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| Wednesday, May 9 QB race wide open heading into fall By Brad Edwards Special to ESPN.com |
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Conference record: 2-5 (t-7th) Returning starters Offense: 8 Defense: 6 Kickers: 0 2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Joffrey Reynolds* (534 yds) Passing: Jason McKinley (2,696 yds) Receiving: Brian Robinson* (890 yds) Tackles: Wayne Rogers (134) Sacks: Rogers (10) Interceptions: Hanik Milligan* (5) What's new Jason McKinley had started the last 41games at quarterback for Houston, but the Cougars must now find a new signal caller. The only experienced returner missed spring drills with an injury, so snaps were shared between a walkon and a converted DB. The quarterback race is wide open entering the fall between as many as six candidates. Battling it out The position battle at running back is in much better shape, but the stakes are high because the Cougars typically use a one-back set. Last year's leading rusher, Joffrey Reynolds, is in competition with Leif Penn, who ended the season as the starter. Also very much in the mix is Chris Robertson, a transfer from Texas. All are fairly big backs (over 200 pounds), and all are good receivers. The three are currently bracketed together as No. 1 back. Eye catcher: TE Kyle Brown Originally a linebacker, Brown converted to tight end in the middle of last season but saw very little action and played mostly on special teams. With more work at the position this spring, he has shown enough progress to earn significant playing time as the backup and should get plenty of action in two tight end sets. Brown is a well-rounded athlete who is a threat as a receiver. Budding star: FS Hanik Milligan Milligan earned the starting free safety role last August after coming in as a junior college transfer. He has good size for a safety and covers a lot of ground as well (led the team with five interceptions). His continued improvement in the spring was capped off with an eight tackle performance in the spring game. He will start alongside his brother Hamin, who plays the other safety spot. Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year. |
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