University of Houston Athletics
Haulcy Named Thorpe National Defensive Back of the Week
10/8/2024 2:00:00 PM | Football
Cougar junior collects two interceptions, leads Houston to Big 12 win at TCU
HOUSTON – National acclaim continued to roll in for University of Houston Football junior A.J. Haulcy on Tuesday, as the Houston native was named the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week following his standout performance against in-state rival TCU.
Haulcy, who became the program's first Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, collected two interceptions and a team-leading seven tackles on Friday against the Horned Frogs, becoming just the second Big 12 defender to record two interceptions in a league game this season.
The Fort Bend Marshall High School product becomes the second Big 12 player to earn the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week this season, joining Arizona's Tacario Davis.
Haulcy's efforts helped limit TCU to 299 yards of total offense – its fewest in a home game since Nov. 29, 2019 – and 19 points – its fewest at home since Oct. 23, 2021. TCU did not convert a third down until 11:55 remaining in the contest.
The team's career-leader in tackles, whose three interceptions on the season are tied for the Big 12 lead, allowed just one reception in four targets against the Horned Frogs, and did not permit any yards after catch. Haulcy added three passes defended (breakups + INTs), upping his Big 12 best to eight this season.
Haulcy was also honored on Pro Football Focus's Week 6 National Team of the Week on Sunday.
UP NEXT
Following the off week, Haulcy and the Cougars cap their two-game road trip with Big 12 action against Kansas. The Saturday, Oct. 19, matchup from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and be broadcast on ESPN+. The meeting is the fifth in the history of the programs and first as co-Big 12 members.
Fans making the trip to Kansas City, Mo., can purchase tickets here. "Coogs on the Road" presented by Houston Alumni will feature a Friday, Oct. 18, meetup from 6-8 p.m. at Brooksider Sportsbar & Grill (6330 Brookside Plaza). To register, click here.
Houston returns home to celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 26, against #16/17 Utah, before facing #18/19 Kansas State in the program's annual Black Out Game and Heroes Night on Saturday, Nov. 2.
As part of a special "buy" week offer, fans can purchase 200-level seats starting at just $15 for each of the Cougars remaining three home games including the Senior Day finale against in-state rival Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 23. The discounted ticket deadline expires is midnight, Sunday.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by purchasing tickets, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective and by joining 46ers and The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Haulcy, who became the program's first Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, collected two interceptions and a team-leading seven tackles on Friday against the Horned Frogs, becoming just the second Big 12 defender to record two interceptions in a league game this season.
The Fort Bend Marshall High School product becomes the second Big 12 player to earn the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week this season, joining Arizona's Tacario Davis.
Haulcy's efforts helped limit TCU to 299 yards of total offense – its fewest in a home game since Nov. 29, 2019 – and 19 points – its fewest at home since Oct. 23, 2021. TCU did not convert a third down until 11:55 remaining in the contest.
The team's career-leader in tackles, whose three interceptions on the season are tied for the Big 12 lead, allowed just one reception in four targets against the Horned Frogs, and did not permit any yards after catch. Haulcy added three passes defended (breakups + INTs), upping his Big 12 best to eight this season.
Haulcy was also honored on Pro Football Focus's Week 6 National Team of the Week on Sunday.
UP NEXT
Following the off week, Haulcy and the Cougars cap their two-game road trip with Big 12 action against Kansas. The Saturday, Oct. 19, matchup from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and be broadcast on ESPN+. The meeting is the fifth in the history of the programs and first as co-Big 12 members.
Fans making the trip to Kansas City, Mo., can purchase tickets here. "Coogs on the Road" presented by Houston Alumni will feature a Friday, Oct. 18, meetup from 6-8 p.m. at Brooksider Sportsbar & Grill (6330 Brookside Plaza). To register, click here.
Houston returns home to celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 26, against #16/17 Utah, before facing #18/19 Kansas State in the program's annual Black Out Game and Heroes Night on Saturday, Nov. 2.
As part of a special "buy" week offer, fans can purchase 200-level seats starting at just $15 for each of the Cougars remaining three home games including the Senior Day finale against in-state rival Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 23. The discounted ticket deadline expires is midnight, Sunday.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by purchasing tickets, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective and by joining 46ers and The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
Players Mentioned
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