Former Florida running back Dameon Pierce is impressing his head coach.

Speaking to reporters, Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith praised Pierce for his toughness and effort.

“We as a football team need to finish (better),” Smith said, according to the Chicago Tribune’s Dan Weiderer. “I haven’t said that an awful lot to Dameon. He finishes plays. (He’s) what we want to be. Toughness. Extra effort. All those things you talk about is exactly what we see from him.”

The praises came after the Texans’ 16-9 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Piece had 69 yards on the game.

Pierce played at Florida from 2018 to 2021, where he amassed 1806 rushing yards and 28 total touchdowns.

Pierce and the Texans take on the Chicago Bears this Sunday.