Changes imminent after UH’s 7-5 finish
Cougars in hunt for coordinator, starters at several crucial positions
HONOLULU — Major Applewhite has been preparing for this day for some time, part of the process every college football program encounters every four years or so when graduation leads to roster turnover.
“Thought about it all last spring and summer,” Applewhite said. “Recruiting and signing day.”
Yet the reality did not completely hit until a few weeks ago when the University of Houston held its senior banquet.
One by one as each was introduced, receivers Linell Bonner and Steven Dunbar, linebackers D’Juan Hines and Matthew Adams, defensive backs Khalil Williams and Terrell Williams, the gravity of the losses was on display.
After a mediocre 7-5 season in his first season — with four of the losses decided by a touchdown or less — Applewhite turns his attention to a busy offseason that will bring changes in nearly every direction before the Sept. 1, 2018, season opener at Rice.
Offense in need of lift
At the top of the list is hiring an offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach to replace Brian Johnson, who left for Florida after one season at UH.
Applewhite is expected to immediately dive into the interview process and could have a replacement within a couple of weeks. The Cougars averaged 28.2 points per game, the lowest since 2005.
UH’s biggest losses on offense will come at receiver, where Bonner and Dunbar finished decorated careers among the school’s top 10 in several categories. Younger players like Keith Corbin and Courtney Lark took big steps in development this season.
“I was talking to some of the younger guys that it’s their time for them to grow up and take up the torch and take on the responsibility of being leaders,” said Dunbar, who was named UH’s Hawaii Bowl Most Valuable Player after hauling in 10 catches for a career-high 197 yards in Sunday night’s 33-27 loss to Fresno State.
In addition, the Cougars must fill holes on the right side of the offensive line and at tight end.
“It’s always next man up,” center Will Noble said. “We’ll have to go through the whole training and spring ball and see who is going to step up.”
Running back Dillon Birden is also gone, and Mulbah Car is expected to move into the backup role behind senior Duke Catalon. Car was released from Tripper Army Medical Center on Monday after suffering an internal injury on a hit to the midsection late in the game.
UH should also benefit from a full season at quarterback from D’Eriq King, who started the final five games.
There also are big holes to fill on defense, specifically with the loss of top two tacklers Hines and Adams at linebacker. The emergence of Leroy Godfrey and David Anenih at the rush outside linebacker spot could allow the Cougars to consider moving Emeke Egbule inside.
In the secondary, UH will lose two productive players in Terrell Williams (four interceptions) and Khalil Williams (eight tackles for loss and two sacks).
“We have faith in everybody on the roster,” Khalil Williams said. “I don’t see us losing a step too much next year.”
Signing class nearly set
By signing 21 recruits during the early signing period, the Cougars are essentially done with the 2018 class, with the exception of targeting a high school quarterback before February’s national signing day.
Applewhite also plans to conduct the customary end-of-year review of the program, from coaching staff to players.
“We’ve got to go through all those things,” he said.