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Even though Houston signed fewer players than last year, the class overall had a better rating than in 2018. Major Applewhite and his staff were already working with limited numbers thanks to the number of graduate transfers they brought in this year, but they still did some solid work with the 2019 class.
Houston signed 14 players in the early signing period, ranking 73rd in the country and fifth in the AAC. One general observation is that the Cougars weren’t beating out many big schools to get some of these kids. Some of them might be hidden gems, but having nearly every player go unnoticed is unlikely. Houston fans may also be upset where Houston ranks in the country, as well as in the conference. Let’s take a look at each player and break down what they bring to the team.
WR De’Corian “JT” Clark— Fort Worth, TX
The first member of the #19NITE to sign? @Decorian_Clark is now official!
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Help us welcome the big receiver to the #HTownTakeover! pic.twitter.com/CRGKPXqFTW
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 200
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8235
Other Notable Offers: Lamar
Analysis: Clark was the first in the 2019 recruiting class to sign his national letter of intent to play with the Cougars. While it is unlikely that he sees the field in his first year, we’ve seen what players of his size can do. Keith Corbin and Courtney Lark have benefited from being bigger receivers that can win 50/50 balls, and Clark can do the same.
OL Rason Williams II— Houston, TX
Staying HOME to represent his HOMEtown! @R_dubb90 is now officially a member of #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/wdbFjiwGwG
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 250
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8018
Other Notable Offers: N/A
Analysis: Speed is the name of his game, and his film shows that. Houston battled with injuries all year, and saw their top three players go down with injuries at this position. Jerard Carter, Isaiah Chambers, and Payton Turner were all lost for the season at some point, and depth became a major concern. Like Turner, Williams will need to add some size, but that shouldn’t be a problem once he gets on campus.
QB Levi Williams- San Antonio, TX
Sling that rock! @leviwilliamqb is now official with #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/Dp0KHkvsDT
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 215
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8464
Other Notable Offers: N/A
Analysis: Williams won’t play next year if D’Eriq King is healthy, but that’s not a problem. He should be in contention with Clayton Tune and Bryson Smith when King is out of eligibility. Williams has a quick release in his throwing motion, but it doesn’t always seem fluid. He’s not as fleet of foot as King or Tune, but he has solid awareness in the pocket. His accuracy is also something to note, as he knows exactly where to put passes for his receivers.
OL Patric Paul— Houston, TX
The big man staying HOME to represent the big city, @pattycentral is now official with #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/GmT3UbZQ1n
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 330
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8153
Other Notable Offers: Tulsa
Analysis: Massive lineman as you can tell by his size. Tends to overpower his opponent with his power and strength. Houston may not need a tackle next year, but Paul could contend for a spot the year after. It will be interesting to see how he deals with college defensive linemen. It doesn’t appear that he has the greatest speed, so he may struggle with a speed rush in the pass game. He will not, however, struggle with anyone’s strength.
LB Terrance Edgeston— Falkner, MS
From Falkner, Miss., to H-Town! @edgeston08 is officially a part of #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover! pic.twitter.com/bPh4KJOarJ
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 220
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8312
Other Notable Offers: FAU, New Mexico State, Troy, Stephen F. Austin
Analysis: Another position of need for the Cougars. Physicality was a struggle for Houston at linebacker in 2018, and Edgeston could help with that. He’s an aggressive player that doesn’t second guess his decisions, and commits at full speed. With four players out of eligibility at linebacker, Edgeston could easily win one of the starting spots in 2019. It’s a position that simply needs to play better.
CB Isaiah Essissima— Missouri City, TX
The Mo City Don of the secondary, @IsaiahEssissima is staying HOME to represent his city! #19NITE #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/39Fz1T7PEJ
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8410
Other Notable Offers: Boise State
Analysis: Another player that could be in consideration for a starting spot. Essissima has great awareness at cornerback, as evidenced by his ability to read a quarterback and understand certain route combinations. He may have the best hands among defensive backs on the team because he also played receiver in high school. He’s a great playmaker that could be a spark in the defensive backfield.
WR Ke’Andre Street— Tyler, TX
Following in the footsteps of @G_Ward1 @tbowser23 @BraylonJones_52 @BrysonSmith_17 & @DkHimself_, @MoneybaggStreet is now officially making the trip from Tyler to join #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/Tg2lsXJ8Nx
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8431
Other Notable Offers: Boston College, Bowling Green, North Texas
Analysis: Just like JT Clark, it may be difficult for Street to see the field in 2019, but that’s not because of his abilities. Street has great size with a great set of hands. He caught a number of difficult passes, and some in extremely clutch situations. Defensive backs will have a tough time covering him in jump ball situations, and his long strides will be tough to cover downfield as well.
WR Ife Adeyi— Mansfield, TX
Carrying the #HTownTakeover flag from Mansfield to H-Town, @Ife_Adeyi1 is now officially a part of #19NITE! pic.twitter.com/fBPiIdY86z
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8499
Other Notable Offers: UConn, New Mexico, Southern Mississippi
Analysis: Everyone who looks at this kid is going to comment on his height, but his game proves that he plays anything but that. Adeyi could be like Marquez Stevenson in the Cougars offense as a slot player. He has the quickness to catch screen passes and break tackles for big gains, but he also can win contested matchups downfield. His ball skills are good, and defensive backs will have to worry about that on top of his speed.
DL Taures Payne— Hoover, AL
No. 9 for #19NITE is in the books. From Hoover, Ala. to H-Town, help us welcome @4PFPAYNE to the #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/xDJs4gG2IV
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 260
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8656
Other Notable Offers: Kentucky, Florida, FAU
Analysis: Might be the most well rounded player in this class. Expect him to win a starting job on the defensive line right away. Payne is a big body with good speed to go with it. He is a physical player that Houston desperately needs at his position. The question will be where he plays. After playing both end and tackle at Northwest Mississippi Community College, he most likely will be at end, but could also slide inside as well.
DL Justin Harris— Gonzales LA
From the Boot to H-Town, @JustinGHarris is now officially a part of #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover! pic.twitter.com/DDJlaTo4pV
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 260
247 Sports Composite Rating: .7900
Other Notable Offers: LSU, SMU
Analysis: If you didn’t know what Houston’s biggest concern was going into this recruiting season, you could figure it out quickly. Harris is another defensive linemen added to the 2019 class, and another player that could be plugged in right away to the starting lineup. Depth was a major concern for the Cougars this year, and Harris is another guy that could help that issue.
OL Roquice Chaney— Houston, TX
Joining his teammate @R_dubb90, @904ROD is staying HOME to represent his CITY! Welcome to #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/xyI5ueic0W
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 340
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8366
Other Notable Offers: Missouri, Arizona, Georgia State
Analysis: Teammate of Rason Williams. He has great size that helps him jump out on film. His size and strength are his biggest asset, and make him difficult to run through or get around. He most likely will slide to guard with his limited mobility, but he should make a tremendous impact even if he does move there.
S Ronald Nunnery- Pearland, TX
Just like @ItsBWilson_, @RonNunnery1k owns a 100-yard missed field goal touchdown return at NRG Stadium. Now it's time to take state as an official member of #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/pvxkRX6OsK
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8389
Other Notable Offers: Boise State, Air Force, Colorado, Colorado State
Analysis: If Garrett Davis doesn’t get another year of eligibility, Deontay Anderson is going to need a partner at safety. Nunnery could be the guy to join him. Houston likes to have safeties that have good ball skills and are also not afraid of contact. They’re newest recruit possesses both of those skills. Expect him to compete for a starting spot right away.
OL Chayse Todd— Crosby, TX
Sliding down 90 from Crosby to H-Town, @_thechaysetodd_ joins @keenanmurphy77 on the #HTownTakeover o-line. Officially a part of #19NITE! pic.twitter.com/ylRCwxupF5
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 270
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8282
Other Notable Offers: Air Force, Army
Analysis: Need a physical player? This is your guy. Todd is a nasty lineman who always finishes a play. If you’re a defensive lineman going against him, you’re probably going to end up on your back. He finishes every play no matter if he’s near the play or not. Todd is always looking for someone to block, so defenders need to have their head on a swivel at all times.
LB/DL Nelson Ceaser— Missouri City, TX
Another Mo City Don, @CeaserNelson is officially a part of #19NITE and the #HTownTakeover! pic.twitter.com/WhnSMsdZbQ
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 19, 2018
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 220
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8871
Other Notable Offers: Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa State
Analysis: Best player in Houston’s class. Ceaser had his hand on the ground in high school, but could be standing up in college. He could fill a role that Emeke Egbule played, where he plays linebacker but is also utilized in the pass rush. Houston’s top recruit uses his hands extremely well when taking on a blocker, and that has to do with his long reach. He can keep blockers away from him, which also allows him to control his opponent.