The Cougars open spring practice at 4 p.m. today. UH’s 15 total practices will be open to the public. There will be three scrimmages, three practices with helmets and nine “true practices.” | Aaron Cisneros/The Daily Cougar
Head coach Tony Levine has thrown his depth chart out the window.
Of course there are favorites to win jobs and returning starters, but Levine is anxious to see his players compete and earn places in the starting lineup, particularly UH’s veteran players.
“We have some guys that have in our program anywhere from one year to four years and it’s time for them to step up and play for us,” Levine said.
“I’m anxious to see how it all unfolds come April 13.”
The Cougars open the first of 15 spring practices today. If you subtract the three practices in helmets and the three scrimmages, that leaves just nine “true practices” for players to make an impression on the new coaching staff.
“We don’t ever count on any true freshman coming in and playing for us in the fall,” Levine said. “Naturally some will, but that to us becomes a bonus. When we get done with spring practice on April 13, that’s going to be the football team we plan on competing with in the 2012 season.
“It’s time for guys to step up and make plays for us and take over where our seniors left off.”
The greatest thing about UH and its Athletic Dept is in selecting coaches who can rebuild successful programs. Many thought it was all over when Briles left, then came in Sumlin. Sumlin led the team to place we hadn't seen in a generation. Now comes Levine. It's exciting to see a coach take what can be considered a "grass-roots" program into something greater. Season tickets are on order! We will not wait for four years from now. " 'But as for me and my house, we will' support our COOGS! "
We dropped the ball with this selection. The charisma and fire of a head coach just isn’t there. He seems like a buy guy though, but an assistant. The intensity, fire, and scheme will haunt his inaugural season. This is Sumlins offense, we need more of Sims have situations designed for him to thrive.