March 27, 2007

HOUSTON, Texas - Three days removed from its first scrimmage of the spring, the University of Houston returned to the practice fields this afternoon to pick up where the Cougars left off last week: in pads.

UH head coach Art Briles had his team out on the UH Practice Fields for a spirited full-pad workout, as partly cloudy skies kept the temperatures low. Despite the 80-degree temperature, Briles was pleased his team worked up a lather in the humid conditions.

"I like the way this team has progressed," said the 2006 Conference USA Coach of the Year. "Everybody's got a little pep in their step, and that's a good thing. We know what we are capable of doing, (so) it's just a matter of getting the right players in the right places.

"Schematically, I feel we are along as good as we could be. We still have some things we'd like to tighten up in special teams, defense and offense, but we still have two solid weeks of spring practice to accomplish our goals."

Houston returns to the practice field again on Thursday and Friday and then will gear up for another scrimmage on Saturday morning at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.