How will Houston handle several big-time offseason departures?

Spring is in the air, and so is talk of something special brewing in east Texas.

The Houston Cougars return hefty firepower and look to top a very special 13-1 season that included an American Athletic Conference crown and a win over Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

Senior quarterback Greg Ward returns as does nearly the entire receiving corps. Houston also brought in its best recruiting class in school history. Things are looking good.

With spring practices well underway, it’s time to examine those positions that have suffered the most attrition. If the Cougars stumble, there is a chance that it is one of these positions that costs it.

First up, the offense. Most noticeably the offense loses it’s top two running backs from a year ago. Less noticeable but just as important, the Cougars lose five offensive linemen.

Running Back

• Outgoing Seniors
  Kenneth Farrow
  Ryan Jackson

To add insult to injury, running back Javin Webb was dismissed from the team in February. Fortunately, the cupboard is not bare as Houston has several young players at the position, notably Texas transfer Duke Catalon and 3-star commit Mulbah Car (Reagan High School, Austin, TX).

Corner Brandon Wilson, who played running back late last year, likely will return to the defensive side of the ball, but could see some time on the offense, especially if none of the other players stands out. Wilson had 111 yards rushing against Navy and 70 yards rushing in the AAC Championship game in 2015.

Offensive Line

• Outgoing Seniors
  Ben Dew
  Alex Cooper
  Zach Johnson
  Damien Parris
  Carter Wall

The line loses 72 starts, but there is experience returning due to injuries last year. Six returning linemen have started at least one game. Help will also come from the signing of 305-pound offensive lineman Alex Fontana who will have two years of eligibility.

Defensively, the greatest question mark, and the one that could cost Houston in the early part of the season, is the loss of the entire secondary to graduation. The Cougars lose fours starters, accounting for 15 of the teams 21 interceptions and 29 pass deflections. They also accounted for 264 tackles. To be fair, however, the Cougars did rank 116 in passing yards allowed.

Defensive Secondary

• Outgoing Seniors
  William Jackson III
  Lee Hightower
  Adrian McDonald
  Trevon Stewart

This unit may need some time to gel, but does not get that luxury with Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield up first. Oklahoma’s wide receivers are young, but there is depth that could strain a young Cougar secondary.

Corner Brandon Wilson leads all returners in the secondary with 20 starts. He is also the only senior in the backfield.  The team brings in four defensive backs, none of whom will likely contribute this year.

Special Teams

• Outgoing Seniors
  Kyle Bullard
  Logan Piper

The news here isn’t all bad either. Kicker Ty Cummings replaced an ineffective Bullard and went on to go 7-for-7 on field goals and 46-for-46 for extra points. Either redshirt freshman punter Blake Boyles or backup QB Kyle Postma will presumably handle punting duties.