2008 REGULAR SEASON 

STATS:  Inactive at Pittsburgh (9/7) and at Tennessee (9/21)...played defensive end and contributed on special teams at Jacksonville (9/28)...did not register a tackle...played on special teams and at defensive end vs. Indianapolis (10/5) loggin two solo tackles...recorded four tackles vs. Miami (10/12), one for a loss...played at defensive end and on special teams vs. Detroit (10/19)...recorded one solo tackle...played at defensive end and on special teams vs. Cincinnati (10/26)...posted one pass defensed...registered four tackles at Minnesota (11/2)...sacked Minnesota QB Gus Frerotte for an eight-yard loss in the second quarter...it was Cochran's first sack of the season and second of his career...played at defensive end vs. Baltimore (11/9) and totaled two tackles, including his second sack of the season...made the first start of his career at Indianapolis (11/16) and registered four total tackles...placed on the reserve/injured list with a toe injury (11/19), ending his season after Week 11.

2008 PRE-SEASON

Defensive End Battle Taking Shape For Texans

Competition on the line is heating up, with Earl Cochran making a strong move to unseat veteran Anthony Weaver and start opposite Mario Willaims

By John McClain

Houston Chronicle

August 12, 2008

On Sunday, Kubiak took his praise to a new level when he said Cochran is pushing Anthony Weaver for a starting job on the left side opposite Mario Williams.

"Earl's becoming a player that's looking more and more like a starter every day,†Kubiak said. "Anthony's being pushed very heavily by Earl.

"Earl's an up-and-coming player, and he continues to prove that on a weekly basis.â€

 

During this training camp and the preseason opener against Denver, Cochran has been earning the praise of his teammates and coaches.

"Earl doesn't look too bright, but he's real smart,†defensive end N.D. Kalu said with a laugh. "He's the hardest-working player I've seen in 12 years.

"How do I know he's so smart? I've been sitting in meetings with him for two seasons. He's so smart I'm asking him how to do things.â€

Cochran grew up in Bessemer, Ala., where he attended Jess Lanier High School, the same as middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. Cochran played at Alabama State and was cut by Green Bay and Minnesota before finding a home with the Texans in 2006.

"My pass rush is better than last year because I moved inside,†Cochran said. "The pass rush inside is different. It's not hard to do both. It's just different techniques.

"We need to get more sacks to be competitive in our division. We only won one game (in the AFC South, over Jacksonville) last season, and better pressure could have changed some of those games, because it creates turnovers, and turnovers win games.â€

Franklin and Frank Bush have done a good job helping develop Cochran.

"Jethro's going to push you as far as you're willing to go,†Cochran said. "When a coach stays on you like that, it brings out the best in you. He doesn't let us get away with the small things. It's the small things that make the guys go across the water to the Pro Bowl and makes guys become champions.†Read Full Story

 

 

Camp Quotes: Day 15

August 11, 2008
HoustonTexans.com

(on DE N.D. Kalu running first-string) "N.D. (Kalu) deserves some reps, you know. He went out there and played extremely well the other night, pass rushed extremely well. He's in a competitive environment with (DE Rosevelt) Colvin and other guys. He went out there and said, 'Hey, give me some more because I'm playing good.' It's not just him. (DE) Earl Cochran's been the same way. Those guys that earn the opportunities are going to get them. Read Full Story

 

 

Kubiak Presser Quotes

August 10, 2008

Houston Texans.com

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak spoke to the media on Sunday following his team's 19-16 win over the Denver Broncos in the Saturday preseason opener.

(on the defensive end position battle) "It is a good battle going on. You look at Rosevelt (Colvin), you look at N.D. (Kalu) in the same light. Smaller defensive ends that have to rush the passer well to be a factor on this team. Severe battle on each other. And as I told y'all, I thought N.D. played very, very well. Earl (Cochran) is becoming a player that's looking more and more like a starter everyday. Anthony (Weaver) was fine with his time that he played. He's being pushed very heavily by Earl. Earl is an up-and-coming player on this football team and continues to prove that on a weekly basis. And DelJuan (Robinson) went out there and played in the same spot. We were very encouraged with what DelJuan Robinson did." Read Full Story

A LOOK AT EARL DURING THE HOUSTON TEXANS 2008 TRAINING CAMP

 

10 Questions With Cochran

August 5, 2008

Defensive end Earl Cochran has come a long way since signing with Houston's practice squad in 2006. He played in 15 games last season and recorded his first career sack. This year, Cochran would like to get to the passer a lot more.

"I have come a long way because everyday I step on the field I try to get better. That is what I have been trying to do, consistently get better.- Earl Cochran

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4468

  

Texans Coaches Like DE Cochran's Work Ethic

August 4, 2008

Not only has he been a fine player in his tenure with the Texans, Cochran has gained the

reputation of being a hard worker. Even coaches new to the Texans, such as defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, who came from Tampa Bay, knew of Cochran's diligence.

"He's always been a worker,Franklin said. "I was fortunate enough to have Earl when I was in Green Bay with the Packers. So I know what type of work ethic the guy has.

 

Although you might see Cochran at defensive end, playing behind Mario Williams, the fourth-year player is capable of playing all four positions on the line.  "He plays multiple positions,Franklin said. "That's what you have to do at this stage. You have to make sure you prepare yourself to know all the positions, so when the opportunity comes you can do the job.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/5922308.html

 

 

Camp Quotes: Day 8

August 1, 2008

(on DE Earl Cochran) "He's one of those players you talk about guys that all of a sudden start to become really good pros. You talk about (WR Kevin) Walter and we talked about Zac Diles' progress; you could throw Earl in that mix. He's a better player. He's held up better because I think his work habits in the offseason have taken a step forward. He's got a chance to be a fine player.

 

(on using DE Earl Cochran in different ways)  "He plays in and out. In nickel, he'll go inside and rush. He's a versatile kid. Great special teams player for (special teams coordinator) Joe (Marciano), so we'll just keep him going.

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4451

 

Camp Highlights: Day 8

August 1, 2008

Coach Gary Kubiak called Friday's practice the best of training camp so far. Watch what Kubiak had to say about Chris Brown's progress and the development of defensive end Earl Cochran

http://www.houstontexans.com/tv/index.asp?mm_file_id=2452&play_clip=Y

 

Camp Highlights: Day 3
July 27, 2008

The Texans' first full-pads practice Sunday morning produced some big collisions. Defensive end Earl Cochran had the hit of training camp (watch here) on running back Chris Taylor.

 

 

 

Cochran 2007 Season In Review

 

Cochran 2007 Stats
Played in 15 games, starting one...totaled a career-high 25 tackles, 19 solo, along with his first-career sack, first-career forced fumble and fumble recovery, and four passes defensed...recorded one solo tackle against Kansas City (9/9)...registered a solo special teams tackle at Carolina (9/16)...was inactive against Indianapolis (9/23)...contributed one tackle at Atlanta (9/30)...had one pass defensed against Miami (10/7)...notched two solo tackles at Jacksonville (10/14)...tallied three solo tackles against Tennessee (10/21)...played but did not record a tackle at San Diego (10/28)...notched two tackles, one solo, at Oakland (11/4)...had two solo tackles, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery against New Orleans (11/18)...made one tackle at Cleveland (11/25)...registered three tackles, two solo, at Tennessee (12/2)...recorded two solo tackles, one QB hurry and his first career sack for a six-yard loss of QB Luke McCown against Tampa Bay (12/9)...had two tackles, one solo, against Denver (12/13)...established a career high with five tackles, four solo, two passes defensed and his first career fumble recovery at Indianapolis (12/23)...started for the first time in his pro career and had one solo tackle against Jacksonville (12/30). http://www.houstontexans.com/team/player.asp?player_id=236
 


 

Texans TV
Teammate Trivia
December 28, 2007

The video segment features Mario Williams answering questions and teammates Earl Cochran and N.D. Kalu trying to guess his answers.  Click on the link to see the video.                     http://www.houstontexans.com/tv/index.asp?mm_file_id=2053


Texans Fall to Colts 38-15
December 23, 2007
By Nick Schenck, HoustonTexans.com

Cochran recovers a fumble against the Colts
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4079


Texans Beat Bucs 28-14
December 9, 2007
By Nick Schenck, HoustonTexans.com

Earl gets a sack on quarterback McCown.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4018
 

Texans-Chiefs Postgame Notebook
September 9, 2007
By Brooke Bentley, HoustonTexans.com

The Bessemer Boys: There must be something in the water in Bessemer, Ala. Three players in the game are from this tiny town with a population of 29,672: Texans' defensive end Earl Cochran and linebacker DeMeco Ryans and Chiefs' linebacker Johnny Baldwin.http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3603

Cochran Sacks Quarterback

August 31, 2007

Texans defensive end Earl Cochran drags Tampa Bay quarterback Luke McCown (12) down for a second-quarter sack.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/5097456.html

PRACTICE QUOTES - Tuesday
August 21, 2007
HoustonTexans.com

(on plans for defensive linemen Earl Cochran and Travis Johnson) "I don't see them doing that much different - honestly, just getting more reps. They deserve an opportunity to get in there with some of the first group. During the season, you're going to rotate 18 linemen, so a guy like Earl (Cochran) is going to play with the first group at times and Travis (Johnson) with the first group at times. You know, we need to start that rotation this week is the bottom line.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3522

Practice Insider - Tuesday
August 21, 2007
By Brooke Bentley, HoustonTexans.com

Notes: Kubiak said the Texans will most likely keep four tight ends because of the ability of both Joel Dreesen and Ben Steele to play fullback...Chester Pitts is expected to return to the lineup and be ready to play this week...defensive linemen Earl Cochran and Travis Johnson should see more reps this week and will likely rotate in with the first unit against Dallas...Kubiak said that wide receiver Andre Davis has more work to do but is "well on his way to making this football team.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3523

PRACTICE QUOTES - DAY 16
August 14, 2007
HoustonTexans.com

TEXANS HEAD COACH GARY KUBIAK - MORNING PRACTICE
(on defensive end Earl Cochran) "He's a defensive lineman that can play special teams, and those guys are hard to find, so he's going to help us. He showed some pass-rushing ability the other night, and went in and played well for Joe (Marciano), except for the big mistake at the end of the game. When you have a big player like that who adds to special teams, you know he's going to be up every week.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3497

PRACTICE QUOTES - DAY 9
August 4, 2007
HoustonTexans.com

HOUSTON TEXANS HEAD COACH GARY KUBIAK
(on whether there are any players who haven't gotten much playing time in the past improving)"I think Earl Cochran has definitely flashed. When I look at the defensive side of the ball, I think Charlie Anderson's really separated himself. When you look at the linebacker group, you look at Morlon (Greenwood), you look at DeMeco (Ryans), and you look at Charlie. Then right away you go to Zach Diles, and you go to Danny Clark. Shawn (Barber) is missing time but Shawn looked good. You look at those six, and chances are you're going to keep six. Those guys have kind of distinguished themselves day in and day out.
http://houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3459


PRACTICE QUOTES - DAY 7
August 2, 2007
HoustonTexans.com

HEAD COACH GARY KUBIAK - EVENING PRACTICE
(on Texans defensive end Earl Cochran)"As a young defensive lineman, I'd say that he's been a guy that's flashed on us as a coaching staff. He's made some strides and he's getting a bunch of reps with Mario (Williams) missing some time today. He's definitely a better player than we had last year. He's making a strong push to make this team.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3450

PRACTICE QUOTES - DAY 6
August 1, 2007
HoustonTexans.com

TEXANS HEAD COACH GARY KUBIAK - MORNING PRACTICE
(on why the defense will be better this year) "I think just the fact that they're playing together for another year. We got more team speed right now at the linebacker position as a group. We got another kid inside that helps us. We've got some high-effort defensive linemen that have added to our group, and I'm talking about players like (Tim) Bulman and (Earl) Cochran. I think just the energy level of them playing together understanding Richard's (Smith) defense just makes them better.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3449

2007 TRAINING CAMP IS UNDERWAY FOR THE HOUSTON TEXANS

 

Determination is the only way to describe Earl during the Texans Training Camps. The two-a-days under the blazing Houston sun is enough to make a lesser man cry, but it has to be done, and Earl doesn't mind one bit. The key to it is keeping hydrated. He remains poised and focused on the fast approaching Pre-Season kick-off on August 11 against Chicago

 

2007 PRE-SEASON GAMES
8/11/07 Game 1 - The Chicago Bears defeated the Houston Texans 20-19
8/18/07 Game 2 - The Houston Texans defeated the Arizona Cardinals 33-20
8/25/07 Game 3 - The Houston Texans defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-16
8/30/07 Game 4 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Houston Texans 31-24

PRACTICE QUOTES - DAY 7
August 2, 2007
HoustonTexans.com

TEXANS DEFENSIVE END EARL COCHRAN
(on what it was like growing up in Bessemer, Alabama) "It was a pretty fun, different, small town, football atmosphere, kind of like a college town but it was like high school ball. The big thing at my school was football, so pretty much everybody came out on Friday nights.
(on thinking of big dreams since he came from a small town) "Really, in high school we had a lot of great players. So you really just took it one step at a time; from high school to college and college to here. Junior year of college you start hearing people talking about you, so you just do what it takes, keep moving.
(on thinking about someday playing on Sundays) "As a kid, growing up, that's everyone's dream to play>on Sunday. Everybody has a guy. Bo Jackson, everybody wanted to be Bo Jackson.
(on the rain at practice) "Business as usual, you keep moving, just the difference is if it rains; no thunderno lightning, we stay outside. But if it thunders and lightnings we just move inside and keep going.
>http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3450

 

 
 


Earl recently published his first book, Tackling The Dream: Delayed But Not Denied (The Earl Cochran Success Story). In this book, Earl tells of his roller coaster ride to achieving his dream of playing professional football in the NFL.