<\/p>\n
Houston wide receiver Koby Young, after a catch against West Virginia\u00a0 last season, is off to a strong training camp\u00a0 for Cougars.<\/p>\n
Jason Fochtman\/Staff photographer<\/p>\n
Koby Young has been one of the standouts through the first two days of fall football camp for the University of Houston<\/a>, building on an offseason that has positioned the junior wide receiver for a much larger role this season.<\/p>\n Young made a pair of tough catches during Wednesday\u2019s opening workout, including a 40-yard touchdown in the back corner of the end zone.<\/p>\n \u201cI told him he\u2019s the most improved player we had from last fall to this spring,\u201d UH offensive coordinator Slade Nagle said Thursday. \u201cI think he\u2019s carried that over in the summer and you\u2019ve seen it in the first couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Sign up for Cougar Confidential<\/p>\n You’ll get get in-depth news and analysis about UH\u2019s basketball and football teams from reporter Joseph Duarte by signing up for the Cougar Confidential newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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 \u00a0alongside All-Big 12 receiver Amare Thomas and Oregon State transfer Trent Walker.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s playing confident,\u201d Nagle said. \u201cHe\u2019s a fast guy, but he\u2019s playing fast. He knows how to attack. The sky\u2019s the limit for Koby. We hope we get really big things from him.\u201d<\/p>\n Defense first for Paris Melvin Jr.<\/p>\n Paris Melvin Jr.<\/a> has worked primarily on defense early in camp, but UH still plans to get the talented true fresh some work on offense.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have some things that we can definitely use him for when that time comes,\u201d offensive coordinator Slade Nagle said.\u00a0<\/p>\n A new face in offensive line<\/p>\n True freshman Noah Abebe has taken significant snaps with the second-team offensive line at right guard.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Abebe is among a handful of players\u00a0\u2014 which includes RJ Lee, Larry Crawford, Hayden Wright and Ronnell McLain\u00a0\u2014 that are getting looks as rotational players.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s strong and smart,\u201d offensive line coach Eman Naghavi said. \u201cWhen he first got here his head was spinning. One offseason and all of a sudden he knows what\u2019s going on now. You can see his play pick up.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u00a0<\/p>\n Tight end Luke McGary is out<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 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\u2019s morning practice.<\/p>\n Offensive lineman Sean Terrell is expected to miss a week with an undisclosed injury.<\/p>\n Watch lists<\/p>\n Five University of Houston football players have been named to preseason watch lists for national awards.<\/p>\n Anthony Boswell was named to the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which recognizes the nation\u2019s top center.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Earlier this week, All-Big 12 cornerback Will James was among the 68 players listed for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which recognizes college football\u2019s top defensive player.<\/p>\n