Houston Football: 2017 Cougars season preview, predictions

Defense

Houston’s formidable run defense returns most of the players that made the unit great on the ground in 2016. Sophomore defensive tackle Ed Oliver leads the unit, but there is plenty of talent all around. That includes veterans Nick Thurman and Jerard Carter alongside Oliver on the defensive line.

The experience extends to the second level, where linebacker Matthew Adams leads a solid group. Austin Robinson, who played at safety last year after playing quarterback at UTSA early in his college career, moves to linebacker this season. Robinson looked great in spring practice and likely has the inside track on a starting role in 2017.

The defense had its biggest issues last year against the pass. While the Cougars were one of the best in the country at stopping the run, they were a sieve in the secondary.

Can Houston improve against the pass?

In hopes of improving depth in the defensive backfield, Isaiah Johnson was moved over from offense to play cornerback. Johnson spent the past two years with the receiving corps. Now he will try to use his tall frame to gain the upper hand against opposing receivers.

Johnson is hardly guaranteed a starting role, despite playing well in the spring. As a whole, the unit has a lot of upside but little experience at corner. Jeremy Winchester is the most experienced returning cornerback, having started 10 games over the past two seasons while playing mostly a reserve role.

The Cougars are in better shape at safety, where starters Garrett Davis and Khalil Williams both return. Their backups both saw playing time last year. With what looks to be improved depth, Houston has the opportunity to stem the outsized production that opposing quarterbacks enjoyed in 2016.