Former Taylor High standout and Texas A&M 12th man Cullen Gillaspia made the Houston Texans’ final 53-man roster.

Gillaspia survived a round of cuts and trades made by the Texans last weekend. He made a strong impression with his special teams play, run-blocking and pass-catching ability.

“It was definitely a nerve-wracking weekend,” Gillaspia told Fox 26 News. “I made the team and I’m just looking forward to represent the Houston Texans and making this team better.”

In four preseason games, Gillaspia, a seventh-round draft pick by his hometown Texans, played 51 snaps on special teams and 34 on offense as a fullback. He recorded two tackles and had one reception for six yards that came in the Texans’ preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers.

“He’s a fun guy to coach since he’s arrived here,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He works hard, takes a lot of pride in his role, playing fullback on offense and then his role on special teams. He takes it very seriously and shows up every day and works very hard. He’s been good.”