But the more you watch Walter in games and practices, the more you can catch glimpses of just why people took such notice of him on special teams. The 6-foot-3, 214-pound receiver has no problem pushing around defenders when he's running routes or blocking for his running backs.

"He is an excellent blocker, you know, being a receiver and being a good blocker is more about being willing in all honesty," coach Gary Kubiak said. "You've got to know you stick your face in there, and what we do offensively, it's important that we have people that will do that, but he's done it since he's been here, so it's nothing new.

"He's just one of those kids he'll do whatever the hell you ask him to."

Walter said he liked blocking back at Libertyville High School in Illinois. His early days in the NFL, he was able to use that as he found his niche on special teams.

"You have to be fast and you've got to be physical, because on special teams there are some guys who are crazy and you have to be just as crazy to be out there," Walter said.

Walter started becoming a much more recognized player on the field last season as he became a regular starter for the first time in his five-year career. He played like a veteran, even excelling at the No. 1 spot for seven weeks when Johnson was sidelined with a knee injury.

He caught 65 passes for 800 yards -- easily surpassing his totals for his previous four seasons combined.

"He's a tough player," Kubiak said. "That's what we want to do offensively; we've got to have guys that go out there and dig out safeties and stuff in the run game. He reminds me of a kid who played for me a long time, Ed McCaffrey. He reminds me of him a great deal.

"What happens to guys that people say they are lacking this or lacking that, they find a way to make up for it. Kevin, in his career, has become such a technician at what he does that if he's lacking a tenth of a second here or there speed-wise, he'll find a way to make it up."

The Texans are counting on a big season from Walter, and Walter is determined to produce.

"From day one, I've always known that I could go out there and make plays," Kubiak said. "It's just all about the opportunity to go out there and do that. I feel I've become a better all-around receiver this year and I'm excited to go out there and show that."

CAMP CALENDAR: Camp closes on Aug. 17. The Texans will leave for New Orleans Tuesday and practice against the Saints Wednesday and Thursday leading up their Saturday night preseason matchup.