Kamari Lassiter begins his NFL career with the Houston Texans. The Georgia defensive back will play for former Alabama star DeMeco Ryans.
Lassiter didn’t realize his new head coach played for his old college rival.
During a press conference from Houston’s rookie minicamp, a reporter asked Lassiter if he’s noticed any similarities between Ryans and Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart because of their SEC ties. That’s how the rookie discovered Ryans played for the Crimson Tide.
“Coach went to ‘Bama?” Lassiter asked, via Nick Schwager. “Nah, I ain’t know that.”
Lassiter was only an infant when Ryans anchored Alabama’s defense in 2005. The linebacker was named a consensus All-American and the SEC Player of the Year with five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.
After playing for Mike Shula at Tuscaloosa, the Texans drafted Ryans with the No. 33 pick in 2006. The two-time Pro Bowler tallied 970 tackles, 10 fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions during his 10-year NFL career.
Lassiter is more likely to know that his last coach, Smart, previously worked at Alabama as Nick Saban’s defensive coordinator before going to Georiga in 2016. Hence the question about whether he’s seen any cultural commonalities between the Bulldogs and Texans.
Former Georgia CB / Texans second-round pick Kamari Lassiter finding out HC DeMeco Ryans went to Alabama 🤣
(🎥 @HoustonTexans) pic.twitter.com/y7WLt3PAsQ
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) May 10, 2024
Lassiter broke up eight passes during his final year at Georgia. The defensive back didn’t get to compete for a third national title after losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.
Perhaps Will Anderson should hide his college background from Lassiter, just in case.