Special-teamer Brian Peters upbeat about future with Texans

Brian Peters energized the Texans' struggling kick coverage teams last season after being signed off the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad.

Big and fast at 6-4, 235 pounds, the former Northwestern safety busted through wedge blocks and delivering punishing, highlight-worthy tackles. With 17 special-teams tackles in a dozen games, Peters tied Johnson Bademosi and Cedric Peerman for themost in the NFL.

Entering the second year of a three-year, $1.498 million contract, Peters is upbeat about the hire of former New England Patriots Pro Bowl special teams ace and standout Rice linebacker Larry Izzo as the Texans' new special teams coordinator and the continuity on the special teams with punter…