Cougars report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Inside slant · Strategy and personnel

SPRING OBJECTIVES
The offense, under new coordinator Dana Holgorsen, is learning the spread offense popularized by Texas Tech. Houston also must find receivers to replace Donnie Avery and Jeron Harvey.

BUILDING BLOCKS
The Cougars return 17 starters from last year's 8-5 squad, which lost in the Texas Bowl. QB Case Keenum and defensive end Phillip Hunt are the leaders on each side of the ball.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
Houston and first-year coach Kevin Sumlin get an easy opener, hosting Southern, before the Cougars play three strong nonconference opponents: at Oklahoma State, vs. Air Force and at Colorado State. The visit to Stillwater is a terrific measuring stick for the program.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I believe the players are excited because it is a chance for a lot of players who have not played to take a crack at playing. We have no preconceived notions (about playing time) by the coaches." -- First-year head coach Kevin Sumlin.