LSU's Stingley on selection by Texans: 'They say everything is bigger in Texas, and for me this moment is huge'

The Houston Texans entered the 2022 NFL Draft with so many needs on both sides of the ball, and one of those problem positions is cornerback.

Armed with the third overall pick, the Texans selected Louisiana State University (LSU) cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., per a report on the team's website.

The draft was held in Las Vegas through Saturday (April 30). Las Vegas was supposed to host the 2020 draft until the COVID-19 pandemic dashed those plans.

A video shared by the LSU football team's official Twitter account shows the moment the 21-year-old Stingley, who didn't attend the draft, heard his name called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Stingley then put on a Texans draft hat to cheers and applause from those watching the program with him.

"A moment @stingjr will never forget," the newest Texan's former collegiate program said in a tweet.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Stingley, in turn, couldn't hide his excitement over turning pro.

"They say everything is bigger in Texas, and for me this moment is HUGE!" the defensive back tweeted with a picture of his rookie card from Panini. "@HoustonTexans can't wait to get to work!"

Stingley was nabbed behind Georgia defensive end (DE) Travon Walker, whom the Jacksonville Jaguars made the top pick, and Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson, who went to his hometown Detroit Lions at the No. 2 spot.

According to the Texans' report on the first member of its 2022 rookie class, Stingley proved to be a quick study as a true freshman on the Tigers' 2019 national championship team when he tallied career highs with 38 tackles, six interceptions and 15 pass breakups in 15 games started.

Stingley left Baton Rouge with 73 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, six interceptions and 21 passes defended overall, according to the Texans' website.

His father and late grandfather played for Purdue, with the latter himself having heard his name called in the first round back in 1973.