University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Ink Two, Round Out Signing Class
2/7/2024 11:57:00 AM | Football
Houston added to its 2024 class Wednesday to cap Fritz’s inaugural class
HOUSTON – University of Houston Football Head Coach Willie Fritz put the finishing touches on his first signing class Wednesday as running back J'Marion Burnette and punter Liam Dougherty inked National Letters of Intent with the Cougars.
Alongside December's Early Signing Period, the total pushes Houston's class to 36 members including 22 transfers and 14 high school standouts (three early enrollees). Click here to read more about each member of Houston's 2024 class.
On offense, the group consists of eight offensive linemen, four tight ends, three wide receivers, two running backs and one quarterback. Defensively, Houston welcomes seven defensive linemen, six defensive backs and three linebackers. The Cougars also added two specialists.
J'Marion Burnette – Running Back
Andalusia High School (Andalusia, Ala.)
6-1 / 220
High School
St. Joseph's College (Geelong, Victoria)
6-2 / 205
Prior to Houston
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by purchasing season tickets, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective, giving to Houston Rise, 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.
Alongside December's Early Signing Period, the total pushes Houston's class to 36 members including 22 transfers and 14 high school standouts (three early enrollees). Click here to read more about each member of Houston's 2024 class.
On offense, the group consists of eight offensive linemen, four tight ends, three wide receivers, two running backs and one quarterback. Defensively, Houston welcomes seven defensive linemen, six defensive backs and three linebackers. The Cougars also added two specialists.
J'Marion Burnette – Running Back
Andalusia High School (Andalusia, Ala.)
6-1 / 220
High School
- Prepped at Andalusia (Ala.)
- Four-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN
- Nation's No. 14 running back (rivals)
- No. 10 overall prospect in Alabama (rivals)
- Rushed for 649 yards and nine touchdown as a senior (missed 4 games)
- Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game invitee
- AL.com's A-List No. 11 – ranking Alabama's Top 15 senior prospects
- 187 carries for 1,473 yards and 17 scores as a junior
- Led team to Class 4A state championship as a junior
- Team went 14-1 his junior season
- 1,989 rushing yards and 25 TDs as a sophomore
- Averaged 7.1 yards per carry (282 carries) as a sophomore
- Also caught three receiving TDs as a sophomore
St. Joseph's College (Geelong, Victoria)
6-2 / 205
Prior to Houston
- Left-footed punter
- Prepped at St. Joseph's College
- Lettered in soccer and cricket
- Played Australian rules football for Geelong Club Team
- Team MVP in 2022
- Team won Premiership – consisting of 10 teams
- Plans to major in Psychology
- Enjoys golfing, watching AFL and punting
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
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 ––
Postgame Press Conference: Football vs. LSU (Texas Bowl)
Sunday, December 28
Highlights: Houston 38, LSU 35 (Texas Bowl)
Sunday, December 28
Press Conference: Head Coach Willie Fritz Previews Texas Bowl vs. LSU
Monday, December 22
National Signing Day Press Conference
Wednesday, December 03