"Like his teammates, receiver Andre Johnson has been working out during the NFL lockout, but he also has used his time off to recruit for the Texans.

Johnson, who hosted his annual football camp for 400 kids over the weekend, says it is vital that fullback Vonta Leach return to the team.

"I can't imagine our offense without him," Johnson said. "I don't know who we'll replace him with. He's the best at what he does."

Johnson, who has recovered from postseason surgery on his ankle, also has encouraged cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to sign with the Texans when the lockout ends and he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

"I've talked to him, and every time I hit him with it, it seems like it's on his mind," Johnson said. "I don't even say, 'Hey, man, what's up?' The first thing I say is, 'What's up? Are you coming to Houston? What are you going to do?'?"

When the lockout ends, Asomugha, who is regarded as one of the two best cornerbacks in the league, will become the most attractive free agent. The Texans know him very well because they play the Oakland Raiders almost every season.

"He'll have to make a decision," Johnson said. "I know it'll be a big decision. He's a very talented guy. I'd love to have him on our team."

All it will take is owner Bob McNair's opening the vault.

Leach would like to be the NFL's highest-paid fullback, eclipsing Philadelphia's Leonard Weaver, who signed a three-year, $11.2 million contract, including $6.5 million guaranteed, in 2010.

Weaver, Jacksonville's Greg Jones ($3.5 million) and Atlanta Ovie Mughelli ($3 million) average at least $3 million a season."