Houston Texans: Interviewing versatile offensive lineman Cordel Iwuagwu

We had the opportunity to talk to another awesome addition of the Houston Texans 2020 rookie draft class in former TCU offensive lineman, Cordel Iwuagwu.

The Torotimes had the incredible opportunity to talk to one newest addition of the Houston Texans in Cordel Iwuagwu, and I couldn’t help but feel he has the determination at the next level to make a name for himself. He is an offensive lineman not only capable of playing all three spots in the interior line, but he is willing to do so. Iwuagwu could definitely find a place in the league with that disposition, but he also has the gifted physical tools to go along with his mindset.

He had great measurables at the NFL Combine with 10 1/8” hands, 33 3/4” arms, and great short-area quickness at 8.03 seconds in the three-cone drill. Those numbers are certainly solid for an interior player on the offensive line. Iwuagwu was a rather well-known prospect across NFL circles through the draft process as he had plenty of meetings with teams at the NFL Combine and was one of the few select seniors to participate in the week leading up to the Shrine Bowl along with several of his future Texans’ teammates.

However, he revealed to the ToroTimes why he ultimately decided to sign with the Houston Texans over other NFL offers and presented a strong case of why he is battle-tested for whatever lies ahead of him as he begins the start of his NFL career in Houston.

Q: You had several virtual visits with teams throughout the draft process. Were the Texans one of them? And what went into your decision of choosing Houston over other NFL franchises?

A: They [Texans] actually were not, it was an easy choice, being home, representing my city, and Coach [Mike] Devlin is a great coach.

Q: Did the Houston Texans tell you if you were going to stay at left guard at the next level?

A: Versatility is the name of the game. Though I’m primary left, I wouldn’t be surprised to be bumped over to center or right guard.

Q: You had a lot of Division I offers coming out of high school as the 62nd ranked guard in the nation. What made you choose TCU over other football programs?

A: Just the family atmosphere and then not being too far from home was even better.

Q: Practices must have been competitive going against NFL talent like L.J. Collier, Ben Banogu, and Ross Blacklock. What were those practices like and how have they prepared you for the next level?

A: Every day felt like a game day during those long intense practices, I always knew for a fact how good they all were. I am just so glad everyone else did too. If anything, it just means I’m battled tested and ready for whatever comes at me.

Q: Who are you most excited to match up against the Houston Texans? And what player do you watch the most film on as you continue to improve your game?

A: To be honest, I just can’t wait to go against a live body so I would say, anyone and everyone. I watch a lot of film of guys like Zack Martin and Quenton Nelson.

Q: How was your experience at the Shrine Bowl? Where you able to acquaint yourself with any of your future Houston Texans teammates in Charlie Heck, Auzoyah Alufohai, and John Reid through the week leading up to the game?

A: My Shrine game experience was great, it was an amazing opportunity to showcase I can play against other top tier seniors and show that I can snap the ball some also. It’s crazy I met Charlie once or twice eating in the meal room and I ran into Auzoyah a couple of times also. It’s a small world man.

Q: Speaking of a small world, you’re going to see another former TCU teammate of yours in the NFL in Ross Blacklock. Facing a player like that in the trenches, how successful do you think he will be at the next level?

A: Ross is a monster, has been since he was a freshman and it a battle every day in every drill, I feel like if anything he will show a little more then what everyone has previously seen. Keep a lookout.

Q: Do you have a message you want to send Houston Texans fans or anything you want them to know about you?

A: I’m ready to work, and I can’t wait to help in any way I can.

Iwuagwu has the athleticism and the nastiness to see potential playing time in all three interior positions on the offensive line through the Texans preseason games. Those traits could put him in the midst of the competition as Houston highly values for the players they bring in to have the versatility to impact multiple facets of the game.

Houston can’t have enough talented players on their offensive line moving forward to protect their franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson, and they will have an intriguing player to continue to develop at the next level in Iwuagwu.

It will be interesting to see his development among the other players in the Houston Texans’ incoming 2020 rookie class and see them in action if the league decides to start its preseason against other teams.