Kamu Grugier-Hill fits Texans’ mold at linebacker, special teams

Kamu Grugier-Hill built a reputation for speed, versatility and toughness during his first five NFL seasons.

Those traits and general manager Nick Caserio’s familiarity with Grugier-Hill prompted the Texans to sign the linebacker and special-teams ace to a one-year contract with a maximum value of $3.25 million that included a $1 million signing bonus.

A former New England Patriots sixth-round draft pick from Eastern Illinois where he was teammates with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Grugier-Hill has run the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds with a 38 ½ inch vertical leap and a 10-9 broad jump. 

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Hawaii native recorded one sack and 21 tackles last season for Miami, playing under a one-year contract for Dolphins coach Brian Flores, his linebackers coach in New England. He has recorded 126 career tackles, 12 tackles for losses two forced fumbles and two sacks.

Texans defensive coordinator Lovie Smith emphasizes mobility at the linebacker position, which makes Grugier-Hill a strong fit for his 4-3 defense, especially its substitute packages.

“It’s a great honor for me,” Grugier-Hill said. “I’m already in love with his scheme, already in love with the way he coaches and his philosophy. Me personally, I think I fit perfectly into it. He likes speed guys. I can run and play the pass and do all that kind of stuff. I’m very excited for the future.”

Miami Dolphins v Jacksonville Jaguars

Photo: Getty Images

Grugier-Hill didn’t stick with the Patriots as a rookie as he was cut during the final major roster cutdown. Acquired off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles, he intercepted his first NFL pass off New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. He earned a Super Bowl ring in a victory over the Patriots. During his final season at Eastern Illinois, Grugier-Hill showcased his instincts with 16 ½ tackles for losses and 6 ½ sacks.

Grugier-Hill has 37 career special-teams tackles with one forced fumble.

“We have some killers on special teams over here, for sure. Talking about sub package, even stuff on defense, we’ve got guys that can run and we’ve got guys that are hungry and that can play the ball. I’m definitely excited for that.”

Grugier-Hill instructed his agent, Steve Caric, to try to arrange for him to play for an NFL team in Texas. That wish worked out this offseason.

“I love it out here, man,” Grugier-Hill said. “It’s funny because I told my agent when I was a young player, I was like, ‘if I ever get a chance to play for a Texas team, I’ll take it.’ I don’t know. It’s just the hospitality around here and just the love that I feel from the people, it’s definitely very similar to back home. I’m loving it back here.”

Grugier-Hill joined a team coming off a 4-12 season that has instituted a lot of change with dozens of new players and hiring Caserio and coach David Culley.

“I’m very happy with how things are being ran here and the way things are going,” Grugier-Hill said. “ I know that last year, whatever, there was a different perception of that, but coming in this year, I think I speak for a lot of guys saying that we love the culture and we love the leadership and the way things are being ran here.”

Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128.

Photo: Photo Courtesy of Houston Texans


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