<\/p>\n
Houston Cougars edge rusher Brandon Mack II had five sacks last season and his goal is to double that this year.<\/p>\n
Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
Latreveon McCutchin returns\u00a0 to give\u00a0 UH experience on the edge on defense.<\/p>\n
Phelan M. Ebenhack\/Associated Press<\/p>\n
Houston assistant coach James Ross III has some tough decisions to make in fall camp.<\/p>\n
He wouldn\u2019t want it any other way.<\/p>\n
Ross continues to sort through a deep group of candidates at the edge positions.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI feel like right now I\u2019ve got six guys that can play winning football at my position,\u201d Ross said after Friday\u2019s first day in pads. \u201cI want to see that number climb up even more.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s College Football Playoff run.<\/p>\n
Ross also praised Sheldon Rice, DK Mays and Darius Washington, saying each has \u201cplayed lights out\u201d and has made the competition even tougher.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Ross said. \u201cI\u2019ll figure it out. It\u2019s going to be tough, but that\u2019s what a coach wants.\u201d<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to just establish dominance with that group up front,\u201d Mack said. \u201cEvery great team starts with a great defensive line.\u201d<\/p>\n
Punt return auditions<\/p>\n
Several players are taking turns returning punts during the first week of fall camp, including Amare Thomas, Paris Melvin Jr., Trent Walker, Re\u2019Shaun Sanford and Jaquise Martin.<\/p>\n
The Cougars are looking to replace Mekhi Mews, who ranked among the nation\u2019s top 20 in punt return average in each of the past two seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Injury report<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tight end Kaleb Thomas also remains out with a right leg injury.<\/p>\n
NFL visitors<\/p>\n
NFL scouts from the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers attended Thursday\u2019s practice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Willie Fritz in person, on air<\/p>\n
The Willie Fritz Radio Show will have a new home this fall.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0KPRC 950 AM.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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