After a three-year separation, the two linebackers have been reunited in a new city and with a new franchise. From day one with the Texans, they easily recognized each other.

"The first thing that comes to my mind about CT is that he's competitive," Bentley said of Thompson. "If you're doing five crunches, he's going to do six or seven. He's always trying to get better. He won't let anybody outwork him and he has a great motor."

Bentley entered the league in 2002 as a fourth-round pick out of Northwestern. Thompson joined him a year later in Cleveland as a second-round pick out of West Texas A&M. For his first season, Thompson was Bentley's backup.

Both spent portions of their time as starters in Cleveland, and each became known for their contributions on one of the league's better special teams units. Bentley eventually left Cleveland in 2005 and spent the past three years as a backup in Seattle.

"One thing they bring is veterans that have experience," Texans linebackers coach Johnny Holland said. "They are two very smart guys. I like the way they approach the game. They are two solid pros and they both have experience. They are really good with our group and we're really pleased to have them here."

Their additions bring speed to a linebacker corps looking to become more aggressive, especially in pass rushing. Thompson gives the team versatility with his ability to lineup on the defensive line in passing situations.

During OTAs, Bentley worked with defensive line coach Jethro Franklin and the other linemen. His time with them will increase during training camp as he becomes more comfortable with the scheme at middle linebacker.

"It helps any time a linebacker can go down and get dirty with the defensive linemen, because those guys work extremely hard," said Thompson, a Mt. Pleasant, Tex., native. "I don't think people understand how hard they really work. You go down there, you really appreciate them and how they keep o-linemen off you as you're a linebacker behind them scraping."

Bentley is in a battle at strong-side linebacker with second-year pro Zac Diles. The two are listed as each being 6-feet with Diles edging out Bentley in weight by two pounds at 240.

Bentley protests the numbers though.

"No, I'm taller than Zac," he said laughing. "Make sure you write that down. We've done the measurements."

Bentley and Thompson are both determined to help Houston win. They are happy with their new home, especially Thompson, who had wanted to make it back to Texas.

"I'm from up by Dallas, and I'd been in Cleveland for five years, and I think I needed a new start or a new boost," he said. "The coaching staff was great. Johnny Holland, I've heard nothing but great things about him. If you have good coaches and a good team, everybody wants to be there."

CAMP CALENDAR: Date camp opens July 25 and closes Aug. 17. The Texans will leave for New Orleans Aug. 12 and practice against the Saints Wednesday and Thursday leading up their Saturday night preseason matchup.

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