March 19, 2002

The University of Houston football team begins its annual spring practice beginning tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. The Cougars will practice on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for the next three-and-a-half weeks, culminating in the Red-White game on Saturday, April 13, at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. Kickoff for the spring game is tentatively slated for 1 p.m.

During the weekday practices the UH spring drills will take part on the practice fields behind the Athletics/Alumni Center. Saturday practices will be held at Robertson Stadium, including full scrimmages on March 30 and April 6.

The Cougars return 15 starters from last season's 0-11 squad, including seven on offense and six on the defensive side. Offensive starters include center Al James and guard Rex Hadnot, a pair of juniors, as well as the wide receiving trifecta of senior Brian Robinson and juniors KeyKowa Bell and Brandon Middleton. Senior running back Joffrey Reynolds, one of the top receiving running backs in the nation in 2001, also returns this spring.

Defensively, Second-Team, All-Conference USA safety Hanik Milligan highlights the six starters, which also includes sophomore Jermain Woodard, who was selected a Third-Team Freshman All-American a year ago. Junior linebacker Justin Davis and the senior defensive end tandem of Adrian Lee and Quantaa Jackson also are back this spring.

Entering his third season at the helm of the Cougar program, head coach Dana Dimel expects the fruits of his recruiting labor-the Class of 2001-to make an impact this year, beginning this spring. Redshirt quarterbacks Blade Bassler and Barrick Nealy, as well as the secondary trifecta of Levi Gaston, Carlos Jones and Tristen Robertson are expected to compete for starting roles during spring drills.

The Cougars' spring practices are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend. Check the Houston web site at www.UHcougars.com for up-to-date practices schedules.

-www.UHcougars.com-