University of Houston Athletics
Photo by: Joe Buvid Photography 2020
Eleven Cougars Named to Athlon Preseason All-Conference Team
5/24/2021 8:29:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON – Eleven University of Houston Football players were selected to Athlon's 2021 preseason American Athletic All-Conference Team, the publication announced on Friday.
The Cougars were represented on the first team by senior Marcus Jones at cornerback and punt returner. Senior offensive lineman Kody Russey, junior defensive lineman Derek Parish and senior kicker Dalton Witherspoon were picked for the second team, while junior tight end Christian Trahan was slotted on the third team.
Junior running back Ta'Zhawn Henry, sophomore wide receiver Nathaniel Dell, senior defensive lineman David Anenih, junior linebacker Donavan Mutin and senior cornerback Damarion Williams were picked to Athlon's fourth team.
Jones was named a first-team All-American in 2020 by the FWAA after leading the FBS in punt return average. He was also selected an all-conference first-team selection by The American as a return specialist. The Enterprise, Ala., native also made seven starts at cornerback and recorded one interception a year ago.
A transfer from Louisiana Tech, Kody Russey brings 43 career starts to Housotn as he looks to help anchor UH's offensive line in 2021. Parish logged 25 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks a year ago, while also recording an 85-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against UCF. Witherspoon has been one of the most consistent kicker in UH history and enters the 2021 season with 35 career field goals made.
Trahan started all eight games at tight end last season, finishing third on the team with 22 receptions, while recording 294 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Dell led the Cougars in receptions (29) and receiving yards (428) in his first season at Houston, while adding three touchdowns. He closed out the year with a six-catch, 112-yard performance against Hawaii in the New Mexico Bowl.
Anenih ranked second on the team with 4.5 sacks in eight games last year. The senior has recorded 15.5 sacks during his four-year career as a Cougar. Henry sat out the 2021 season after transferring from Texas Tech and looks to have a key role in UH's running back rotation.
Houston opens the 2021 season against Texas Tech in the Texas Kickoff on Sept. 4 inside NRG Stadium.
2021 TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets for the 2021 Houston Football season start as low as $100 for six games including the Sept. 4 Texas Kickoff against Texas Tech at NRG Stadium.
Fans can click here to purchase their 2021 season tickets today.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
The Cougars were represented on the first team by senior Marcus Jones at cornerback and punt returner. Senior offensive lineman Kody Russey, junior defensive lineman Derek Parish and senior kicker Dalton Witherspoon were picked for the second team, while junior tight end Christian Trahan was slotted on the third team.
Junior running back Ta'Zhawn Henry, sophomore wide receiver Nathaniel Dell, senior defensive lineman David Anenih, junior linebacker Donavan Mutin and senior cornerback Damarion Williams were picked to Athlon's fourth team.
Jones was named a first-team All-American in 2020 by the FWAA after leading the FBS in punt return average. He was also selected an all-conference first-team selection by The American as a return specialist. The Enterprise, Ala., native also made seven starts at cornerback and recorded one interception a year ago.
A transfer from Louisiana Tech, Kody Russey brings 43 career starts to Housotn as he looks to help anchor UH's offensive line in 2021. Parish logged 25 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks a year ago, while also recording an 85-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against UCF. Witherspoon has been one of the most consistent kicker in UH history and enters the 2021 season with 35 career field goals made.
Trahan started all eight games at tight end last season, finishing third on the team with 22 receptions, while recording 294 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Dell led the Cougars in receptions (29) and receiving yards (428) in his first season at Houston, while adding three touchdowns. He closed out the year with a six-catch, 112-yard performance against Hawaii in the New Mexico Bowl.
Anenih ranked second on the team with 4.5 sacks in eight games last year. The senior has recorded 15.5 sacks during his four-year career as a Cougar. Henry sat out the 2021 season after transferring from Texas Tech and looks to have a key role in UH's running back rotation.
Houston opens the 2021 season against Texas Tech in the Texas Kickoff on Sept. 4 inside NRG Stadium.
2021 TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets for the 2021 Houston Football season start as low as $100 for six games including the Sept. 4 Texas Kickoff against Texas Tech at NRG Stadium.
Fans can click here to purchase their 2021 season tickets today.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
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