Good article about Holliday in today's Houston Chronicle

Texans' Holliday be may small, but he's a big deal
By JORDAN GODWIN
Copyright 2010 For the Chronicle
May 19, 2010, 9:30PM

When Trindon Holliday answered questions for the media after practice Wednesday, several veterans taunted him good-naturedly as they walked off the field.

“Stand up, Holliday. Cameras can't see you,” one said.

“Somebody get him a stool,” another heckled.

As much flak as NFL veterans give some rookies, Holliday might have it the worst. Still, the 5-5-inch, 165-pound receiver and return specialist said he's fitting in just fine with the Texans.

One veteran, 5-10 receiver David Anderson, seems to tower over Holliday.

“Everyone has always given me all the small jokes, and now they have someone else to make fun of,” Anderson said. “But I don't go there, because I know how it is.”

Holliday, a sixth-round pick from LSU in last month's draft, has watched his size create obstacles for him his entire life.

When Holliday was growing up in Zachary, La., his mother did not let him start playing football until seventh grade. Even then, it took a lot of convincing.

“My mama was afraid of me being too small,” Holliday said. “She was always worried I'd get hurt.”

But once he started, there was no denying his talent. With blazing speed, Holliday quickly earned respect as a dangerous offensive threat.

In his spare time, he was the four-time state champion in the 200 meters and the three-time champion in the 100 meters.

Holliday's speed earned him a college scholarship, and he won NCAA championships in track and football.

Last year, in his senior season at LSU, Holliday was second in the nation with 18.1 yards per punt return. He impressed scouts at the combine with his 4.27 speed in the 40-yard dash.

“On a good day, it'd probably be a little faster,” Holliday said, dropping the “R” from “faster” with his Louisiana drawl.

Holliday, who became the first rookie to sign his contract last week, is the smallest player in the league, but he's also one of the fastest.

“I didn't want to have it hanging over my head,” Holliday said about his contract. “I haven't really thought about what my first big purchase will be, but I'm putting football first, and I'll worry about that later.”

While he's still adjusting to life in the NFL, several players have praised Holliday for his quick learning and speed on the field.

Already during this first week of organized team activities, Holliday has been blowing by cornerbacks on deep balls and showcasing his speed as a return specialist.

“He's as quick as they come,” Anderson said. “I think he understands exactly what he needs to do to make this team, and the little dude's doing good so far.”