July 12, 2005

In the arena of sports jargon and vernacular, the term "rebound" is often closely associated with the sport of basketball. But, the 2005 Cougar Football team is grabbing the term and implementing its definition for this upcoming campaign. This fall the Cougars are hoping to "recover, as from disappointment" from last season's 3-8 mark, a year after Houston returned to the postseason with a visit to the 2003 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl and a 7-6 final record.

With eight starters returning on both sides of the ball, rebounding back to a winning record and another postseason invitation is definitely on the horizon and is what UH head coach Art Briles is banking on. After a year in which Houston played one of the top non-conference schedules (nationally-ranked Oklahoma and Miami) and saw the friendly confines of John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium only once in the first seven games, the Cougars look at the upcoming season as one of opportunity, vigilance and of course, redemption.

This season is a year of changes for Houston both as a team and as a league member. The Cougars will be making a schematic change on defense, while Conference USA undergoes a facelift with five teams leaving and six new ones arriving on the doorstep.

For the first time since 1998, the Cougars will implement the 3-4 defense in an effort to continue improving as a unit. Last season the Cougar defense showed signs of improvement, holding Miami to less than 300 yards of total offense and limiting a potent Tulane offense to just three points in a home win. One year after surrendering 36.0 points and 440 yards per game, the Cougars shaved those numbers down a bit in 2004, allowing a little over 32 points and less than 400 yards per game.

The Cougars hope to use their speed and depth at linebacker with the defensive shift, with the end result being more pressure on the quarterback and more turnovers caused by the chaotic scheme. Along with defensive coordinator Ron Harris, Briles made the switch right after the conclusion of the 2004 season, giving the Cougar defenders the entire off season and spring practice to learn the new scheme. Briles plans on immediate dividends this fall.

As for the shifting landscape of Conference USA, the Cougars will greet some new teams right away. New to the league are some familiar faces in SMU and Rice, two former UH foes during the days of the Southwest Conference, and Tulsa, whom the Cougars faced many times when both schools were Missouri Valley Conference mates in the 50s and later opponents during each institution's Independent years.

UTEP also joins the league and UH's schedule in 2005, and even though the two teams share the same residency in the Lone Star State, this contest marks the first time in over 50 years these two teams will meet in gridiron action. Throw in a first encounter with UCF and the addition of Marshall, who the Cougars will not face this season, and one can see the positive changes dotting the Conference USA landscape this fall.

As mentioned, the Cougars are shifting to a 3-4 scheme; thus defensive tackles become defensive ends and the linebackers increase from three to four. Third-Team All-Conference USA standout Kade Lane anchors the defensive line, and he will be one of those former tackles making the adjustment to defensive end. A starter in all 36 games of his UH career, Lane brings hard work and stability to his job every time he lines up for a snap. Not the flashiest of players, Lane has a soft countenance off the field but a tough-as-nails attitude on it, and the UH coaches appreciate his effort.

Playing opposite of Lane will be another senior, Gerard Richard. Hoping to overcome a wrist injury that sidelined him for the second half of the 2004 season, Richard is strong and quick despite his 6-3, 300-pound frame. Backing up Lane and Richard is a slew of youngsters led by redshirt freshmen Phillip Hunt and Cody Pree and sophomore Tate Stewart. Look for junior-college transfer Scott Lee to figure in the mix as well.

One of the top battles of spring practice was for the right to line up at nose tackle. Senior D.J. Johnson and junior Marquay Love both spent time as starters at defensive tackle a year ago, and both will continue their battle for playing time this fall. Johnson is a solid performer who hardly makes mistakes, while Love has a tremendous upside of bringing strength and speed to the middle of the line.

Moving to linebacker, Briles and his staff feel this could be the area on defense that could transform the Cougar defense into one of the top units in Conference USA. Junior Wade Koehl, a 2004 Butkus Award candidate, and sophomore Brendan Pahulu, a member of the Conference USA All-Freshman team, are two of the top athletes on the entire UH squad and will start at both outside linebacker positions. Both are huge playmakers whose speed will force quarterbacks into making hasty decisions.

Veteran James Fitch and junior-college transfer Kenneth Atkins are slated to back up Pahulu at the Stub Linebacker, while redshirt freshman Chris Pilot, who has opened plenty of eyes with his athleticism, will hold down the No. 2 spot behind Koehl at the Buck Linebacker.

As much as there is no doubt about the outside backers, there are some questions marks with the inside spots. Prior to spring practice, Houston knew it had three returning starters with Koehl, Pahulu and senior Lance Everson. Then, halfway through spring drills, Everson went down with a career-threatening injury that leaves his status up in the air as fall approaches.

Everson is a two-year starter who earned his senior season back after hitting the books and graduating in four years. If he is unable to suit up for the Cougars in 2005, redshirt freshman Cody Lubojasky will gain the start when UH faces Oregon in the season opener. Lubojasky was one of the top Greater Houston Area recruits, and his complete talent has yet to be fully tapped. He could be a top playmaker for the Cougars in his initial campaign.

Holding down the other inside spot is sophomore Trent Allen, who missed last season to restore his academic eligibility. Allen is not quite unfledged but still has not played since his high school senior season in 2002. Briles believes Allen is just the type of competitor he needs manning one of the inside spots, and his and Lubojasky's inexperience does not bother the Cougar head coach too much.

A pair of redshirt freshmen, Brandon Ray and Rodney Rideau, as well as senior Todd Cox will fight for playing time at either inside linebacker spots.

The Cougars return three of four starters in the secondary, highlighted by the return of senior free safety Will Gulley. Even though he missed all of spring practice recovering from a knee injury, Gulley is expected to be in the defensive backfield when the season kicks off. Probably one of the most underrated performers in C-USA, Gulley had three interceptions against East Carolina en route to being named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week on November 8.

An incredible leaper with knockout skills, Gulley always seems to be around the ball in crucial situations. His big-play abilities apparently have rubbed off on sophomore Rocky Schwartz, who was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team after starting all 11 games at strong safety. Schwartz plays as if he has an ultimate odium towards the opposition, yet he always seems to be in control as he makes play after play.

A mix of veterans and newcomers look to back up the Gulley-Schwartz safety tandem. After a year at linebacker, senior Tristen Robertson moves back to his natural position, while redshirt freshmen Kenneth Fontenette and Ernest Miller hope to make an impact this fall. Former walk-on Joseph Gonzalez also returns to provide much-needed depth.

Rounding out the defense is the return of senior cornerback Willie Gaston, who at times last season appeared to be ready to elevate himself to one of the elite defensive backs in Conference USA. A former high school quarterback, Gaston has quick hips, great speed and outstanding hands. His cover ability gets better with each snap.

Manning the other corner spot should be junior Roshawn Pope, who returns from a one-year hiatus hoping for redemption in 2005. Like Gaston, Pope is a former prep quarterback who has become a top-of-the-line defender. Senior Courtney Sterling could be one of the first defensive backs off the bench, as could any combination of junior-college transfer Kellen Yancy, redshirt freshman Sean Bailey or true freshman Quinte Williams.

The Houston offense will once again by run by junior quarterback Kevin Kolb, a two-year triggerman for the Cougars' potent attack. After a 2003 debut that earned him Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors and a Third-Team, Freshman All-America pick, Kolb's touchdown passing numbers dropped in his sophomore campaign from 25 to 11, but he still managed to carry UH on his broad shoulders as his passing yards actually increased (251.45 from 240.85).

Kolb was victimized by an inexperienced offensive line that allowed 44 sacks in 2004 compared to just 24 the year before. For Kolb's sake and the success of the Cougars, the offensive line has been revamped and is expected to not only protect him more this fall, but also continue to open up running lanes for the talented Cougar running backs.

Durability is a trademark of Kolb's character, and thankfully for Houston, he has not missed a start in two seasons. Senior Kendal Briles, who is overcoming a third surgery on his shoulder, is penciled in as Kolb's backup again this season, but don't be surprised if Briles is on the field as a wide receiver as he did in 2004. Briles is an extremely talented athlete who became Kolb's favorite target before his injury. His knowledge of his father's complicated offense makes him a no-brainer to be somewhere on the field.

The elder Briles also will try to get his two young quarterbacks, freshmen Blake Joseph and Clint Walraven, some snaps during the fall. Both are expected to replace Kolb one day.

Staying in the backfield, the Cougars are absolutely loaded when it comes to running back. Houston goes four deep in the backfield, highlighted by senior Anthony Evans. Evans, who was Third Team, All-Conference USA in 2003, was hampered most of the season with a calf injury but still finished the year averaging almost 100 yards (98.5) per game. Even with the calf problem, Evans ripped off 282 yards against Army and was named the C-USA Offensive Player of the Week.

Junior Jackie Battle also missed significant parts of last season, when he tore a tendon in one of his fingers and only played in five games. Battle is a load to bring down at 6-2, 250 pounds, and even more impressive is that fact he has lost only eight yards rushing on 151 attempts. As much as Evans likes to bounce outside, Battle enjoys banging inside where he can run over smaller linebackers and defensive backs.

Houston also has senior Ryan Gilbert and sophomore Harold Taylor in reserve. Gilbert and Taylor are listed one-two at the unique utility back spot, and both are exceptional receivers out of the backfield. Against nationally ranked Miami (Fla.), Gilbert stepped in for an injured Evans and rushed for 84 yards, later garnering 95 on the ground against Southern Miss. As for Taylor, he had his redshirt pulled midway through the season when Battle, Evans and Gilbert were all nursing various ailments. Taylor showed glimpses of brilliance and registered a 100-yard receiving game against East Carolina.

The Cougars will employ a fullback on occasions, and two converts man the top two spots. Former offensive and defensive lineman, junior John Harrell, and senior Roy Otis, a former walk on linebacker, head into fall as the top two blocking backs for UH.

For the second straight season the Cougars registered an All-Conference receiver, with senior Vincent Marshall picking up Second-Team accolades with his first 1,000-yard season. Marshall, who also is a top sprinter and long jumper for the Cougar Track Program, leads a pack of UH wide receivers that should again be one of the top units in C-USA. Marshall has locked down one starting spot and will be backed up sophomore Perry McDaniel, who like Marshall, is short in stature but big in ability.

Former defensive back Ricky Wilson has moved over to offense to take advantage of his blazing speed. Even though he missed all of last season to concentrate on his academics, Wilson has adjusted nicely to his new position and could be one of the top deep threats in the league next year. Junior-college standout Jeron Harvey is listed as a backup, but the 6-5, 210-pounder should force his way into passing situations because he will provide Kolb with his largest target downfield.

Donnie Avery, who burst on to the scene last season as a freshman and picked up Conference USA All-Freshman honors along the way, holds the final receiver spot. He, too, is a deep threat and has worked hard on improving his route running and his downfield decisions. Junior Josh Carethers is Houston's sixth receiver and could see plenty of action in multiple receiver sets.

For the first time since the 1998 season, there will not be Stephen Cucci at tight end. With an extra year of eligibility, Cucci played six seasons for the Cougars and found his way into the Atlanta Falcons training camp. His backup last season, senior Blade Bassler, a former quarterback, solidified the No. 1 spot with an outstanding spring.

Following in the footsteps of his father Miller, who played tight end for the Cougars in the early 70s, Bassler is an incredible athlete who has put on the needed pounds to play tight end. He could be an all-star candidate this fall. Bassler is backed up by senior John McGilvray and the redshirt freshmen duo of Brian Boehm and Mark Hafner. Hafner has soft hands and should see plenty of playing time this fall, while Boehm spent most of the spring nursing a leg injury.

For the second straight season the offensive line is the biggest question mark for the Cougar offense. Technically, the Cougars return four starters from last season's squad, but sophomore Byron Alfred might miss the entire season after suffering a knee injury during the spring. Alfred is joined on the sidelines by another sophomore Jeff Akeroyd, who also injured a knee during spring and whose status is up in the air as fall camp approaches. Akeroyd had been slated to start at right tackle before his injury.

Houston does return sophomore tackle SirVincent Rogers, junior center Sterling Doty and senior guard Roy Swan from last year's starting lineup. A member of the C-USA All-Freshman squad a year ago, Rogers moves from the right side to the left side to take the place of departed senior Phil Hawkins. Rogers is considered the best UH lineman after starting as a true freshman last season.

Swan has been a three-year starter for the Cougars and is one of the most dependable and solid linemen for UH. As for Doty, he held off a challenge from redshirt freshman Jake Ebner and enters his second season looking to become more of a force as the anchor to the Cougar offensive line. Former starter David Douglas has been very productive in his three years with Houston, but injuries have dogged him during his career. He should line up as the right guard once the season kicks off.

With Akeroyd's injury the right tackle spot is held by redshirt freshman Mark Kimmey. Kimmey has the size (6-5, 300) to be an effective blocker and pass protector, but he doesn't have much of a learning curve when he's thrown into the fire on September 1.

Sophomores Dustin Dickinson and Jason Wagner are currently listed as backups, but UH tends to rotate linemen to keep the starters fresh, so these two guys, along with redshirt freshman Michael Bloesch, should see plenty of action this fall. Another redshirt freshman, Sebastian Vollmer, is a project, but the coaching staff likes the fact he is a hard worker and has a 6-8 frame to work with.

How do you replace your snapper, holder and kicker who combined for 133 games played over the past four seasons? That is the question the Cougars hope to answer this fall. Gone are snapper Thomas Gafford, holder J.J. Wyatt and kicker Dustin Bell, with the only holdover being junior specialist Justin Laird.

Laird began the season as the starting punter, lost his job after the first month and then regained it towards the end of the year. Laird has a strong and accurate leg, yet he tends to hold onto the ball too long before punting. He worked hard during the spring to punt quickly and also nailed down the kicking job after serving as Bell's apprentice for the past three seasons.

Both the snapper and holder are up for grabs, with Cox and Ebner battling for the snapping chores, and McDaniel and Pope listed as the team's holder. The Cougars signed a long snapper this past fall, and true freshman Norby Juist is expected to contend for the long snapper's role in his first season playing college football.

With Pope and Wilson back from their one-year hiatus, the Cougars return game should be improved drastically. Pope is always a block or two away from busting a long return, while Wilson tied a school record with a 100-yard touchdown against Louisville in 2003. Wilson could pull double duty and handle punts as well, but look for Marshall and Avery to compete for this explosive role as well.