Howard Wilson NFL Draft 2017: Scouting Report for Cleveland Browns' Pick
Apr 29, 2017
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Cornerback Howard Wilson #6 of the Houston Cougars recovers a Louisville Cardinals fumble in the third quarter at TDECU Stadium on November 17, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Houston Cougars won 36 to 10. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
Measurables
Height
Weight
40 Time
Arm Length
Hand Size
3-Cone
6'0 5/8"
184 lbs
4.53s
31 3/8"
9 5/8"
6.68s
POSITIVES
Just a one-year starter at Houston, Howard Wilson entered the 2017 draft as a redshirt sophomore. He got onto the field for the Cougars as a true freshman, starting three games. He's a natural mover with quick hips and a silky smoothness when asked to change directions. Wilson doesn't struggle or take false steps when asked to shift his balance and adjust going left or right. He's an accomplished tackler, notching over 50 tackles in 2016 and showing he's not afraid to get dirty in the running game.
Wilson's quickness, ball skills (nine career interceptions) and easy moving will cause teams to give him a long look as an inside or a third cornerback. Because he can be an effective player in the running game, Wilson is an ideal candidate to line up as a slot corner.
NEGATIVES
The 2015 season was a lost one for Wilson after he tore his ACL and took a medical redshirt after three games. He has short arms and average long speed, which could force him into a nickel cornerback role. With just 10 reps on the bench press and his poor play power showing on film, Wilson will have to fill out his skinny frame to better handle NFL size. Coaches and scouts we interviewed questioned his maturity, which could push his stock down further than his traits might suggest.
PRO COMPARISON: Buster Skrine, New York Jets
FINAL GRADE: 5.75/9.00 (Backup Caliber—Round 4)
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Kelan Walker to Houston: Cougars Land 4-Star RB Prospect
Feb 10, 2017
The Houston Cougars are still coming off this year's National Signing Day, but they got a jump start on 2018 with the addition of running back Kelan Walker.
Walker announced his decision to attend Houston on Twitter:
The addition of Walker is a huge boon for Houston head coach Major Applewhite. Walker plays high school football in the state of Texas, so keeping him close to home is a strong indication the Cougars will be able to offer talent an opportunity to win.
He's bringing his unique talents to Houston when he arrives in 2018. He's a 4-star prospect who is ranked as the No. 3 running back in Texas, No. 22 running back in the nation and No. 265 player overall, per Scout.com.
Greg Powers' scouting report for Walker on Scout.com paints a terrific portrait of what he can become at the college level soon.
"While he plays in a one-back spread-style offense in high school college coaches may be dreaming about what he would do with a lead blocker," Powers wrote. "The fact that he can play in multiple offenses only helps his value as a prospect. A north-south runner with good feet if he can If he can get a crease then he will get the ball to the end zone in a hurry. Should be a valued weapon at or around the goal line whether he gets the ball or is an option fake."
Applewhite has the tall task of taking over for Tom Herman, who led Houston to 22 wins in two seasons with the program before moving to the University of Texas last November.
While Applewhite doesn't have any previous head-coaching experience, he served as Houston's offensive coordinator during Herman's two seasons. He's been in coaching since 2005 and is prepared to handle this stage.
If Applewhite and his coaching staff can continue reeling in stars like Walker, the Cougars will have no problem matching or exceeding the bar previously set during Herman's brief run.
Major Applewhite Named Houston Head Coach: Latest Contract Details, Reaction
Dec 9, 2016
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 05: Offensive Coordinator/Quarterback coach Major Applewhite of the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on December 5, 2015 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 24-13 to win the AAC Championship over the Temple Owls. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
The University of Houston will reportedly promote offensive coordinator Major Applewhite to head coach Friday morning.
Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports first reported the news, and Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle also passed along word of the school's choice after Tom Herman left for Texas.
My family and I are excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead such a tradition rich program and continue our lives in one of the greatest cities is the nation, a city we love. The student-athletes truly are the backbone of every great program and as they've demonstrated over the past few years, we have an exceptional group of young men in our program, and we'll continue to add men with great character and a competitive drive in our recruiting. Living in the best state for high school football is a true blessing and advantage for our program and I cannot be more thankful for the support of our outstanding high school coaches from throughout the state.
He reportedly received a five-year contract from the school, per Feldman. The Fox Sports reporter also provided a look at the trickle-down effect of the in-house hiring:
HUGE ripple effect of Major Applewhite getting Houston is not only Lane Kiffin>LSU or USF but Todd Orlando now expected to become #Texas DC.
The 38-year-old Louisiana native rose to prominence as a quarterback for Texas from 1998 through 2001. He returned to the Longhorns twice, first as a graduate assistant in 2003 and then as part of the coaching staff for six years starting in 2008.
Applewhite, who also made stops at Syracuse, Rice and Alabama, joined Houston as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in January 2015. Less than two years later, he assumes the reins.
"I like where I'm at," Applewhite told Michael Calderon of the Daily Cougar in August 2015. "We are happy as can be and in the coaching world, you don't want to move and I'm not interested in trying to move. I'm happy here."
Applewhite will be tasked with building off the foundation Kevin Sumlin and Herman created in recent years. Houston's success starts on offense, where it ranked 15th in passing and 21st in scoring this season.
Applewhite's promotion will make for a smooth transition. He's familiar with the program and the fertile recruiting ground in Texas. Creating a pipeline to attract those talented prospects amid competition from Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, among others, is essential.
Next up for the Cougars is the Las Vegas Bowl against San Diego State on Dec. 17.
Major Applewhite Reportedly Named New Houston Head Coach
Nov 26, 2016
Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin walks the sideline in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
After the departure of Tom Herman, the University of Houston reportedly set its sights on some notable names for its next head football coach. However, the school has reportedly found its guy.
Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando had previously been named the team's interim head coach.
Continue for updates.
Major Applewhite Reportedly Named Houston Coach
Friday, Dec. 9
Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite has been named Houston's new head coach, per Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle.Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports confirmed the move.
Kiffin Previously Thought to be Houston's Choice
Thursday, Dec. 8
USA Today's Dan Wolken tweeted, "Houston has decided on Lane Kiffin, president to OK the hire at a Thursday meeting."
However, ESPN's Brett McMurphy and Feldman later reported that a decision had not been made and no offer had been extended. McMurphy, citing sources, also reported that Houston offensive coordinator Applewhite and Orlando are finalists for the vacant position, along with Kiffin.
“As far as I know, I don’t think anything has been decided officially," Alabama head coach Nick Sabantold reporters later on Thursday. "We’re very supportive of Lane in terms of being [a head coach] again.”
Fedora Reportedly Turned Down Houston
Thursday, Dec. 8
Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports reported that North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora was offered the Houston job and turned it down. Dodd noted that the offer was not made recently.
Houston Denies Interest in Briles
Saturday, Dec. 3
Houston released a statement on its reported interest in former Baylor head coach Art Briles, per Duarte:
McMurphy previously reported that Briles was proposed as a candidate to be interviewed for Houston's head coaching job by Houston's board chairman Tilman Fertitta. However, Travis Haney of 247Sports reported that Houston will not interview Briles for the position.
Fertitta has denied reports that he pushed for Briles, per Steven Godfrey of SB Nation:
On Nov. 26, Duarte reported that Briles, who coached the Cougars from 2003 to 2007, was receiving consideration.
Miles Among Candidates for Position
Thursday, Dec. 1
McMurphy reported that former LSU head coach Les Miles "has been contacted" regarding the opening.
"Miles has always recruited Texas (while head coach at LSU and Oklahoma State) and has friends in Houston," a source told McMurphy. "It could be what Miles is looking for."
Duarte reported that the Cougars may target former offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, now the head coach at West Virginia.
Heather Dinich of ESPN.com reported that Texas will officially announce Herman as its next coach on Nov. 26. The 41-year-old emerged as the hottest name in college football coaching circles after leading Houston to a 22-4 record over the last two seasons. He will replace Charlie Strong, who was officially fired on Nov. 26 after three years in Austin.
It's unclear whether Holgorsen will be interested in a return to his old stomping grounds.
Holgorsen would be the clear top choice of the two. While he hasn't led West Virginia to consistent prominence, the Mountaineers are heading to their fifth bowl game in his six seasons and may end the season ranked for the first time since 2011.
Holgorsen is 44-30 overall at West Virginia and seems to have settled in the area. He purchased a home with his family in Morgantown in 2014 and doesn't have many tangible ties to Houston. Holgorsen was on the Cougars staff for only two seasons.
Tom Herman Contract: Latest News and Rumors on Negotiations with Houston
Oct 19, 2016
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Tom Herman of the Houston Cougars looks on against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the game at Nippert Stadium on September 15, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Houston defeated Cincinnati 40-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Tom Herman has helped propel the University of Houston into the national spotlight ever since he came on as head football coach, and the school is reportedly interested in keeping him with the program with a new contract.
Continue for updates.
Houston Committed to Keeping Herman Around
Wednesday, Oct. 19
According to the Houston Chronicle's Joseph Duarte, Houston athletic director Hunter Yurachek said he has had "very general conversations" with university officials about offering Herman a new deal.
Yurachek later expanded on what Herman means to the school and how Houston can keep him around, per Duarte:
We have what I consider to be one of the hottest coaching commodities in all of college football. It’s my job to continue to do due diligence and work with (president Renu) Khator and (board of regents) chairman Tilman Fertitta and put together parameters for what potentially could be a new contract offer for coach Herman as we look toward the future and retaining him as head coach.
After leading the Cougars to a 13-1 record and Peach Bowl win last season, the 2015 American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year has helped Houston start 2016 with a 6-1 record.
As a result, Herman's name has surfaced with regard to possible openings at LSU and Texas, according to Dieter Kurtenbach of Fox Sports.
However, Herman denied in September that he had contact with LSU after the school fired head coach Les Miles.
"I can say unequivocally nobody has contacted me," Herman said, per Duarte.
Considering Herman's name has circulated the rumor mill at some of the nation's most prestigious programs, Yurachek wants to do everything he can to keep the 41-year-old in Houston for the long haul.
"We’re committed to making it very hard for him to leave here at this point," he said, per Duarte. "Somebody is going to have to come and really take him and offer him something really phenomenal, because we are going to make it really hard for him to say no to the University of Houston."
Houston's Linell Bonner Makes Great 1-Handed Touchdown Catch vs. UConn
Sep 29, 2016
Houston wide receiver Linell Bonner put quite the exclamation point on the Cougars' 10-play, 87-yard third-quarter drive against Connecticut on Thursday night.
The hosts held a 35-7 lead over the Huskies with 5:03 left in the frame when Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. lofted a pass from the Connecticut 4-yard line toward the left corner of the end zone.
Bonner extended his right hand, made the one-handed catch and kept possession as he fell to the ground for one of the best plays of the 2016 season.
Connecticut Huskies vs. Houston Cougars Betting Odds, College Football Pick
Sep 26, 2016
Houston quarterback Greg Ward, Jr., throws the ball over Texas State defenders during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, in San Marcos, Texas. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
The Houston Cougars are a perfect 9-0 straight up at home under head coach Tom Herman but only 4-4-1 against the spread in part because they've faced some large spreads. They'll do so again when they welcome the Connecticut Huskies down to TDECU Stadium for a revenge match Thursday night.
Point spread: The Cougars opened as 24.5-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)
Following four close games, UConn is 2-2 on the season and coming off a 31-24 loss to Syracuse last week. The Huskies fell down to the Orange 14-0 less than five minutes into the game, then battled back to forge a 14-14 tie just before halftime.
But on probably the key sequence of the game, down by seven with just over six minutes to go, Connecticut came up short on 4th-and-goal from the Syracuse 2-yard line, then gave up a 99-yard touchdown drive. The Huskies scored late to pull within one score but couldn't come up with an onside kick.
On the day, UConn outrushed the Orange 144-62 and won time of possession by a lopsided 38-22 margin. Unfortunately, the Huskies also committed the only turnover of the game, a Bryant Shirreffs interception that went the other way for seven Syracuse points.
Not many people outside of East Hartford or Houston remember, but UConn did something last season nobody else did as it upset the Cougars 20-17. Do the Huskies have another shocker in them?
Why the Houston Cougars can cover the spread
Houston is 4-0 SU and 3-0-1 ATS on the season after blowing out Texas State last week, 64-3. The Cougars drove to a touchdown on the game's opening possession, and as 31-point favorites had the spread covered by halftime. Houston rested starters in the second half, or else things could have really gotten ugly.
On the evening, the Cougars outgained the Bobcats 563-142, piling up a 32-8 advantage in first downs.
Houston opened this season with that upset over Oklahoma, and two weeks ago exploded in the fourth quarter to win at Cincinnati 40-16, covering as an eight-point road favorite. The only game the Cougars haven't covered this season came in Week 2 when they eased past Lamar 42-0 as 42-point favorites.
Smart pick
Revenge can be overrated as a handicapping tool, but Houston might have a cold dish in store for Connecticut, considering the Huskies kept them from making a claim on a College Football Playoff berth last year. Also, quarterback Greg Ward missed almost that whole game with an injury. The Cougars just covered 31 points and could have covered 42 a few weeks ago, so this spread is well within their ballpark.
Betting trends
Houston is 10-0 SU in its last 10 games at home.
The total has gone under in eight of Connecticut's last 10 games.
Connecticut is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games on Thursday.
All college football betting lines and point spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.
Houston vs Cincinnati: Live Score, Highlights for Cougars vs. Bearcats
Sep 15, 2016
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 3: Quarterback Greg Ward Jr.
In the opening plays of the fourth quarter, Cincinnati took a shocking four-point lead over No. 6 Houston.
It was short-lived.
Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. shook off a nagging shoulder injury to lead the Cougars on a pair of scoring drives, and back-to-back late pick-sixes led to a fourth-quarter takeover in what turned into a 40-16 runaway.
In a game where Houston dominated the box score, out-gaining the Bearcats 499-307, mistakes nearly did in the Cougars. Ward tossed two interceptions, and an Isaiah Johnson fumble at the end of the first half when Houston was about to score turned into a Cincinnati field goal to keep things close.
Ward wasn't himself, but he gutted through it.
"I was dealing with a lot of pain, but that really doesn't matter," Ward told ESPN after the game. "I was good enough to play, so I came out here and gave it my all, and the team's behind me, so we came out here and got the win."
It was head coach Tom Herman's team's 16th consecutive win dating back to last season, and a sturdy defensive front and some opportunistic plays on that side of the ball were the difference. The frenetic fourth quarter keeps the Cougars in the thick of the national picture for now.
Houston Cougars vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Odds, College Football Pick
Sep 12, 2016
FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2015, file photo, Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. looks for a receiver against Central Florida during an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla. If Ward, who passed for 2,828 yards, ran for 1,108 yards and accounted for 38 touchdowns last season, has a big game against Oklahoma and leads the Cougars to an upset, he can vault himself into the heart of a crowded field of Heisman contenders that includes three of the top four vote-getters from last season. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
The Houston Cougars think they've got a shot to crash this year's College Football Playoff, but to get that far they might have to beat the Cincinnati Bearcats not just once, but twice. And Houston is only 1-2 straight up and 0-2-1 against the spread versus Cincinnati over the last three seasons.
In a possible preview of this season's AAC Championship Game the Cougars face off with the Bearcats on Thursday night at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.
Point spread: The Cougars opened as 7.5-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)
The best non-Power Five team in the country is off to a 2-0 start to this season after blanking Lamar last week 42-0. And that was without quarterback Greg Ward, who sat out with a sore shoulder. The Cougars, as 42-point favorites, eased out to a 14-0 lead over the Cardinals after one quarter, led 28-0 at the half and basically settled for the push, scoring just twice in the second half.
On the day Houston outgained Lamar 511-73, grinding out 381 yards on the ground with Ward on the sidelines.
The Cougars opened the season two weeks ago with a 33-23 upset of Oklahoma. As long as Ward is somewhere near 100 percent it appears this Houston outfit could beat almost anybody.
Why the Cincinnati Bearcats can cover the spread
Cincinnati, one of the preseason favorites to win the AAC East, is also off to a 2-0 start after beating a Big Ten team on the road last week, winning at Purdue 38-20. The Bearcats grabbed an early 14-0 lead on the Boilers, and later stretched that to 31-7 early in the fourth quarter before allowing Purdue to make the score a little more respectable. Still, they cashed easily as three-point favorites.
On the day Cincinnati racked up 512 yards of offense, including 262 on the ground, while sophomore quarterback Hayden Moore threw three touchdowns passes and ran for two more scores.
Two weeks ago the Bearcats opened their season with a 28-7 victory over UT-Martin, holding the Skyhawks scoreless over the final 54 minutes of the game.
Cincinnati beat Houston in 2013 and 2014, and while they lost to the Cougars last year 33-30, the Bearcats covered as nine-point underdogs.
Smart pick
Houston didn't need Ward last week, and Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel indicated he'll be good to go Thursday night. But the Bearcats have played the Cougars tough recently, and should be all sorts of fired up for this one. The best bet in this spot is the home underdog.
Betting trends
The total has gone over in six of Cincinnati's last seven games in September.
Cincinnati is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 games against its conference.
Houston is 14-1-1 ATS in its last 16 games on the road.
All college football betting lines and point spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.
Greg Ward Jr. Injury: Updates on Houston QB's Shoulder and Return
Sep 10, 2016
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 3: Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. #1 of the Houston Cougars throws a second half pass during their win against the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday September 3, 2016 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jackson Laizure/Getty Images)
Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. injured his shoulder against Oklahoma and did not play against Lamar on Sept. 10. However, he has been cleared to return.
Continue for updates.
Latest on Ward's Playing Status
Tuesday, Sept. 13
Ward has been cleared to play against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Thursday, per Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle.
Ward Must Remain Healthy for Houston to be Contender
Certainly, Houston's season potentially hinges on Ward staying healthy. The Heisman hopeful threw for 2,828 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while adding 1,108 yards and 21 more touchdowns on the ground. In Houston's 33-23 upset of Oklahoma, he was excellent, throwing for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
While Kyle Postma performs well in a backup capacity, Houston's playoff aspirations hang squarely on Ward's shoulder and legs.
