Houston Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection
By Zach Bigalke
Defensive Line
Starting tackle: Ed Oliver
Backups: Aymiel Fleming
The defensive line centers on Ed Oliver. The Houston native earned All-American honors as a true freshman last season. Oliver finished third nationally in tackles for loss and added five sacks in 2016. As long as he stays healthy, Houston should remain among the top defenses — not just in their conference or among Group of Five schools, but across the FBS. Backing up Oliver is another sophomore, Aymiel Fleming, who saw spot duty at defensive tackle in eight games last season.
Starting ends: Nick Thurman, Jerard Carter
Backups: Bryan Jones, Zach Vaughan
On either side of Oliver are a pair of veterans, redshirt senior Nick Thurman and redshirt junior Jerard Carter. Each started in at least half of Houston’s games last season. Ranked fourth nationally in run defense in 2016, the front three could continue to improve in 2017 as they become more familiar working together.
Another redshirt junior, Zach Vaughan, will continue to fill a reserve role as he has in 22 games over the past two seasons. The bigger question for Applewhite and defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio is whether prized recruit Bryan Jones will be able to clear NCAA eligibility hurdles in time to be enrolled at UH and playing for the Cougars this fall.