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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks past Texans head coach Bill O'Brien during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks past Texans head coach Bill O'Brien during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on

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Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
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Texans coach Bill O'Brien, right, has expanded the game plans for rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson's past two starts.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien, right, has expanded the game plans for rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson's past two starts.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff
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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up as head coach Bill O'Brien talks to punter Shane Lechler (9) during training camp at The Greenbrier on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. less
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up as head coach Bill O'Brien talks to punter Shane Lechler (9) during training camp at The Greenbrier on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in White Sulphur Springs, ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien talks to quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during training camp at The Methodist Training Center on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, in Houston.
Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien talks to quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during training camp at The Methodist Training Center on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, in Houston.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Star rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson is bullish on the Texans' future following his electrifying first NFL season being cut short by a knee injury.

Watson can't wait until next year as he continues to diligently rehabilitate a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Following an ultra-successful collaboration with Bill O'Brien this year, the first-round draft pick from Clemson made it abundantly clear that he wants to continue playing for the Texans coach.

O'Brien is entering the final year of his contract in 2018 and has said he wants to return. O'Brien has been the subject of unconfirmed speculation about his job security.

"We have a great relationship," Watson said in a telephone interview while presenting the National Gatorade Player of the Year award to Mater Dei quarterback and USC football commitment J.T. Daniels. "Coach OB is to fun to play. He's very tough on you. He wants you to be successful. I would love to have coach OB back and I'm ready to have him with me for my whole career."

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Facing rampant unconfirmed speculation about his job security as the Texans careen toward a losing season for the first time under his tenure, Texans coach Bill O'Brien made it abundantly clear that he has no plans to walk away.

Media: Leslie Koerdt, Houston Chronicle

Watson has been rehabbing his knee on a daily basis, including riding a stationary bicycle. He's expected to make a full recovery.

“I’m feeling good," Watson said. "I’m working hard every day. "

Before he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, Watson was on pace to finish the season with 43 touchdown passes. He passed for 19 touchdowns and finished the season with 21 total touchdowns.

McCLAIN: Bill O'Brien says he will never quit as Texans coach

Watson threw 16 touchdown passes in the month of October alone, breaking Dan Marino's NFL rookie record for most touchdown passes in a calendar month from 1983.  He finished his first NFL season with 1,699 yards, 19 touchdown passes, two touchdown runs and 269 rushing yards.

"I have great guys and support around me," Watson said. "The future looks bright."

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