Despite losing their two starting cornerbacks, Houston is confident heading into the season.
Key returners to the secondary:
Trevon Stewart and Adrian McDonald will be expected to make an impact. The Cougars will have various corners that had plenty of playing time last year.
Houston also will be returning Jaron Walker, Brandon Wilson and Marcus Dillard. Eric Eiland will be changing positions from defensive end to safety.
Key losses to the secondary:
The fight for the void left by Zach McMillan and Thomas Bates is sure to be a competitive one, and players will be hungry to fill.
Two transfer student athletes will be eligible to play this year, whom coach Levine has high hopes for. Tyler White will be coming in from Utah, and Lee Hightower out of Boise State.
Potential breakout performer:
Cornerback William Jackson had four starts for Houston last season. He broke up seven passes, which was second highest on the team. He even had a pick-six against UTSA, in which he returned an interception for a 96 yard-touchdown.