Applewhite starts first year with big needs to address
The University of Houston opens its first spring practice under new coach Major Applewhite on Monday. “I joked with them that we are not on weightlifting scholarship, but we’re on football scholarships,” Applewhite said. “So now it’s time to see what kind of football team we have.” The Cougars, coming off a 9-4 season and fourth straight bowl appearance, play the annual Red-White spring game April 15.
Here are five things to watch for the Cougars:
1
QB battle awaits: Gone is Greg Ward Jr., a dual threat who started his final 2½ seasons and finished among the most decorated quarterbacks in school history. Texas A&M transfer Kyle Allen, who sat out last season, is the presumed frontrunner for the starting job. Because of injuries, Allen and redshirt freshman Bowman Sells will get a majority of the repetitions this spring. D’Eriq King will be limited as he recovers from a knee injury; Kyle Postma will sit out with a wrist injury. Applewhite says there will be a pecking order coming out of the spring. “I’m not going to let that linger,” he said.
2
LBs needed: Graduation took its toll at linebacker, where the Cougars must replace the ultra-productive Tyus Bowser and Steven Taylor. The duo combined for 17 sacks and 24 tackles for loss last season. Taylor’s inside spot is up for grabs between Jordan Milburn and Austin Robinson, who shifts from safety. Emeke Egbule, Steven Godfrey and Ralph Harvey will compete for the vacant outside spot.
3
New starters at CB: The Cougars have big shoes to fill at cornerback following the graduation of Brandon Wilson and the early departure of Howard Wilson for the NFL draft. Terrell Williams moves into Brandon Wilson’s nickel spot, leaving Jeremy Winchester, Javian Smith, Ka’Darian Smith, Andrew Mathis and former receiver Isaiah Johnson to compete for the two corner spots.
4
Noble out for the spring: The offensive line will be under the microscope, especially with Ward and his ability to improvise no longer around. One item of bad news: starting center Will Noble will miss the entire spring with a broken leg. In his absence, Alex Fontana, Kameron Eloph and Braylon Jones will see time at center.
5
Backup RB up for grabs: The backfield returns intact, but the priority will be to find a reliable No. 2 behind oft-injured starter Duke Catalon, who dealt with concussion symptoms last season. Dillon Birden, a breakout player a year ago, Mulbah Car, Colorado transfer Patrick Carr and Kevrin Justice will get a look in the spring.