Houston Cougars edge rusher Brandon Mack II had five sacks last season and his goal is to double that this year.
Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle
Latreveon McCutchin returns to give UH experience on the edge on defense.
Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press
Houston assistant coach James Ross III has some tough decisions to make in fall camp.
He wouldn’t want it any other way.
Ross continues to sort through a deep group of candidates at the edge positions.
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“I feel like right now I’ve got six guys that can play winning football at my position,” Ross said after Friday’s first day in pads. “I want to see that number climb up even more.”
The Cougars have a mix of returning veterans, newcomers and younger players vying for playing time on the edge. Brandon Mack II is the top returner after posting five sacks and six tackles for loss, both second on the team. UH also returns Latreveon McCutchin and Chance Bryant, who played in all three phases as a true freshman. Ashton Porter was a big addition through the transfer portal after playing in 15 games during Oregon’s College Football Playoff run.
Ross also praised Sheldon Rice, DK Mays and Darius Washington, saying each has “played lights out” and has made the competition even tougher.
“I told my guys I want to be in the film room splitting hairs trying to figure out who is doing what better. Put the pressure on me,” Ross said. “I’ll figure it out. It’s going to be tough, but that’s what a coach wants.”
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Mack said his personal goal is to reach double-digit sacks. As a team, Mack said the Cougars are aiming for 50 sacks, which would be a significant increase from the 28 last season.
“Our goal is to just establish dominance with that group up front,” Mack said. “Every great team starts with a great defensive line.”
Punt return auditions
Several players are taking turns returning punts during the first week of fall camp, including Amare Thomas, Paris Melvin Jr., Trent Walker, Re’Shaun Sanford and Jaquise Martin.
The Cougars are looking to replace Mekhi Mews, who ranked among the nation’s top 20 in punt return average in each of the past two seasons.
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Injury report
Sean Terrell, a sophomore offensive lineman from Klein Oak, has been sidelined to begin camp with an undisclosed injury. Coach Willie Fritz said the injury is short-term and Terrell is not expected to miss much significant time.
Tight end Kaleb Thomas also remains out with a right leg injury.
NFL visitors
NFL scouts from the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers attended Thursday’s practice.
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Willie Fritz in person, on air
The Willie Fritz Radio Show will have a new home this fall.
Eleven shows are scheduled at Kirby Ice House (3333 Eastside St.) from 7-8 p.m., beginning Sept. 3. The show also will air on KPRC 950 AM.
Remaining show dates are Sept. 10, Sept. 16, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Nov. 5, Nov. 11 and Nov. 19.
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