Football

Leone, Spencer nab conference honors

Two Cougars were named to the American Athletic Conference honor roll after the football team’s season-opening win against Southern on Friday.

Senior Richie Leone punted his way to the top and was named the conference’s special teams player of the week after scoring 11 points by successfully completing every extra point attempt and kicking two field goals from 30 and 38 yards.

Junior wide receiver Daniel Spencer was also highlighted by the conference after nine receptions for 102 yards and scoring three touchdowns.

McMillian’s draft stock rises

With five interceptions, senior corner Zachary McMillian tied for the Conference USA lead.  |  Courtesy of UH Athletics

With five interceptions, senior corner Zachary McMillian tied for the Conference USA lead last season. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

UH senior cornerback Zach McMillian is picked as a potential 2014 NFL draft pick by Sports Illustrated.

Last season, after filling D.J. Hayden’s spot, McMillian put up five interceptions, tying for Conference USA interception leader, six pass break-ups and 51 tackles. He was named an honorable mention in the conference by the league’s coaches.

Other potential draft picks included cornerback Deven Drane of Cincinatti, defensive tackle Shamar Stephen of Connecticut, linebacker Preston Brown of Louisville and center Antonio Foster of Memphis.

Conference favorite

Louisville was picked as the clear favorite to win the conference title by USA Today. The Cardinals are led by Heisman Trophy candidate Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback and return the majority of their starters from last year’s Sugar Bowl where they pulled out a surprising victory against Florida. Louisville suffered two losses last season in the Big East. UH is predicted to go 7-5 and tie for fourth with Cincinnati.

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