University of Houston Athletics
Heat, Humidity No Deterrent For Cougars' Quest
8/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2007
HOUSTON - After taking Wednesday off for summer school studying, the University of Houston football team returned to the practice fields this afternoon, working out for over two hours in full pads as heat indices hit 105 degrees.
Even with the temperatures bearing down on the triple-digit mark, UH head coach Art Briles knows this is where the defense of the 2006 Conference USA championship begins.
"That's the great thing about football and sports in general (is) when you do have a target on your back," said the 2006 C-USA Coach of the Year, "because you are the defending champion. Everybody plays hard against you, which in turn makes you play harder (and be) more alert (and) more alive.
"I think its going to help elevate our play also."
The Cougars return seven starters on the reigning No. 1 C-USA offensive unit, including senior linemen Jeff Akeroyd and Dustin Dickinson. Senior speedster Anthony Alridge, as well as a pair of senior wide receivers, Donnie Avery and Jeron Harvey, form the nucleus of conference's top unit. However, the defense returns eight starters from a squad that virtually shut down the opposition in the second half of the late six-game winning streak.
Briles likes what he sees on that side of the ball.
"I feel really good about our defense," added Briles. "We have to play great defense this year. We understand that (and) realize it. (A great defense) is a goal and a drive of ours. Those guys are really hustling around, doing a good job.
"Our offense line has been tremendous, and we've two or three more (running) backs, so we've got good depth all across the board. The special teams has been as good as they've been since I've been here."
The Cougars return to the practice fields tomorrow afternoon with a 3:20 pm workout scheduled on the UH Practice Fields.
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