It’s the next-man-up mentality for the Houston Texans on defense and second-year linebacker Henry To’oTo’o has handled the challenge with grace.
To’oTo’o, a former fifth-round pick out of Alabama, has stepped up in the place of the injured Christian Harris since the start of training camp. As last season’s No. 3 linebacker, To’oTo’o had to play in coverage and defend the run.
Now, he’s mostly playing in space while newcomer Azeez Al-Shaair takes the downfield approach. With a new running mate, To’oTo’o is trying to keep pace and catch the coach’s attention.
So far, he’s excelled in both spots.
“Henry has been a guy that our defense can rely on,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He is going to be in the proper position and be where he’s supposed to be. He does a great job with Azeez when it comes to communicating and that’s a huge thing in our defense of communicating and Henry does a really awesome job with that.”
Henry To’oTo’o: I’m more confident and everyone knows I struggled with tackling last year so I feel like I got better at that. #Texans pic.twitter.com/1nxLouIOQA
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) August 13, 2024
As a rookie, To’oTo’o tried to stand out in any possible way by working in rep between Blake Cashman and Denzel Perryman. He wound up playing in 14 games, totaling 61 tackles, a fumble recovery, and two tackles for loss while helping Houston secure a division title for the first time in four years.
Entering Year 2, he plays a similar role to Al-Shaair’s time with the 49ers. To’oTo’o is the first call when someone needs a breather.
The Texans often run a two-backer tandem, meaning whoever is waiting behind to fill in for a base three-man set must learn both roles.
Before becoming a fixture last season in Tennessee, that was Al-Shaair was out West. He saw reps at both spots, which made him a more fluid athlete and a better communicator. It also helped him become more consistent, an area To’oTo’o is trying to master heading into Year 2.
“I try to come with confidence every single day,” To’oTo’o said. “I got Azeez to lean upon and ask for advice and he has been huge for me on that part.”
Since his arrival, Al-Shaair has been the mouthpiece of the defense. He’s also taken the “coach” approach on the field, getting down on players and holding them accountable for a mistake.
#Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair on the growth of Henry To'oTo'o @HenryTootoo1 @AlabamaFTBL @RyanWilliamsA1 @AthletesFirst @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/2CKEYYKl3r
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 15, 2024
Multiple Texans players have mentioned Al-Shaair’s “in-your-face” approach and respect. Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson remembers when the former Titans starter told him to stop pouting after jumping offsides.
Third-year safety Jalen Pitre remembers getting called out once for making the wrong check down. Some players wouldn’t care for a newcomer to enter and bark orders, but To’oTo’o appreciates it since Al-Shaair serves as the voice away from the sidelines.
“He knows exactly how DeMeco wants it,” To’oTo’o said. “He is a respected player around the league. So having him add to our locker room is huge and we have nothing but the utmost respect for him.”
While still growing, the respect is mutual from one who once stood where To’oTo’o is now.
“He made some really good plays,” Al-Shaair said Thursday. “So, I think for me now being around him, I think it is more like validating what he did that was good.”
To’oTo’o will start on Saturday when the Texans play host to the New York Giants in the team’s preseason home opener.
