How Texans defensive lineman Derek Barnett running back background helps him ‘pick the ball up and get to the crib’

HOUSTON – Derek Barnett is a man of action, and he immediately realized his opportunity when a fumbled jet sweep by the Tennessee Titans left the football bouncing on the ground.

Instead of immediately pouncing on the fumble, the Texans’ veteran defensive end roughly shoved Titans wide receiver Bryce Oliver to the ground so he could secure the football.

Then, the 6-foot-3, 259-pound former Philadelphia Eagles first-round draft pick, University of Tennessee and Brentwood Academy standout scored a touchdown against his hometown team by rumbling 36 yards into the end zone. Along the way, Barnett resembled a running back as he followed a block from linebacker Neville Hewitt and dragged wide receiver Mason Kinsey with a free ride across the goal line.

A long time ago, Barnett was a running back and he channeled those skills.

“Like 20 years ago when I was way smaller,” Barnett said. “I try. Pick the ball up and get to the crib. Everybody blocked, just try to get to the end zone. We always practice with the ball on the ground and pick it up, even if it’s incomplete. So, we just try to get our hands on it.”

This marked Barnett’s second touchdown of the season, after his forced fumble and fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Barnett, a key rotational defensive lineman behind Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., has two scores, which ties him with tight end Dalton Schultz and Dameon Pierce for total touchdowns.

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“You’re trying to finish the season on a good note and get ready for the real season now,” Barnett said in advance of the Texans’ AFC wild-card home playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.

Barnett has recorded five sacks, 26 tackles, four for losses and seven quarterback hits in 16 games and one start. He’s been a strong addition to the Texans since being claimed last season from the Eagles off waivers. He had 2 1/2 sacks in four starts and six games for the Texans last season and 29 career sacks, 49 tackles for losses, 94 quarterback hits and five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

Barnett reluctantly did interviews after the game. After the Cowboys game, he didn’t stay around in the locker room to discuss his score.

He’s not into self-promotion.

“You just put the work in,” Barnett said. “Everybody is working here. So, it’s just trying to go about it the right way.”

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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com