Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel has insisted that first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney will have to "earn his spot" on the team.

The Texans used the first selection on the defensive end, who was a standout player in his three years with the South Carolina Gamecocks during his college career.

However, Crennel is adamant that nothing will be handed to the 21-year-old despite the investment made by the team.

"He's going to earn his spot, in my eyes. If he learns, then chances are that he'll get playing time," Crennel told the Houston Chronicle.

"If he doesn't learn, then he probably won't get as much playing time. And now then that's where [Whitney] Mercilus, he's going to be there and he's going to play. Or if it's Brooks [Reed], Brooks is going to play."

Clowney made 85 tackles and 24 sacks during his three seasons in college.