HOUSTON — Veteran safety Jimmie Ward deemed second-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. a “stud” before playing a single snap as a member of the Houston Texans.

Ward’s statement came during voluntary OTAs in May. He was one of a handful of people who witnessed the work Stingley had put in after an injury-plagued rookie year in 2022.

Seven months later, Stingley has not only lived up to Ward’s proclamation but now, one that features the 22-year-old defensive back evolving into a lockdown corner for the Texans.

“I am back out there having fun,” Stingley told Texans Daily. “Everyone has been playing together. It is always a good feeling to be able to play for something this late in this league. Anytime you can help your team get in a discussion [for the playoffs], it’s fun.”

A hamstring injury that sidelined Stingley for six games has been his lone knock in 2023.

The injury marked the second hamstring issue he sustained in his short time as a member of the Texans. But similar to his rookie year, Stingley proved to be a productive player when healthy.

Through eight games, Stingley has notched 29 tackles, 10 pass deflections — second most in the league — and four interceptions.

His best performance came during the Texans’ 21-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 19. He finished with six tackles, a pair of pass deflections and two interceptions. Stingley’s play awarded him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Health has played a role in Stingley’s success, but he has also benefited greatly from playing under coach DeMeco Ryans.

“Corner is a position where you have to have that confidence,” Ryans said. “You’re on an island where everybody sees what happens when you’re on that island at that corner and you’re going against some of the best athletes in the NFL.

“When a play doesn’t go your way, how are you going to respond? Sometimes guys are going to make plays, but you have to be even keeled enough to know that you can come back the next play and be prepared for the route and go up and take the ball away.”

In his first season under Ryans, Stingley has spent the majority of his snaps playing in man coverage. Quarterbacks have targeted Stingley four times while allowing one catch for 31 yards. He has also added three forced incompletions, three pass breakups and one interception.

Playing in Ryans’ system fits Stingley’s best defensive attributes, a 180 from the struggles under former coach Lovie Smith during his rookie season.

“You have to remain calm when you’re playing corner and ‘Sting’ [Derek Stingley Jr.] has done that,” Ryans said. “He has a good presence about him. He’s calm. He has a really good demeanor – play demeanor about himself. That’s what allows him to make those plays.”

Sunday’s Week 14 overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans was the latest example of Stingley living up to Wards’ pre-season praise. He helped the Texans hold wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to 21 yards on two catches at Nissan Stadium.

He recorded a pair of pass breakups in the win, one of which saved the game. With 6:34 left in overtime, Stingley’s pass breakup prevented a deep-ball attempt from quarterback Will Levis to Hopkins. Stingley’s stop led to a punt for the Titans, marking their final offensive drive of the game. …

And leading to what “Sting” and the Texans hope is playoff-contention “fun.”