The Houston Texans could lose two of their starting linebackers to free agency this offseason. Linebacker Brooks Reed has already agreed to join the Atlanta Falcons this upcoming season. And free agent linebacker Akeem Dent could be next.
But have no worries Texans’ fans. Because waiting in the wings is third-year inside linebacker Justin Tuggle. And Tuggle is poised to be Houston’s next breakout defensive star.
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The son of five-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL All-Pro selection for the Atlanta Falcons, linebacker Jessie Tuggle, Justin was undrafted out of Kansas State in 2013. But the younger Tuggle shined in his second year with Houston last season, starting in eight games, recording 39 total tackles and getting his first interception as a pro.
Tuggle should get every opportunity to start in 2015 with the exodus of Reed and possibly Dent. And it appears the 25-year old is ready to take advantage of it.
"“I’m all about ball right now,” Tuggle told Texans Radio last month via HoustonTexans.com. “This is a big year for me, coming into my third year. I’m excited for it. I feel good with the place that I’m at. I’m comfortable now in the system, comfortable around the guys in the locker room. I’m ready to put the best product on the field. I feel like I have a lot of good football ahead of me and I’m just ready to unleash that and have the world really see it.”"