Five things to watch as Willie Fritz begins first preseason camp

After what seemed like a lengthy summer, Coach Willie Fritz is eager to kick off his first preseason football camp at the University of Houston.

“I’m not very good at taking breaks,” Fritz noted. “I’m genuinely excited for the upcoming year. The student-athletes have shown incredible commitment and have fully embraced the changes.”

Since his hiring last December, Fritz has been incredibly busy, working to salvage the 2024 recruiting class, filling key positions through the transfer portal, attending donor events, and securing several notable commitments for 2025 and beyond. He even had the honor of throwing the first pitch at Monday’s Astros game.

“I’m really enthusiastic about the path we’re taking,” Fritz added.

Here are five key points to keep an eye on as the Cougars start preseason camp on Wednesday: 

1) Organizing the depth chart

Following spring practice, Fritz expressed satisfaction with the Cougars’ overall depth. While some positions are still up for grabs, he noted that it might take a few weeks into the season to finalize the first- and second-team lineups.

“I’ll probably utilize more players in the first couple of weeks than others, just to see who can perform during live action,” Fritz explained. “There will be significant competition. It didn’t conclude with spring practice, and I believe the players recognize that as well.”

One critical area that may need more time to evaluate is the offensive line. With only one returning starter, right guard Tank Jenkins, the team must replace All-Big 12 left tackle Patrick Paul. Fritz mentioned that eight players are contending for the four available positions. Out of 22 starters on offense and defense, he indicated there are “probably 10 players” who are certain starters, with around 30 additional players vying for the remaining 12 spots.

“Learning about your team early in the season is a process,” Fritz said at Big 12 media days in early July. “Spring ball is great, summer workouts are outstanding, but nothing compares to playing real games. We will find out a lot about ourselves after the first couple of weeks.”

2) What is the current health status of QB Donovan Smith?

Smith, entering his second year as the starting quarterback for UH, was cleared a couple of months ago after having offseason surgery to fix the labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder. During spring practice, he was restricted to non-throwing drills.

Earlier this summer, Smith served as a counselor at the renowned Manning Passing Academy, where he showcased his arm strength with throws ranging from 60 to 65 yards.

“I feel great,” Smith commented on his health. “I feel stronger and have improved mobility as well.”

Smith referred to the injury he sustained late last season against Baylor as a “blessing in disguise,” noting that the recovery period allowed him to dive deeper into learning offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay’s system and to dedicate time to studying film.

“I got ahead of my playbook in the spring,” Smith added.

Backup quarterback Zeon Chriss, who transferred from Louisiana, is expected to receive significant playing time during camp.

“I have a lot of confidence in Donovan,” Fritz said. “Zeon Chriss is an exceptional quarterback. It’s important to have more than one option. I truly believe both of them can compete at this level.”

3) Focus on the run

A focus on creating a strong running game is a “running back’s dream,” says sophomore tailback Parker Jenkins, who was the team’s leading rusher last season with 464 yards. The Cougars’ backfield also includes Tony Mathis Jr., Stacy Sneed, and a healthy Re’Shaun Sanford II, who missed the entire last season due to an injury suffered in camp. Additionally, UH has brought in freshmen J’Marion Burnette and DJ Butler.

Fritz’s desire for a balanced offensive approach marks a significant shift from past years, as the Cougars have traditionally employed Air Raid strategies. In the last two seasons under former coach Dana Holgorsen, the team averaged only 30 rushing attempts per game, ranking in the bottom 30 nationally. In contrast, Fritz’s offense at Tulane averaged nearly 40 rushing attempts per game.

“I’d like to be 50-50 throughout the season,” Fritz stated.

 

4) Spotlight: Wide Receiver and Secondary

With so many newcomers and positions available, almost any group could be highlighted, but we’ll focus on the wide receiver and secondary as crucial areas to watch as camp begins.

Transfers Sam Brown (Miami) and Matthew Golden (Texas)—who together tallied 100 catches, 1,219 yards, and nine touchdowns last season—joined the team in the offseason. Key returning players include Joseph Manjack IV and Stephon Johnson, while redshirt freshman Jonah Wilson is expected to take on a larger role. Additionally, UH welcomed transfers Mehki Mews (Georgia), Devan Williams (Tulsa), and Marquis Shoulders (Tulsa).

The Cougars’ secondary, one of the poorest pass defenses in the nation over the past two seasons, returns only one starter, safety A.J. Haulcy. Watch for cornerback Latrell McCutchin, who sat out last season after transferring from USC.

The revamped secondary will feature transfers Hershey McLaurin (West Virginia), Jeremiah Wilson (Syracuse), Kentrell Webb (Tulane), Teagan Wilk (East Carolina), Kris Davis (Southern), Bryan Massey (SMU), and JD Rhym (Auburn).

5) This team is eager to show their skeptics that they can succeed 

Following a 4-8 season, the Cougars aren’t generating much excitement outside of Cullen Boulevard, with projections placing them second to last in the 16-team Big 12.

“It drives us,” cornerback Latrell McCutchin stated. “I believe we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”