UH spring football:
Cougars’ offense will have a different look under new coordinator Briles
The University of Houston, coming off a fifth straight consecutive bowl appearance, opens spring practice Monday.
“We’ve had a good offseason,” coach Major Applewhite said. “I’m ready to see them play football now.”
New-look offense 1
Applewhite said a majority of the 15 spring practices will be used to implement the “building blocks” of what will be a noticeably different offense with the arrival of new coordinator Kendal Briles. Briles has been part of some of the most explosive offenses in college football, with nine seasons at Baylor and last season at Florida Atlantic.
There will be some tweaks to fit UH’s personnel, but otherwise the concept remains the same. “Attacking,” Briles said. “We are going to throw the ball downfield.”
Changing of guard at receiver 2
Gone are Linell Bonner and Steven Dunbar, who combined for 307 receptions, 16 touchdowns and more than 3,700 yards the past two seasons. In their place are Courtney Lark (13 catches/235 yards/two TDs) and Keith Corbin (10 catches/164 yards), who have shown flashes but are unproven. The Cougars will hold auditions from a group that includes Marquez Stevenson, Jeremy Singleton, Terry Mark, Tre’von Bradley and Julon Williams. Briles’ system relies heavily on speed and wide receiver splits that force defenses to account for the entire width of the field. There will no longer be “inside” and “outside” receiver designation. “We want the best four receivers on the field,” Briles said. He adds: “We’d like to get guys in one-on-one matchups and put a lot of pressure on the defense.”
Help on the way 3
Three transfers from Power Five schools could make immediate contributions. Defensive end Isaiah Chambers (TCU) will join a defensive line that is the strength of the defense with All-American Ed Oliver and Jerard Carter. Darrion Owens, who played for current UH defensive coordi- nator Mark D’Onofrio at Miami, should compete for one of the inside linebacker spots vacated with the graduation of leading tacklers D’Juan Hines and Matthew Adams. UH is awaiting word whether Deontay Anderson (Ole Miss) will receive a waiver from the NCAA to play this season. If eligible, Anderson will move into the safety spot opposite Garrett Davis.
Backup QB up for grabs 4
D’Eriq King is the unquestioned starter after securing the job over the final four games last season. The group of challengers for the backup job have combined for zero snaps on the collegiate level: redshirt freshman Bryson Smith and incoming freshmen Clayton Tune and Julon Williams. Tune is expected to begin the spring getting reps as the No. 2 quarterback.
New-look right side OL 5
The Cougars will have an entirely new right side of the offensive line. Jarrid Williams and Dennis Bardwell are the likely contenders at right tackle, while Mason Denley and Kameron Eloph, both coming off injuries, could challenge for right guard.