2018 Houston Defense Preview

Photo by Russell Wilburn

Share or Save for Later

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Save to Favorites

Ed Oliver changes everything. But he can’t be everything. 

The best player in college football headlines Houston’s defense, and his stage is front and center for the Cougars. He showcases his dominance and strength on every snap. 

But he’s one of just five returning starters on the defense and one of just two in the Cougars’ front seven. The adjustment period for all the new faces gets a lot easier with a likely top five pick and Heisman candidate soaking up blockers and causing disruption in the backfield, but it’s still a difficult task ahead for Cougars defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio.

“What we’ve got to do is eliminate free yards. There was easy stuff on the perimeter. There was inconsistent play,” Applewhite said. “There were some big plays and free yards given up.”

The Cougars dropped from 13th nationally in defensive yards to play to 48th from 2016 to 2017, but opponents’ scoring total remained almost constant against what Applewhite called a more difficult schedule.

In March, Oliver became the first early entrant for the 2019 NFL Draft, officially announcing his plans to forego his senior season at Houston. He’ll share space on the defensive line with sophomore Payton Turner and seniors Jerard Carter and Zach Vaughan.

“Defensive line should be our strong suit with that up front. Even Ed has to play more consistently,” Applewhite said. “He’s a great player, but he’s got to play within the parameters of what we’re calling. If he does that, he’ll have even more plays coming his way.”

Three of the four inside linebackers in the Cougars’ rotation are gone and starter Khalil Williams is gone, but his younger brother Joeal Williams, a converted safety, is well-positioned to fill his role after making 17 tackles and notching a sack as a junior in 2017.

“We have good players who have played some, but we’ve got to fill those spots,” Applewhite said.

Both cornerbacks, Alexander Myres and Jeremy Winchester, return from last year’s team, but the Cougars must replace hulking safety Terrell Williams. Khari Dotson could find a bigger role in his absence.

“We’ve got to get more consistent and physical at corner,” Applewhite said.

Every level of the defense will feel Oliver’s impact, but it’ll take 10 more helmets to help Houston’s defense continue to move forward. 

This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.

Sign In