University of Houston Athletics
Spring Drills Set To Begin For Defending Conference Champs
3/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 5, 2007
HOUSTON, Texas - The quest for back-to-back Conference USA titles officially kicks off tomorrow, when spring practice begins for the University of Houston Cougars. The Cougars will practice at 3 pm on the UH Practice Fields, and the annual rite of spring will end on April 7, with the annual Red-White Game at 10 am at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.
"We're jacked about getting out there and getting going," commented 2006 Conference USA Coach of the Year Art Briles. "What is different about this year's team is that we have a belief factor to us. Before it was a hope factor. Now we have a reality factor that's involved.
"That is very encouraging. We also understand that we have a long way to go to reach all of our goals and aspirations as a football team. We took some positive steps last season, and these guys are determined to keep this on the right path and take it to the next level."
The Cougars return 53 lettermen from last year's Conference USA Championship team, including nine starters on offense and eight on defense. Despite losing the consensus Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Kevin Kolb, the Cougars do return Second-Team running back Anthony Alridge, who led the nation with a 10.1 yards per carry average, as well as All-Conference linemen Jeff Akeroyd and Dustin Dickinson.
Defensively, Houston have junior defensive end Phillip Hunt, a Second-Team, All-CUSA pick a year ago, highlighting a very talented and experienced group. Senior inside linebacker Trent Allen as well as junior cornerback Kenneth Fontenette also picked up post-season accolades in 2006.
A complete list of Spring Football Dates can be found on the UH website at www.UHCougars.com.
