Ross III Named AFCA 35 Under 35
12/9/2024 12:18:00 PM | Football
Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach played key role in Cougars’ defensive prowess
HOUSTON – University of Houston Football Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach James Ross III has been selected to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 2025 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute – a prestigious program aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the coaching profession.
Ross III, 30 years old, who was chosen from a field of 200-plus high-quality applicants, was among four Big 12 Conference coaches to receive the coveted accolade. During 2024, Ross III's unit helped the Cougars' defense rank among the Big 12's best, finishing second in total defense (324.8), third in first downs defense (214), third in third-down conversion percentage defense (.367) and third in passing yards allowed (188.8).
Ross, a former four-year letterman (2012-15) at Michigan who appeared in 50 career games for the Wolverines before going on to spend three seasons as a UM graduate assistant (2018-20), has quickly ascended the coaching ranks from Linebackers Coach in 2021 at Hope College to Outside Linebackers Coach at Cincinnati in 2022 before joining Head Coach Willie Fritz as a Senior Defensive Analyst at Tulane in 2023.
In 2023, at Tulane, Ross III helped direct one of the nation's top defenses. Tulane led the American Athletic Conference in interceptions (17) and turnovers forced (25). The Green Wave's 25 turnovers gained entering bowl season ranked second nationally and marked the program's most in seven seasons (27 in 2016).
The Green Wave finished ranked inside the Top 30 nationally in eight statistical categories including turnovers gained (25; 2nd) passes interception (17; 3rd), rushing defense (93.5; 7th), scoring defense (18.9; 19th), fourth-down conversion percentage defense (.429; 24th), team sacks/game (2.62; 26th), tackles for loss (6.3; 30th) and fumbles recovered (8; 30th).
As an AFCA 35 Under 35 honoree, Ross III will be invited to attend the one-day institute that features a curriculum of interactive lectures focused on topics specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression, and family balance.
To be eligible for AFCA 35 Under 35, applicants had to be born on or after January 1, 1989, and must be currently serving as a high school head coach, two-year college full-time assistant or head coach, or NAIA/NCAA (all divisions) full-time assistant or head coach.
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.
Ross III, 30 years old, who was chosen from a field of 200-plus high-quality applicants, was among four Big 12 Conference coaches to receive the coveted accolade. During 2024, Ross III's unit helped the Cougars' defense rank among the Big 12's best, finishing second in total defense (324.8), third in first downs defense (214), third in third-down conversion percentage defense (.367) and third in passing yards allowed (188.8).
Ross, a former four-year letterman (2012-15) at Michigan who appeared in 50 career games for the Wolverines before going on to spend three seasons as a UM graduate assistant (2018-20), has quickly ascended the coaching ranks from Linebackers Coach in 2021 at Hope College to Outside Linebackers Coach at Cincinnati in 2022 before joining Head Coach Willie Fritz as a Senior Defensive Analyst at Tulane in 2023.
In 2023, at Tulane, Ross III helped direct one of the nation's top defenses. Tulane led the American Athletic Conference in interceptions (17) and turnovers forced (25). The Green Wave's 25 turnovers gained entering bowl season ranked second nationally and marked the program's most in seven seasons (27 in 2016).
The Green Wave finished ranked inside the Top 30 nationally in eight statistical categories including turnovers gained (25; 2nd) passes interception (17; 3rd), rushing defense (93.5; 7th), scoring defense (18.9; 19th), fourth-down conversion percentage defense (.429; 24th), team sacks/game (2.62; 26th), tackles for loss (6.3; 30th) and fumbles recovered (8; 30th).
As an AFCA 35 Under 35 honoree, Ross III will be invited to attend the one-day institute that features a curriculum of interactive lectures focused on topics specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression, and family balance.
To be eligible for AFCA 35 Under 35, applicants had to be born on or after January 1, 1989, and must be currently serving as a high school head coach, two-year college full-time assistant or head coach, or NAIA/NCAA (all divisions) full-time assistant or head coach.
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.
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