Gillaspia has made a strong impression on Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

"Gilly, he's a guy who works hard, doesn't say too much," Watson said of the former all-district selection. "He goes to work and he loves the game of football. He loves Houston. He actually can run and catch and do the things we want him to do.

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"He's a hard-nosed football player. We're glad to have him on the team. He'll continue to get some downhill runs and lead for Lamar (Miller), D'Onta (Foreman) and Josh (Ferguson)."

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