Houston ? Zac Diles wasn’t expected to play a very big role in coach Gary Kubiak’s plan for the Houston Texans this season. In fact, he wasn’t supposed to play much of a role at all.

But the seventh-round pick has been so impressive in camp that Kubiak is beginning to change his mind.

“He’s pushing hard to get on the field awful quick, so we’ll see,” Kubiak said. “That’s a big step to take, but if the kid keeps doing what he’s doing, we’re going to have to find a way to get him out there.”

The linebacker out of Kansas State has been getting some work in practice with the second team defense and his work ethic has all but assured him a spot on special teams coverage.

“I’m working hard so I’m glad they are noticing it,” he said. “I’m excited.”

Diles had 92 tackles including 31â2 sacks last season for the Wildcats. He had 50 tackles and two sacks as a junior.

The Texans aren’t sure why Diles dropped to the seventh round, but general manager Rick Smith said at just 6-foot, many may have considered him undersized for a linebacker.

“If you look at him physically, he’s not a 6-foot-2, 245-pound gifted athlete that runs a 4.5 (40-yard dash),” Smith said. “That’s what you look for, so he’s a little small that way, height wise, but he’s an excellent football player. He’s got good instincts, and he’s just a good fit for us. He doesn’t have the prototypical size and speed but he’s got instincts, and he’s got good enough athleticism and speed.”

Diles said last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year DeMeco Ryans and veteran Danny Clark have really helped in his transition to the NFL.

“They have been nothing but great to me,” Diles said. “If I have a question on the field, they are the first ones next to me. They are real helpful to me.”

Diles had six tackles in Houston’s preseason opener against the Bears and is looking for a better performance in the second game against Arizona this week.

“Everything was a learning process on Saturday, so it was good to get that under my belt and I know what to look forward to at the next game,” he said.