Fellow WR Jaelen Strong high on new Texans teammate Will Fuller

The Texans' top draft pick, Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller, dons his new Texans hat as he walks through baggage claim at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday. The Texans' top draft pick, Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller, dons his new Texans hat as he walks through baggage claim at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday. Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 36 Caption Close Fellow WR Jaelen Strong high on new Texans teammate Will Fuller 1 / 36 Back to Gallery

Years before the Texans drafted Notre Dame star wide receiver Will Fuller in the first round, the All-American was simply a young football player befriended by Jaelen Strong.

Both Texans wide receivers and newly minted teammates grew up near each other in Philadelphia, where Fuller was an all-city, all-state and Catholic League Most Valuable Player at Roman Catholic.

"I knew Will was special from the beginning - I knew he was real special," Strong said Friday after attending Fuller's introductory press conference. "He's a baller, and I'm excited. I'm so excited I feel like I got drafted today."

Drafted 21st overall, Fuller caught 144 passes for 2,512 yards and 30 touchdowns. He caught 62 passes for 1,258 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

"A complete receiver," Strong said of his friend.

Fuller and Strong share similar backgrounds, making it out of Philadelphia and being drafted into the NFL. Strong was the Texans' third-round draft pick last season.

"It's a lot of hope," Strong said. "It motivates a lot of people."