Houston headed to Robertson Stadium this morning to simulate a Gameday schedule. Houston's captains (Jacolby Ashworth, D.J. Hayden, Matt Hogan, Charles Sims, Phillip Steward) won the coin flip, although no coin was actually present for the decision.
After the walkthrough and meetings throughout the day, the Cougars returned to the practice field and continued their preseason work.
After meeting a large group of University of Houston supporters at Cougar Pride's Annual Kickoff Luncheon, the Coogs returned to the practice field for their 13th practice of fall camp Thursday. The spirited two-hour affair comes one day after reaching the camp's midway point and one day before the team's second scrimmage of the fall on Friday inside Robertson Stadium. Scouts from the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers were the latest NFL representatives to take in a Houston practice this fall.
Just 18 days away from kicking off the season, the Houston football program headed over to Robertson Stadium for the first time of its fall camp on Tuesday for around a an hour-and-a-half scrimmage that consisted of around 70 plays.
Houston opens its final season in Robertson Stadium on Sept. 1 against Texas State. Kickoff for the game is slated for 7 p.m. And season tickets are available by calling 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) or 877-COUGAR-5 (268-4275) or visiting the Athletics Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the Athletics/Alumni Center from 8 a.m., to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Fans can buy season tickets online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by clicking the red and white Tickets tab at UHCougars.com.
Houston has spent the past year transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive alignment and the need for speed up front has been a priority for assistant coach Carlton Hall.
"We have to get faster," said Hall. "We have moved from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and we have to generate pass rush from the defensive end spot. Overall the speed up front has gotten a lot better as we've also moved a couple of our ends to three-technique. I'm happy with the speed so far but it's the technique still has a long way to go."
A few linebackers have been spun down to the ground to add some quickness to the mix. For the Houston defense, practices have an inherent advantage in moving quicker on the field.
"Everyone understands and knows our offense goes fast all the time but our defense has to go fast as our offense during practice. No one we're going to play is going to move as fast as our own offense so if we can be in shape in practice and go at the same pace as our offense we will be fine."
The Cougars strapped on the shoulder pads for the first time in preseason camp during practice number three on Wednesday afternoon.
Inside receivers coach Jamie Christian is looking to a number of new and talented faces to step up after watching the record-setting group depart from last year's team.
"It's good to get them in pads and see what happens when the pads come on," said Christian. "They're working hard and we have to find the best four, or even six, seven or eight."
There are several incoming freshman who could make an impact this season and coach Christian has them ready to compete for playing time and make an impact on the depth chart.
"We're throwing them right in the fire. We want to see if they're going be ready and can play. They're getting physically and mentally challenged and see if they can step up to the challenge and contribute this year."
Linebackers
With the second practice in the books and the Houston football program inches one more day closer to full pads as the linebackers are the spotlight of today's Preseason Central post.
The Cougars are moving to a 4-3 defense this season and return two of the major contributors in the core this year leaving just one starting spot up for grabs with a bevy of returning talents fighting for the position.
Senior Phillip Steward led all linebackers in the NCAA in interceptions and tied for the C-USA lead with six picks. Sophomore Derrick Mathews has gained weight and experience after his true-freshman breakout season last year as he amassed 106 total tackles and added three interceptions as well.
Defensive coordinator and linebacker coach Jamie Bryant has changed the alignment to a 4-3 from a 3-4 but says the goals and design of the defense will not change much as they remain a gap-control defense and return a number of student-athletes with playing experience.
The 2012 version of the Houston Cougar football team hit the practice fields for the first time this season Monday. After meeting with the media earlier in the day and a quick set of meetings, the Coogs headed outside in helmets, shorts and practice jerseys.
The team fought off potential rain before moving inside the Yeoman Fieldhouse with lightning in the area to finish off the spirited affair. The practice marked the first fall practice for six assistant coaches and the first time to kickoff a season as a head coach for Tony Levine who met with the media following practice.
Houston football Head coach Tony Levine met with members of the Houston media on Monday during the team's annual media day activities.
Coach Levine unveiled the new helmet and 2012 jerseys featuring a patch celebrating the final season at Robertson Stadium.
Selected members of the Houston football team also participated in media day after persevering through hours of video headshots, position group photos and other media requests during UH media day before the first scheduled practice of the year later tonight.
Cougar Faithful Come out for Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday
University of Houston fans braved the wet weather to catch their first glimpses of the Cougars' Football, Soccer and Volleyball programs during Fan Appreciation Day activities inside the Yeoman Fieldhouse in the Athletics/Alumni Center on Sunday.
Young fans were invited early in the day to take part in interactive drills with student-athletes from each team at various stations throughout the Fieldhouse
