Athlon Sports Tabs UH Pair for Preseason Honors

At the University of Houston, preseason football chatter picked up again this week after Athlon Sports recognized two Cougars ahead of the 2024 campaign. For a program gearing up on campus in the Third Ward, the latest honors add another early marker for a roster trying to build momentum in Year 2 under coach Willie Fritz.

Athlon Sports placed defensive back A.J. Haulcy and wide receiver Samuel Brown on its preseason award lists, according to University of Houston Athletics. Haulcy landed on Athlon's All-Big 12 first team, while Brown earned fourth-team recognition at wide receiver. Those selections give Houston representation on both sides of the ball as training camp draws closer.

Athlon Sports preseason honors give Houston two picks

Haulcy arrived at Houston after a strong stint at New Mexico and quickly became one of the most discussed additions on the roster. His first-team nod from Athlon points to the expectations around the Cougars' secondary, a unit that needs playmakers in a conference loaded with experienced quarterbacks and deep receiving groups.

Brown's selection brings attention to Houston's pass-catching group. He transferred in from West Virginia and brings proven Big 12 experience, which matters for a Houston offense trying to sharpen its identity after a tough first season in the league. A preseason fourth-team spot is not a trophy, but it does signal that league observers see Brown as a player with a chance to produce right away.

Why the early recognition matters for Willie Fritz's roster

Preseason honors do not change the standings, but they do offer a snapshot of where outside evaluators see strength. For Houston, that snapshot shows impact talent at safety and receiver, two spots that often shape close games in the Big 12.

Fritz took over a program looking for steadier footing after Houston's transition into a power conference. A defender like Haulcy can help limit explosive plays, while a target like Brown can give the offense a more dependable option in key downs. Those are the kinds of pieces that can change a Saturday in a hurry, especially in a league where one-score games stack up fast.

Houston opens camp with proven names in focus

There is still a long stretch between July preseason lists and the opening kickoff, and Houston will need more than two honored players to climb in the Big 12. Still, Athlon Sports preseason honors offer a useful clue about which Cougars arrive with league-wide respect before the first snap.

Houston's next major checkpoint comes when preseason camp opens and the team starts shaping its depth chart ahead of the 2024 season. Haulcy and Brown will enter that stretch with fresh outside recognition and a clear chance to back it up on the field.

This article is a summary of reporting by University of Houston Athletics. Read the full story here.