The last time Tom Savage entered a season as the presumptive starting quarterback was four years ago, when, as a senior, he guided the Pitt Panthers to a 6-6 record that culminated in a 30-27 victory in the Little CaesarsPizza Bowl.

Nearly five months after that game, which Savage was knocked out of early, the Houston Texans selected Savage in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. After waiting in the wings three seasons, the now 27-year-old signal caller will finally get his chance to become an NFL starter.

After three long years watching and learning head coach Bill OBriens complex offensive scheme, Savage entered OTAs as Houstons starting quarterback. Despite the acquisition of Deshaun Watson via the 2017NFL Draft, Savage plans on finishing 2017 as the starter.

To do that, Savage will need to build chemistry and rapport with his teammates on both sides of the ball. Accordingto Savage, getting the chance to practice against the leagues top defense is invaluable.

Its a good bonding experience obviously within the team, but the challenges are they are the Houston Texans defense, said Savage. Im realizing you have to get this ball out quick, especially with that front and those guys covering.

As difficult as its been, Savage seems to be enjoying the challenge.I love this because were all out there competing and were all kind of if you heard it were all yapping at each other. Its a good bonding experience.

Even more important for Savage and the rest of the Texans offense in OTAs is to work on timing, chemistry and getting the offense functioning as a unit much better than they did in 2016.

By opening OTAs as the starter, Savage is now receiving important first-team reps, which give him that opportunity to build a rapport with his lineman, backs and receivers.

Its helping a lot, Savage said about playing with the starters. We get a limited time, and we all have to meet extra a little bit after if we want to get better. Thats what it comes down to.

But Savage knows that while staying after practice with his pass catchers is important, lining up with the entire offense, going over cadences and learning to work as a cohesive unit is the most important take away from Mays OTAs.

Just repetition and stuff were doing after practice and extra meetings. We get a limited time, and we all have to meet extra a little bit after if we want to get better, said Savage. Thats what it comes down to.

Despite this being his first season as a starter, Savage isnt preparing differently than he has in his previous three seasons, but he understands he is now being counted on as a leader.

I think a little more of it is in the communication, obviously, with some of the guys. When youre a third-string quarterback, youre not really going up to DeAndre Hopkins and telling him how you want a bow route or something. Now communication comes in and you have to be on the same page with all of them. Thats what were working on now.

Entering his fourth season as a pro, Savage knows the spotlight will be on him. Its a great opportunity. I hate to say its special because I have to go out there and I have to earn it every day, said Savage.

Savage also knows in the NFL you must constantly earn playing time, so hes not necessarily ready to celebrate his new role. Perhaps with veteran savvy, Savage thinks there will be time to celebrate later.

Itll be special at the end of the season.

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Tom Savage building chemistry with teammates | Texans Wire - Texans Wire