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Training Camp Day 2: Notes and Quotes

Day 2 of Texans training camp at the Greenbrier didn't disappoint with the big plays and competitive spirit. According to several players, there is an ongoing bet between offense, defense and who comes out on top.

"There's a lot of competition out there," DeAndre Hopkins said. "We like to make friendly bets between pushups and stuff like that. We don't bet for money. That's illegal, but there are a lot of bets out there. A lot of bets."

Hopkins continued his streak of making eye-popping catches in Friday's practice, much to the entertainment of fans watching from the bleachers.

But…the defense made its fair share of plays too, including a big red-zone play by cornerback Kevin Johnson at the very end of practice.

"Kevin has improved a lot," Hopkins said. "He had an interception on me today. He's definitely learning every day from going against me and I feel like he wants to. He wants to compete against me every day. I love it."

The defense has been practicing their trash-talking. The defensive linemen even jokingly talked trash to their tackling dummy during individual drills.

The player who has impressed Tyrann Mathieu so far in camp is safety Justin Reid. Mathieu says the rookie is sharp and has a passion for the game.

"I played with his brother (Eric Reid)," Mathieu said. 'He reminds me so much of his brother. Very sharp young man, very respectful, but when he gets on the football field, he has a mean streak. That's what I like to see from my teammates, but especially younger guys."

Whitney Mercilus is enjoying being back on the field with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. The seventh-year veteran pass rusher says he often talks to Crennel about what he sees on the field. Mercilus said Crennel has "a wealth of knowledge" and he wants to have a better understanding of why Crennel makes the calls that he does against personnel he sees on the field.

The player who asks Hopkins the most questions? Wide receiver Vyncint Smith, the 6-3, 195-pound rookie out of Limestone College.

The Texans will hold their first practice in pads on Saturday. Are players looking forward to it?

"Always, always. I'm a football player not a basketball player." –DeAndre Hopkins

"We'll be kicking some tail for sure." –Whitney Mercilus

Let the competition continue…

Check out the best photos of Day 2 at Texans Camp in White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia.

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