The Coogs are 2-0 heading into Friday’s game against Colorado. Players from the transfer portal have been a considerable part of the team’s success so far. Here are a few that have stood out:
Corey Platt Jr.
I hosted young Mr. Platt on his official visit to Houston; you’re welcome. He was a great kid, and his family was great to be around. He’s easy to cheer for, and the fact that he made it back on the field after missing consecutive seasons with two Achilles injuries makes him even easier to root for.
The 35-9 win against Rice was Platt’s first game action since September 2, 2023. Saturday, Platt registered four tackles and a sack in about 15 snaps. He will continue to ramp up, and the coaching staff expects to get more out of him as he builds game endurance. The production was great, but again, the perseverance to suit up again was worth a discussion alone.
Conner Weigman
Weigman brought a lot of expectation from fans, transferring in from Texas A&M after being a highly touted recruit out of local Bridgeland HS. Fans are anxiously awaiting more production, but it’s evident that the program has upgraded at the position.
The passing game hasn’t blown anyone away through two games, and Weigman has thrown for just 348 yards in the team’s two wins. While the offensive line figures itself out, Conner has shown an ability to create outside of the pocket and even scramble to help move the sticks. Five of his 13 rush attempts have resulted in first downs.
He and fellow transfer Tanner Koziol have found a connection underneath, connecting 13 times on 14 attempts. It was promising to see Weigman connect downfield to Boogie Johnson against Rice for a 74-yard TD. That is his only completion of more than 20 air yards so far, and Johnson’s only catch.
Tanner Koziol
There has been some concern about Boogie Johnson’s target share. I understand wanting to get the ball in his hands, considering his dynamic ability. But truth be told, tight end Tanner Koziol is WR1 in this offense. He’s been targeted 14 times on Weigman’s 46 passes.
The Coogs were lucky to get him in the Spring after things didn’t work out in his short stay at Wisconsin. I expect the passing game to continue to flow through him over the middle. That should open things up on the outside for one-on-one opportunities.
Will James
Houston appears to have found a gem in the sophomore transfer from Southern Mississippi. Through two games, he has made several highlight plays, but more importantly, he’s willing to come downhill and tackle.
James dropped an interception against SFA but was able to pick one off and return it for a TD in the Bayou Bucket. His ability to play the flats and tackle on the perimeter has also been significant. He has shown a good ability to diagnose screenplays and blow them up early.
Dean Connors
Some guys have it all. Beauty pageant girlfriend, Bayou Bucket wins on both sides, sprinter speed. He’s probably got a great golf swing and credit score, too.
Connors had his breakout game against his former school. Two touchdown runs (54 and 42 yards) and 132 yards, averaging over 10 yards per carry. Not much production as a receiver yet, but they’ll look to utilize his receiving ability soon.
When Houston initially signed Connors, I thought it would make for a crowded backfield. But after some early injuries at the position, they’re lucky to have him. And he is earning the majority of the carries.
