University of Houston Athletics
Houston Trio Earns All-Big 12 Honors
12/5/2024 11:59:00 AM | Football
Cougars recognized for breakthrough defensive performance
HOUSTON – University of Houston Football's defense made its mark as one of top units in the Big 12 Conference this season. On Thursday, three Cougars were recognized for those efforts.
Houston junior defensive back A.J. Haulcy was named First-Team All-Big 12 Conference, becoming the third Cougar in two seasons to earn the highest league team honor, after matching a conference-best with five interceptions while ranking second in passes defended (13).
The recognition was the second in as many years for Haulcy who was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention Defensive Back and Honorable Mention Defensive Newcomer of the Year a season ago. His 7.19 career tackles per game ranks second among all active Big 12 defenders.
Houston senior defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. was recognized as Second-Team All-Big 12 after making his name as a disruptive presence on the edge. Cooper Jr. led the Cougars with 27 pressures and matched a team best with 8.5 tackles for loss alongside 40.0 tackles.
Senior linebacker Michael Batton earned Honorable Mention All-Conference praise after leading the Cougars with 94.0 tackles alongside 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. Batton posted 7.0+ tackles in nine different games including double-digit stops on three occasions highlighted by a 12-tackle performance against Baylor on Nov. 23.
Selections are made by the league's 16 head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by renewing season 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.
Houston junior defensive back A.J. Haulcy was named First-Team All-Big 12 Conference, becoming the third Cougar in two seasons to earn the highest league team honor, after matching a conference-best with five interceptions while ranking second in passes defended (13).
The recognition was the second in as many years for Haulcy who was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention Defensive Back and Honorable Mention Defensive Newcomer of the Year a season ago. His 7.19 career tackles per game ranks second among all active Big 12 defenders.
Houston senior defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. was recognized as Second-Team All-Big 12 after making his name as a disruptive presence on the edge. Cooper Jr. led the Cougars with 27 pressures and matched a team best with 8.5 tackles for loss alongside 40.0 tackles.
Senior linebacker Michael Batton earned Honorable Mention All-Conference praise after leading the Cougars with 94.0 tackles alongside 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. Batton posted 7.0+ tackles in nine different games including double-digit stops on three occasions highlighted by a 12-tackle performance against Baylor on Nov. 23.
Selections are made by the league's 16 head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by renewing season 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 ––
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