Houston’s Red & White spring game is in the books at TDECU stadium. Here are some notes and takeaways from last Saturday’s glorified scrimmage:
1. Kyle Postma is a more-than-capable backup
Often going up against likely defensive starters, Postma still managed to complete 22 of 38 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown. While it’s certainly a relief for Houston fans to have a capable backup, It’s looking more and more like Postma could start at many schools. While the quarterback position is set for this year (barring injury), 2017 is shaping up to be a very interesting quarterback race.
2. Isaiah Johnson had a breakout game
Johnson may not be the man, but after hauling in 15 catches for 292 yards and three touchdowns, the man certainly doesn’t want to mess with him.
3. The running game is still a question mark
With three running backs held out of the Red & White Game, including projected starter and spring practice stud Duke Catalon, the situation is still very murky. The running game was shaky at best, with Blake Hirsch gaining 58 yards on 17 attempts and Josh Burrell (14 rushes for 49 yards) scoring the only rushing touchdown of the day. Both running backs averaged 3.5 yards a carry. At this point, it seems likely that QB Greg Ward Jr. may once again lead the team in rushing at the end of the season.
4. Offensive line coming together
Along with C Will Noble, linemen Na’Ty Rodgers and Josh Jones are currently the starting tackles and Kameron Eloph and Mason Denley are the starting guards. OL Alex Fontana will also battle for a starting spot at OG when he arrives on campus.
5. The secondary looks strong
Khalil Williams and Tarrell Williams played with the first team at safety, and Garrett Davis, who was held out of the game due to injury, also will battle in the fall for a starting role. At cornerback, Howard Wilson, Jeremy Winchester, and Joeal Williams all look to be in the mix along with Brandon Wilson, who missed the entire spring due to injury.
According to Joseph Duarte at the Houston Chronicle, Wilson will likely play nickleback and J. J. Dallas, despite being listed as a safety, will vie for a starting spot at cornerback. Dallas had a terrific spring game, totaling 11 total tackles and a sack.
6. Punter could be an issue heading into the fall
As much as coach Tom Herman might be a “go for it on fourth down” type of play-caller, there will always be situations where a punter is needed. Last year Houston attempted to convert on 4th down 26 times, hardly aggressive (Purdue led all teams with 44 attempts). Houston only punted 64 times last year (roughly 4.5 times a game), so as long as the offense is scoring, this shouldn’t be an issue.
On the other hand, does having backup QB Kyle Postma on the field in punting situations give Houston an advantage? Postma boomed a 57-yard punt and averaged 41.3 yards, which is not terrible. His arm will also keep opposing teams on their toes. It will be interesting to see if Herman ever rolls the dice.
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