Johnathan Joseph is proud of his hometown.
Six Texans contests have been televised on NBC, and early in each game telecast when most players say their name and college. "Rock Hill", instead of Joseph's alma mater of South Carolina, are the two words that come after his alliterative name.
So it's not a big surprise that Joseph has kept a close watch fellow Rock Hill, SC native, Jadeveon Clowney.
"I've known him ever since he was a small kid growing up," Joseph said at Andre Johnson's golf tournament on Monday. "I haven't had a chance to watch him throughout high school,
because I was away playing in the NFL and things like that. But we're close."
Clowney, like Joseph, was a collegiate star as a Gamecock. His name has been linked to the Texans as the possible first pick in May's NFL Draft. And Joseph has a unique tie to the defensive end.
"We talk," Joseph said. "Text back-and-forth, things like that."
Joseph was a standout at Northwest High, while Clowney helped lead South Pointe to a state title in 2008. The Pro Bowl corner would like to see the fellow South Carolinian added to the roster, but also wants what's best for the franchise.
"Obviously, I would like for him to go number one, just because he's a friend of mine," Joseph
said. "He's a great talent. But it's not my call. Not my decision to make."
Clowney's Combine numbers were impressive, and Joseph talked about the boost he could bring to Houston's front seven.
"If we took a guy like him, he could make big dividends for this defense, with J.J. Watt," Joseph said. "But at the same time, you have to prepare and look at your team overall and what helps your team best."
