Signing Date Brings a Bounty For Cougars

Feb. 1, 2006

HOUSTON - University of Houston head football coach Art Briles Wednesday announced that the Cougars are bringing 30 new faces to the Houston Program, including 24 who signed National Letters of Intent and five who inked Statements of Financial Aid. Also, Briles announced that former UH men's basketball player, Rodney Hannah, has enrolled back in UH and will walk on and play tight end for the Cougars this fall.

As in previous years, Briles and his staff hit the high schools in the state of Texas, as 20 of the 24 NLI recruits hail from the Lone Star State. The Cougars also picked up two from Arkansas and one each from Florida and Louisiana.

Overall, Briles is pleased with his Class of 2006.

"First of all, we're excited about the direction of our football program, and we are excited about the players we have on campus and the new guys we signed today," said Briles. "We tried to go out and fill some needs. It really is the first year we recruited for the 3-4 defense, so we went heavy on the nose tackle (and) defensive end type of personnel.

"We had a couple of needs at running back, and that makes sense since we lost our two top running backs (seniors Anthony Evans and Ryan Gilbert) to graduation, and we filled that need. We feel really comfortable on who we have coming on campus and the direction they are going to help us continue as a team"

The Cougars added three outstanding running backs in Randall Antoine from New Iberia Westgate High School in Louisiana, as well as Dallas Hillcrest's Tommy Bryant and Marquis Lowe from Hitchcock High School. As for the defensive linemen, five new faces will report in the fall, paced by junior-college transfer Kendall Mouton, a 6-1, 310-pound nose guard from Dodge City Community College in Kansas. The quartet of freshmen Raymond Alake (Arlington Timberview HS), Jared Lindsey (Alto HS), Xavier Richard (Cy Falls HS) and Isaiah Thompson (Tatum HS) also will add depth on the defensive line.

Briles and his staff also loaded up on linebackers and defensive backs, adding Thompson's teammate, Carson Blackmon, Houston Reagan's Josh Lee and Texarkana Arkansas High School's Antonio Staton to the secondary, as well as linebackers Britton Maxwell of Brownwood HS, Antonio May of Ashdown (Ark.) HS, Cuero's J.T. Rudd and Shomari Williams, who is already enrolled at UH after coming from Champlain Regional Prep School in Canada.

"It really is the first year we recruited for the 3-4 defense, so we went heavy on the nose tackle (and) defensive end type of personnel."

Coach Briles

As for the offensive side of the ball, the Cougars grabbed quarterbacks LJ Castile from LaMarque HS and Case Keenum out of Abilene Wylie HS and wide receivers Andre Kohn (Jacksonville [Fla.] Wolfson HS) and Ladarius White from West Orange-Stark HS. Houston also signed tight ends Cameron Hackney from Jacksonville HS and Richardson Berkner's Wesley Scourten.

Offensive linemen added to this class include Matt Parker from Stephenville HS and Jordan Shoemaker from Midlothian HS.

Briles also announced that four Division I-A transfers have enrolled at Houston. Both linebacker James Francis from Baylor and Arizona wide receiver Biren Ealy transferred in the fall and will play for the Cougars in 2006, while Kansas tight end Josh Bell and Oklahoma State safety Stephen James will be eligible to play in 2007.

Briles was quick to praise the hard work and effort turned in by his coaching staff.

"I think our coaches did a great job out on the road recruiting, and facilitating relationships they have with the high school coaches in this state. By keeping (those relationships) alive, it has been a big, big plus for us," said Briles.

"We're just grinding to get (this program) back to winning championships, so we're on the path to do it, we're on the road to do it, and now we have to put it on the field and do it."

The Cougars are slated to begin spring practice on Wednesday, March 8, with the annual Red-White game scheduled for Saturday, April 8

University of Houston Class of 2006

Name	Cl.	Ht.	Wt.	Pos.	Hometown	Previous School
Raymond Alake	Fr.	6-4	250	DT	Arlington, Texas	Timberview HS
Randall Antoine	Fr.	5-10	190	RB	New Iberia, La.	Westgate HS
*Josh Bell	Fr.	6-7	250	TE	Hitchcock, Texas	Univ. of Kansas
Carson Blackmon	Fr.	5-11	170	DB	Tatum, Texas	Tatum HS
Tommy Bryant	Fr.	5-8	175	RB	Dallas, Texas	Hillcrest HS
LJ Castile	Fr.	6-3	200	QB	LaMarque, Texas	LaMarque HS
*Biren Ealy	Sr.	6-3	194	WR	Houston, Texas	Univ. of Arizona
*James Francis	So.	6-1	225	LB	LaMarque, Texas	Baylor
Roddy Green	Fr.	6-1	190	ATH	Mart, Texas	Mart HS
Cameron Hackney	Fr.	6-3	240	TE	Jacksonville, Texas	Jacksonville HS
**Rodney Hannah	Sr.	6-8	245	TE	Roseville, Calif.	Roseville HS
*Stephen James	Jr.	5-10	205	S	Houston, Texas	Oklahoma State
Case Keenum	Fr.	6-1	183	QB	Abilene, Texas	Wylie HS
Andre Kohn	Fr.	5-10	185	WR	Jacksonville, Fla.	Wolfson HS
Josh Lee	Fr.	6-1	185	S	Houston, Texas	Reagan HS
Jared Lindsey	Fr.	6-3	280	DL	Alto, Texas	Alto HS
Jonathan Lister	Fr.	6-2	180	WR	Rosenberg, Texas	Lamar Consolidated HS
Marquis Lowe	Fr.	5-10	170	RB	Hitchcock, Texas	Hitchcock HS
Britton Maxwell	Fr.	6-0	205	LB	Brownwood, Texas	Brownwood HS
Antonio May	Fr.	6-4	220	LB	Ashdown, Ark.	Ashdown HS
Kendall Mouton	Jr.	6-1	310	DT	Arlington, Texas	Dodge City CC
Matt Parker	Fr.	6-2	265	OL	Stephenville, Texas	Stephenville HS
Xavier Richard	Fr.	6-2	250	DE	Houston, Texas	Cy-Falls HS
JT Rudd	Fr.	6-2	220	LB	Cuero, Texas	Cuero HS
Wesley Scourten	Fr.	6-6	210	TE	Richardson, Texas	Berkner HS
Jordan Shoemaker	Fr.	6-4	275	OL	Midlothian, Texas	Midlothian HS
Antonio Staton	Fr.	6-0	196	S	Texarkana, Ark.	Arkansas HS
Isaiah Thompson	Fr.	6-4	305	DL	Tatum, Texas	Tatum HS
Ladarius White	Fr.	5-11	180	WR	Orange, Texas	West Orange-Stark HS
*Shomari Williams	Fr.	6-2	235	LB	Brampton, Ont.	Champlain Regional
Teric Williams	Fr.	5-10	180	CB	Omaha, Texas	Pewitt HS

*-Already enrolled at school and signed a Statement of Financial Aid.
**-Enrolled in school and will walk on.

QUARTERBACKS

LJ Castile

6-3, 200, LaMarque, Texas (LaMarque HS)

Is listed as an All-Region selection by Prep Star magazine.
Also listed as a three-star recruit by Scout.com.
Ranked as the #47 quarterback by Scout.com.
Picked up a three-star ranking by Rivals.com.
A member of the Houston Chronicle Top 100 list.
Also selected to the State 100 by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Helped lead team to a 13-1 record and a Regional championship.
Was the District 23-4A MVP and also Player of the Year.
Selected by the Galveston Daily News to its All-County First Team.
Honored at the Houston Touchdown Club on August 17, 2005.
Also lettered in basketball and was the 2004-05 Co-MVP and Dennis Rodman Award recipient.
Threw for 1,155 yards and 17 TDs and rushed for 718 yards and 11 scores as a senior.
Completed 93 of 179 passes for 1,200 yards and 16 TDs. Also had 90 rushes for 387 yards and five scores as a junior.
Also recruited by Colorado State.

Case Keenum

6-1, 183, Abilene, Texas (Wylie HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Selected Second-Team, All-State in the 3A ranks.
Passed for 6,783 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career, while also rushing for 41 scores and 2,000 yards.
Posted a career record of 31-11 in 42 career starts.
A member of the All-Big Country Super Team, as well as Offensive MVP, District MVP while leading team to the state quarterfinals.
As a junior was selected All-District First Team.
Was named Newcomer-of-the-Year as a sophomore, while also picking up All-Big Country Super Team accolades as well as Offensive MVP.
Lettered in both basketball and track.
Recruited by Baylor, North Texas and UTEP.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Biren Ealy

6-3, 194, Houston, Texas (Cy Falls HS/Arizona)

A transfer from the University of Arizona who has one year remaining.
Actually was enrolled this fall with the Cougars.
Played in 29 games at Arizona, including 11 starts.
Had 55 catches for 809 yards and six touchdowns in those three seasons.
Top season was 2003, catching 42 passes for 577 yards and four scores.
Posted a 100-yard receiving effort versus UCLA in 2003.
Was a PrepStar All-American selection out of high school.
Was the #8 WR by the magazine.
Had 30 catches for 550 yards and two TDs as a senior.
Named by Max Emfinger to his Top 200 squad, with a #5 rating among flankers.
Was a member of the All-Greater Houston squad for his defensive play.
Four-star rating and #18 nationally by Rivals100.com.
First-Team, All-Greater Houston and Second-Team, All-State.

Andre Kohn

5-10, 185, Jacksonville, Fla. (Wolfson HS)

Was a three-year letterman at Wolfson High School in Jacksonville, Fla.
Played for head coach Ron Reagan in the Gateway Conference.
Played in the North-South Shrine All-Star Game.
Twice named First-Team, All-District.
Also recruited by Florida International and Georgia Southern.

Jonathan Lister

6-2, 180, Rosenberg, Texas (Lamar Consolidated HS)

Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Twice selected First-Team, All-District.
Named to the All-Area Second Team, as well as the All-Greater Houston squad.
Picked up hardware for Second-Team, All-State honors.
Received the Touchdown Club Award.
Led team to an 11-1 record as a senior.
Also recruited by Arizona State.
Registered 1,178 yards receiving as a senior, as well as 15 TDs.
Had 253 yards receiving versus West Columbia High School.

Ladarius White

5-11, 180, Orange, Texas (West Orange-Stark HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Was Honorable Mention, All-State as a senior when he led squad to the state semifinals.
Named First-Team, All-District wide receiver, as well as Second-Team, All-District cornerback.
Selected to the Port Arthur Super Gold Team and named to the All-Orange Leader Team.
Was a member of the Regional Track and Field Team and also lettered in basketball.

RUNNING BACKS

Randall Antoine

5-10, 190, New Iberia, La. (Westgate HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Named Best of the Teche as a senior, while also named All-Acadiana three times.
Selected Second-Team, All-District.
Was an Honorable Mention, All-State Academic member.
Lettered in both track and basketball, where he was Top 3 in the state.
Brother, Ryan, played football at Louisiana Tech from 1999-2001.
Also recruited by Southern Miss, Tulane, Louisiana Tech and Louisiana-Lafayette.

Tommy Bryant

5-8, 175, Dallas, Texas (Hillcrest HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Was named Offensive MVP of District 11-4A as a senior.
Three-time First-Team, All-District running back.
Also participated in track.
Has career rushing marks of 3,411 yards and 40 TDs on 418 carries.
Also had two touchdowns receiving with 215 yards on 15 receptions.
Rushed for 1,620 yards and 22 TDs as a senior.

Marquis Lowe

5-10, 170, Hitchcock, Texas (Hitchcock HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
As a junior he passed for 1,096 yards and 10 TDs while comleting 54-of-95 attempts.
Rushed for an incredible 2,067 yards and 29 scores in 2004 as well.
Was a First-Team, All-District selection at running back as a senior.
As a junior, he was the District 26-2A MVP and was selected Second-Team, All-State.
Named to the All-Greater Houston squad in 2004.
Picked up the 2002 Newcomer-of-the-Year award and was First-Team, All-District at running back and defensive back.
Finished second at state in the 200 meters and is a three-time district champion in both 100 and 200 meters.

TIGHT ENDS

Josh Bell

6-7, 250, Hitchcock, Texas (Hitchcock HS/Kansas)

A transfer from the University of Kansas.
Named First-Team, All-District as a tackle.
Nominated as a U.S. Army All-American.
Played tight end through junior season before being switched to tackle as a senior.
Earned 11 varsity letters in football, basketball and track.
Also an All-District performer in basketball, leading team to regional title.

Cameron Hackney

6-3, 240, Jacksonville, Texas (Jacksonville HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Ranked the #63 tight end by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Named All-East Texas and Super Team Second Team.
Was a Top 5 tight end by Dave Campbell's Football Magazine.
Twice named First-Team, All-District in District 17-4A.
Rated the #12 fullback by Rivals.com.
Also lettered in basketball and track.
Also recruited by Colorado State, Missouri, Kansas and TCU.

Rodney Hannah

6-8, 245, Roseville, Calif. (Roseville HS/Yuba JC)

Former Cougar basketball player that will walk on and play one season with the football team.
Was a wide receiver at Roseville High School, where he was an All-Star selection.
Selected First-Team, All-Conference and finished his career in the school's Top 10 in receiving yards.
Was also a top basketball recruit and was named First-Team, All-Conference and was an All-Star selection.
Was First-Team, All-Bay Valley Conference in basketball at Yuba JC.
Played in 28 games for UH basketball in 2004-05, averaging 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 points per game.

Wesley Scourten

6-6, 210, Richardson, Texas (Berkner HS)

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Matt Parker

6-2, 265, Stephenville, Texas (Stephenville HS)

Named First-Team, All-District last season.
Helped lead SHS squad to a 13-1 record as a senior.
Was also Honorable Mention, All-State.
A member of the Fort Worth Texas Super Team as well as the Abilene Super Team.
Was a regional qualifier in the discus while competing in track and field.

Jordan Shoemaker

6-4, 275, Midlothian, Texas (Midlothian HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Named the Team MVP.
Was a First-Team, All-District as both an offensive and defensive lineman.
Picked up the Top Team Offensive Lineman.
Also recruited by Kansas, UTEP, SMU, Tulsa, Rice and Colorado State.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Raymond Alake

6-4, 250, Arlington, Texas (Timberview HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Helped lead Timberview High School to a 9-1 record as a senior.
Was Second-Team, All-District as a junior and Honorable Mention as a senior.
Also recruited by TCU, Baylor, SMU and UCF.

Jared Lindsey

6-3, 280, Alto, Texas (Alto HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Was a 2004 Class 2A All-State Honorable Mention.
Named District Defensive MVP and Team Captain as a senior.
Helped lead team to bi-district championship.
Was the District Newcomer-of-the-Year as a sophomore.
As a junior he picked up District 21-2A Defensive MVP honors as well as Honorable Mention, All-State.
Lettered in basketball, baseball, golf and track, where was been a regional qualifier in the discus.
A member of the National Honor Society, FFA, Academic "A" Graduate, Honor Roll.

Kendall Mouton

6-1, 310, Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS/Dodge City CC)

Is listed as a one-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Named to the All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Second-Team in 2005.
Finished sophomore season with 76 total tackles, including 35 unassisted and 13 for losses.
Also racked up two sacks and two forced fumbles.

Xavier Richard

6-2, 250, Houston, Texas (Cy Falls HS)

Was a two-time, First-Team All-District defensive end.
Played for head coach David Raffield.
Also lettered in basketball and threw the shot put for the track team.
Younger brother of former Cougar defensive tackle, Gerard Richard, who lettered from 2002-05.

Isaiah Thompson

6-4, 305, Tatum, Texas (Tatum HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Selected First-Team, All-State in the 3A ranks.
Helped lead team to the Class 3A state championship and a perfect 16-0 mark as a senior.
Two-time First-Team, All-District selection.
Named the Team Captain as a senior and picked up Academic All-District accolades.
Also lettered in track and basketball.
Also recruited by Texas Tech, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, Utah, Louisiana-Lafayette.

LINEBACKERS

James Francis

6-1, 225, LaMarque, Texas (LaMarque HS/Baylor)

Transferred from Baylor and will be eligible to play in the fall.
Spent one season playing for the Bears.
The son of former Baylor All-America linebacker James Francis.
Prepped at LaMarque High School for head coach Bryan Erwin.
Earned First-Team, All-District honors at linebacker.
Recorded 70 tackles, one interception and five sacks in seven games.
Also had four rushing touchdowns.
As a junior, racked up 109 tackles, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles, three pass breakups as Cougars reached the quarterfinals.
Recorded four defensive touchdowns en route to a Second-Team, All-District pick as a junior.
Named to the Texas Football's Top 300 preseason list.
Also lettered in track and powerlifting.

Britton Maxwell

6-0, 205, Brownwood, Texas (Brownwood HS)

Is listed as an All-Region selection by Prep Star magazine.
Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
A member of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Area 50 squad.
As a senior, he recorded 131 tackles, eight tackles for loss and six sacks.
District 16-4A Co-Defensive MVP as a junior after recording 129 tackles, three sackss and one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Also picked up First-Team, All-District accolades as a fullback.

Antonio May

6-4, 220, Ashdown, Ark. (Ashdown HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Named All-Southwest Arkansas as well as a two-time member of the all district first-team.
Picked up All-Area and All-State honors as well.
Helped lead squad to a 12-2 record last season.
Recorded 86 tackles and eight sacks as a senior while doubling at tight end with 19 receptions for 298 yards.
Also an All-District performer in basketball and was named Outstanding Jumper in track.
Also recruited by Arkansas and Louisiana Tech.

J.T. Rudd

6-2, 220, Cuero, Texas (Cuero HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Was a First-Team selection to the 3A All-State squad as both a tight end and defensive end.
Recorded 18 receptions including nine TDs as a senior.
Also racked up 57 tackles, including 32 solo stops, nine sacks, 13 QB pressures, one caused fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Named by the Victoria Advocate as the MVP of the area.
Was named District 26-3A Defensive MVP.
Helped lead Cuero High School to a three-year record of 36-4 and two trips to the 3A State championship game.
Also recruited by Memphis, Baylor and Texas State.

Shomari Williams

6-2, 235, Brampton, Ont. (North Park Secondary School/Champlain Prep)

Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Named to the All-Canadian Team while being named the Team MVP.
Also played in the league All-Star game.
Is already enrolled at the University of Houston.
Played two years at Champlain Prep School in Lennoxville, Quebec.
Also played basketball in high school.
Once had 12 tackles and a forced fumble in a game.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Carson Blackmon

5-11, 170, Tatum, Texas (Tatum HS)

Is listed as an All-Region selection by Prep Star magazine.
Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Ranked as the #86 cornerback by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Selected Second-Team, All-State in the 3A ranks.

Stephen James

5-10, 205, Houston, Texas (Northshore HS/Oklahoma State)

A transfer from Oklahoma State and will have two years to play.
Played two seasons at Oklahoma State.
Recorded 19 total tackles in his two-year career while playing in 17 games.
Helped North Shore to a state championship as a senior.
Posted 65 total tackles as a senior, with three picks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Also scored three touchdowns.
Two-time, First-Team, All-District performer.
Named to the All-Greater Houston squad.

Josh Lee

6-1, 185, Houston, Texas (Reagan HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Ranked as the #85 safety by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Was a four-year letterman at Reagan High School.
Picked up the District 21-4A Defensive MVP award.
Named First-Team, All-District three times.
As a senior recorded 76 total tackles, as well as 625 yards passing and 700 yards rushing as well as 18 touchdowns.
Finished career with 13 interceptions.
Also lettered in basketball and track.
Was the basketball team's leading scorer and was a regional participant in track.

Antonio Staton

6-0, 196, Texarkana, Ark. (Arkansas HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Was a member of the All-State squad as a senior.
Also All-State in track, where he ran the 100 and 200 meters and was a member of the 400-meter and mile relay squads.
Also recruited by Louisiana Tech.

Teric Williams

5-10, 180, Omaha, Texas (Pewitt HS)

Is listed as a two-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Played quarterback in high school but will switch to cornerback for UH.
Selected as the MVP of District 18-2A.
Picked up Newcomer-of-the-Year as a sophomore.
Helped lead team to a 15-1 record and the 2A State Title game as a senior.
Also lettered in track, basketball and baseball.

ATHLETES

Roddy Green

6-1, 190, Mart, Texas (Mart HS)

Is listed as a one-star recruit by Scout.com.
Picked up a two-star ranking by Rivals.com.
Selected as the #8 pick of the Waco Tribune-Herald Central Texas Top 25.
Completed 126 of 198 attempts for 1,881 yards and 27 TDs.
Also rushed for 1,090 yards with 18 touchdowns on just 147 attempts.
Named the MVP of District 22-2A.
Named Third-Team, All-State as a quarterback and punter.
Twice selected to the Super Centex First Team, once as a quarterback and the other as a utility player.
Was the 2003 District 21-AA Newcomer-of-the-Year.
Also lettered in basketball, track and baseball.
Also recruited by Tulsa, Texas Tech, Baylor and Oklahoma.

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Players Mentioned

Biren Ealy

Anthony Evans

Ryan Gilbert

Gerard Richard

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

University of Houston Athletics