University of Houston Athletics

Smith, Cougars Donate Backpacks, School Supplies
8/10/2024 7:37:00 PM | Football
Cougar quarterback leads donation as part of area elementary’s Back to School Bash
HOUSTON – With the school year for Houston Independent School District (HISD) right around the corner, University of Houston senior quarterback Donovan Smith is helping ensure children at a local elementary school impacted by Hurricane Beryl have what they need to start the school year right.
The Las Vegas native purchased backpacks stuffed with select school supplies for approximately 450 Roderick Paige Elementary students. On Thursday afternoon, Smith was joined by 14 teammates clad in their game jerseys to drop off as part of the elementary's annual "Back to School Bash."
"It's something I've always wanted to do, giving back to people who don't have the means and have some of the basic things for going back to school," Smith said. "We ordered backpacks for the students and put in some pencil pouches with erasers, glue sticks, crayons – all the necessities for school so it's one less thing they have to worry about."
Smith was joined by wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV, offensive lineman Demetrius Hunter, tight end Jayden York, defensive back A.J. Haulcy, offensive lineman David Ndukwe, quarterback Indiana Wijay, tight end Maliq Carr, offensive lineman Shamar Hobdy-Lee, offensive lineman Peyton Dunn, defensive back Noah Guzman, quarterback Ui Ale, linebacker Jamal Morris and kicker Jack Martin.
The Cougars concluded their eighth team practice on Thursday morning ahead of Friday's scheduled recovery day. Houston opens its season three weeks from Saturday when it welcomes UNLV to TDECU Stadium for a 6 p.m. kickoff on Aug. 31. Tickets are available for as low as $15 by clicking here.
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 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.
The Las Vegas native purchased backpacks stuffed with select school supplies for approximately 450 Roderick Paige Elementary students. On Thursday afternoon, Smith was joined by 14 teammates clad in their game jerseys to drop off as part of the elementary's annual "Back to School Bash."
"It's something I've always wanted to do, giving back to people who don't have the means and have some of the basic things for going back to school," Smith said. "We ordered backpacks for the students and put in some pencil pouches with erasers, glue sticks, crayons – all the necessities for school so it's one less thing they have to worry about."
Smith was joined by wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV, offensive lineman Demetrius Hunter, tight end Jayden York, defensive back A.J. Haulcy, offensive lineman David Ndukwe, quarterback Indiana Wijay, tight end Maliq Carr, offensive lineman Shamar Hobdy-Lee, offensive lineman Peyton Dunn, defensive back Noah Guzman, quarterback Ui Ale, linebacker Jamal Morris and kicker Jack Martin.
The Cougars concluded their eighth team practice on Thursday morning ahead of Friday's scheduled recovery day. Houston opens its season three weeks from Saturday when it welcomes UNLV to TDECU Stadium for a 6 p.m. kickoff on Aug. 31. Tickets are available for as low as $15 by clicking here.
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 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
Media Availability: HC Willie Fritz (March 28, 2026)
Saturday, March 28
Press Conference: Head Coach Willie Fritz Speaks to Media on the 2026 Transfer Portal Class
Wednesday, February 04
Postgame Press Conference: Football vs. LSU (Texas Bowl)
Sunday, December 28
Highlights: Houston 38, LSU 35 (Texas Bowl)
Sunday, December 28


























