Rookie Amobi Okoye didn't want to miss the start of training camp, and he won't. The Texans' first-round draft pick agreed to a six-year deal after negotiations lasted late into Thursday night.
Texans general manager Rick Smith spearheaded the talks between the team and Okoye's agents, Ian Greengross and Darin Morgan. The six-year contract can void to five if the defensive tackle reaches certain incentives. Terms were not disclosed.
Okoye will sign his contract this morning and join the rest of his teammates on the field when the Texans start the first of their two-a-day practices.
Because of his ongoing negotiations Thursday, Okoye was the lone Texan not to report to training camp at Reliant Stadium. Rookies Brandon Frye (fifth round) and Fred Bennett (fourth) signed their deals Thursday and were able to attend the team meeting.
Despite Okoye's absence, he was still a major topic. His teammates made it clear they are excited to see what the 20-year-old is capable of accomplishing in his rookie campaign.
Okoye was a standout at Louisville. The 6-2, 302-pound Okoye became a pass-rush threat his senior season, collecting eight sacks. He also had 55 tackles, including 15 for losses, and three forced fumbles.
"Amobi is a smart kid," veteran defensive end Anthony Weaver said. "The thing that's not going to happen to him is he's not going to be overwhelmed by the game.
"He's going to go out there and do what he's done throughout college, and that's go out there and listen to his coaches, accept the coaching and play well."
Okoye spent most of the offseason practices lining up alongside right defensive end Mario Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in 2006. Okoye, who is expected to start this season, impressed his new teammates throughout the workouts.
"For being a young guy, his work ethic is phenomenal," Williams said.
The Texans are hopeful it will be a smooth transition from college to the NFL for Okoye. New assistant coaches Frank Bush and Jethro Franklin have been placed in charge of the defensive line to help aid in the development of the young players.
The Texans also have strategically placed Okoye's locker next to veteran N.D. Kalu.
"Hopefully, I'll be a good presence for him," Kalu said. "Just to show him work ethic - how even after 11 years you still have to bust your butt and try to make the team. And just to stay humble in the way you approach the game.
"All that I've just said is what I've seen out of Amobi. He's a special guy."
The spotlight will be on Okoye throughout the season, especially in September when he becomes one of the youngest players to take the field in NFL history. Teammates razzed him about being so young throughout the offseason workouts, but most said they can't believe he just turned 20 on June 10.
"I've hung out with him," Kalu said. "I didn't feel like I was hanging out with a 20-year-old kid, but I was. His parents did a good job raising him. It's that Nigerian blood in him, I guess."
The Texans have had only one holdout in the short history of the franchise. Defensive tackle Travis Johnson missed two practices in 2005.
Texans players were hopeful the same would not happen with Okoye.
"It's important to be here because it's different from OTAs," cornerback Dunta Robinson said. "You still need to come in. You got to sweat. You have to bleed with the guys in order to understand what goes on on the football field. It's very important to have all the guys in here on time."
The fact Okoye reached an agreement before the first practice likely will help him as he continues to try to gain the respect of those around him.
"Some guys don't think they have anything to prove because they were first-round picks and get all that money, but you still have to prove yourself to your teammates," Kalu said. "That's what training camp does. It gives you a chance to show your teammates what you're all about."
..Surely you jest. 