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Dana Holgorsen and his staff knew they had work to do, and they wasted zero time working on the 2019 recruiting class. After Houston fired Major Applewhite, there was some uncertainty about the class as to who would stay committed. Holgorsen right away stated that he wouldn’t force any kid to keep his committment if they didn’t want to, and several decided to leave. Houston originally signed 14 players to their 2019 class, Of those 14 recruits, just nine remained after the coaching change.
Those sticking with their commitment to Houston include: Taures Payne, Terrance Edgeston, Nelson Cearser, Ke’Andre Street, Ronald Nunnery, Rodquice Chaney, Justin Harris, Chayse Todd, and Patrick Paul. The solid pieces from this class all stayed committed, and Holgorsen just needed to find a few more. Cornerback Demarion Williams and defensive lineman Olivier Charles-Pierre announced they were signing with Houston, addressing needs for the team. Let’s take a look at the other recruits that signed with the Cougars today.
RB Terrell Brown— Harvey, LA
From the to H-Town to the End Zone, welcome to the fam @_Smoke1k! #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/sfhXGHG3tV
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) February 6, 2019
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185
247Sports Composite Rating: .8265
Other Notable Offers: Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana Tech
Analysis: Brown certainly doesn’t shy away from contact at his size, which could be something the Cougars need on their roster. He also appears to have good vision as a ball carrier, another valuable trait. Houston’s run game will be what determines their level of success next year, and Brown physicality could put him in position to contribute.
DT Jamykal Neal— Charlotte, NC
Official - @almighty_jmike is headed to H-Town! #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/BlO04D40N0
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) February 6, 2019
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 315
247Sports Composite Rating: .8000
Other Notable Offers: Akron, South Alabama, Charlotte
Analysis: What Houston needs more than anything next year is someone to stop the run. With Ed Oliver leaving for the NFL, a gaping hole emerges up the middle. Neal’s skillset puts him in the running as a candidate to replace Oliver. He possesses the power to stand up and shed an offensive lineman, but also has underrated quickness. Houston’s defense needs help up front, and Neal might very well be the answer.
OL Cam’Ron Johnson— Houston, TX
Staying HOME to represent his city! H-Town's own @CamronJohnson_ is official! #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/io6BhU7dL6
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) February 6, 2019
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 285
247Sports Composite Rating: .8431
Other Notable Offers: SMU, Colorado, Arizona
Analysis: Johnson’s athleticism is noticeable on film, but he also has plenty of power to go with it. He gives Houston a big body with potential to fill out his frame. With Will Noble and Mason Denley expiring their eligibility, there are two spots open on the line. Johnson may not win one of those spots, but he will push everyone competing for them.
DL Atlias Bell— New Orleans, LA
From the 504 to the 713, welcome @atlias_bell to the H-Town family! #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/xQJIkcRmkU
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) February 6, 2019
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 250
247Sports Composite Rating: .8417
Other Notable Offers: Akron, Bowling Green, Louisiana Tech
Analysis: This coaching staff deserves praise. They figured out quickly what their biggest needs were, and addressed them. Injuries ravaged Houston’s defensive line last year, so building depth is vital for the future. Bell’s quickness off the ball gives the Cougars another contender for a starting spot up front.
Houston still has a handful of spots to fill for this class. Holgorsen could bring in transfers over the summer, something Houston fans have seen before under Major Applewhite.