UH likely won’t finish early

Within a few hours of the new December early signing period, the University of Houston had mostly wrapped up its 2018 football class.

For a number of reasons, that is unlikely to be the case this year when national letters of intent can begin rolling in Wednesday.

To date, coach Major Applewhite has secured 13 verbal commitments, more than half from the greater Houston area and split almost equally between the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Factor in the five graduate transfers that will count against this year's 25-player maximum, and the Cougars will likely only fill a few remaining spots.

With needs across the board, some more pressing than others, Applewhite could hold back a few spots to use late in the spring to sign a junior college player or again go the graduate transfer route. Unlike a year ago, it's safe to bet the Cougars will be active leading up to the traditional signing day on the first Wednesday in February.

In the week leading up to the early signing period, Applewhite and his coaching staff made last-minute, in-home visits in an effort to solidify commitments. All while Applewhite conducts interviews for a new defensive coordinator and amid rumors that associate head coach/offensive coordinator Kendal Briles could be on the verge of leaving for a Power Five job.

UH expects to sign all 13 current commitments this month, headlined by Nelson Ceaser, a four-star defensive end from Ridge Point, and Terrance Edgeston, the No. 6 junior college outside linebacker in the nation from Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ceaser had offers from Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas Tech and TCU.

UH is also high on Shadow Creek safety Ronald Nunnery, who had offers from Boise State and Colorado. One of the most productive pipelines continues with Ke'Andre Street, a wide receiver from perennial powerhouse Tyler John Tyler. In the past five years, the school has sent five players to UH: linebacker Tyus Bowser, quarterbacks Greg Ward Jr. and Bryson Smith, right tackle Braylon Jones and outside linebacker Dekalen Goodson.

Edgeston and Levi Williams, a pro-style quarterback from Smithson Valley just outside San Antonio, are expected to enroll at UH for the fall semester.

For many of the current commits, especially those on defense, the Cougars can sell the opportunity to see early playing time. UH will lose nine players who started at one point this season on defense — defensive linemen Ed Oliver, a consensus All-American, and Jerard Carter; linebackers Austin Robinson, Roman Brown and Darrion Owens; safety Garrett Davis; and cornerbacks Isaiah Johnson, Nick Watkins and Alexander Myres.

On offense, the Cougars must replace Will Noble, a four-year starter at center; left guard Mason Denley, tight end Romello Brooker, wide receiver Raelon Singleton and running back Terence Williams.

The Cougars are expected to focus on boosting numbers along the offensive line and at cornerback. Among the possible targets: Parris Heath, a 6-4, 325pound offensive tackle from ASA College in New York who will graduate in May; and Rodquice Chaney, a 6-4, 300-pound offensive tackle from Elsik. UH is also expected to make a push for Velton Gardner, a threestar running back from Dallas Skyline who is committed to Texas Tech.