University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Camp Begins
8/7/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 7, 2002
HOUSTON, Texas---The 2002 football season officially began today for the University of Houston, as 28 newcomers participated in two-a-day practices outside the Athletics/Alumni Center.
UH head coach Dana Dimel had his first look at his Class of 2002, and so far he likes the athleticism and competiveness that his newcomers bring to the football field.
"Right now we are just trying to get guys in position," commented the third-year head coach. "We're trying to get them into one-on-one situations with the skill guys. Some of these guys will fight it out to get into our two-deep.
"That might allow us to make some changes at moving some people into different spots, as far as corners to safeties, which will make us more versatile. We might also have a receiver who will fight his way into the two-deep."
So far, Dimel has been impressed with true freshman running back Jackie Battle, who he believes has a shot at some playing time in the backfield behind incumbent senior Joffrey Reynolds, redshirt freshman Anthony Evans and senior Chris Robertson, who is still recovering from off-season knee surgery. As for the defensive line, which was a disappointment for the Cougars in 2001, Dimel feels this will be a much improved area with the influx of freshmen and junior-college transfers.
"The two JC guys, (Farouk) Adelekan and (Ryan) Huffman, definitely are going to be able to help us this year. As for the younger guys, it is still a bit early to see who can step up for us and play well, but I feel that these young men will be working hard for playing time this fall."
The Cougars continue two-a-days tomorrow and the next before the veterans report on Friday. UH will practice as an entire team for the first time on Saturday afternoon. The Cougars first set of full-squad two-a-days starts on Sunday.
