Houston wide receiver Koby Young, after a catch against West Virginia last season, is off to a strong training camp for Cougars.
Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer
Koby Young has been one of the standouts through the first two days of fall football camp for the University of Houston, building on an offseason that has positioned the junior wide receiver for a much larger role this season.
Young made a pair of tough catches during Wednesday’s opening workout, including a 40-yard touchdown in the back corner of the end zone.
“I told him he’s the most improved player we had from last fall to this spring,” UH offensive coordinator Slade Nagle said Thursday. “I think he’s carried that over in the summer and you’ve seen it in the first couple of days.”
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Young had 12 catches for 191 yards while appearing in all 13 games last season, including eight starts. His speed gives the Cougars another threat alongside All-Big 12 receiver Amare Thomas and Oregon State transfer Trent Walker.
“He’s playing confident,” Nagle said. “He’s a fast guy, but he’s playing fast. He knows how to attack. The sky’s the limit for Koby. We hope we get really big things from him.”
Defense first for Paris Melvin Jr.
Paris Melvin Jr. has worked primarily on defense early in camp, but UH still plans to get the talented true fresh some work on offense.
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Coach Willie Fritz said Melvin, a four-star signee from Cypress Springs, could be used at nickel, as a kick returner and at running back.
“We’ll have some things that we can definitely use him for when that time comes,” offensive coordinator Slade Nagle said.
A new face in offensive line
True freshman Noah Abebe has taken significant snaps with the second-team offensive line at right guard.
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Abebe is among a handful of players — which includes RJ Lee, Larry Crawford, Hayden Wright and Ronnell McLain — that are getting looks as rotational players.
“He’s strong and smart,” offensive line coach Eman Naghavi said. “When he first got here his head was spinning. One offseason and all of a sudden he knows what’s going on now. You can see his play pick up.”
Offensive line is still new to Abebe, who played tight end at Friendswood and did not move to offensive line until his senior season. He played at 255 pounds in his final high school season and reported to camp at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds
Tight end Luke McGary is out
Tight end Luke McGary is out for the start of the camp but is expected to return at some point this season, offensive coordinator Slade Nagle said.
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McGary did not play the second half of last season due to a nagging injury and missed the entire spring with a shoulder injury. He caught passes on the side during Thursday’s morning practice.
Offensive lineman Sean Terrell is expected to miss a week with an undisclosed injury.
Watch lists
Five University of Houston football players have been named to preseason watch lists for national awards.
Anthony Boswell was named to the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s top center.
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A 2025 freshman All-American at Toledo, Boswell posted the 10th-best offensive grade (77.4) and third-best run-block grade (79.6) by an FBS center.
Earlier this week, All-Big 12 cornerback Will James was among the 68 players listed for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which recognizes college football’s top defensive player.
Left guard Shadre Hurst and defensive tackle Khalil Laufau were among the 68-player list for the Outland Trophy, which honors the top interior lineman. Hurst, a transfer from Tulane, has received preseason All-American buzz.
Quarterback Conner Weigman was among 81 players named Monday to the Maxwell Award watch list, which honors the top player in college football.