Houston reloaded in the transfer portal after a great season, and the staff is getting recognition nationally, earning a Top 10 ranking for their class from On3. On3 also said Shadre Hurst had the top pass-blocking grade among players who signed out of the portal.
The Cougars return few snaps at cornerback, and Wes Fritz and his team knew they would need to sign some experience to maintain the production they’ve had there. With UH CB coach Josh Christian-Young leaving for the same position at Kentucky, PJ Hall slid over to take over UH’s corners. Then, Marcus Trice was hired from SFA as the new cornerbacks coach and, shortly after, brought with him Southland Conference First Team cornerback Jalen Mayo.
Trice recently sat down with the Talkin’ Bout Them Cougars podcast to discuss what makes Mayo the player he is. He mentioned a few things that stand out in Mayo’s game and why he thinks Mayo can succeed at this level. Mayo’s first snaps at the FBS level were actually against Houston in the opener last season (he started his career at Division II Virginia Union). He shut down UH receivers on his side of the ball.
He posted a coverage grade of 88.4 last season. He recorded 4 interceptions and 8 pass breakups as well. The film backs up his grade and production. I expect Mayo to have a Carlos Allen-type impact for the defense. A relatively unknown player “moving up” and showing they belong.
Coverage
At 6’1” and 184 lbs, Mayo possesses the frame and length that scouts are looking for at the next level. But he also displays the ability to mirror receivers and change direction well. Physics makes it a little tougher for longer athletes to hinge and break down, but Mayo shows quick feet and solid balance.
Houston will really know what they have in Mayo once spring starts on March 9. He’ll likely follow Amare Thomas in practice, which will give a good indication of how he handles a P4 wide receiver day after day. I expect he will do well and continue to build a resume toward playing on Sundays.
Run Support/Tackling
Physicality has been a major component of defense in the Fritz era, and that bleeds over into the cornerback position. Mayo shows a willingness to help in run support and tackling in the open field. Last season, the Coog defense utilized DBs in the blitz game. With Mayo’s closing speed and length, he will be a natural at harassing quarterbacks in coverage and off the edge.
NFL draft analyst and local radio host Lance Zierlein liked what he saw from Mayo as well.
Mayo and Will James will be the likely starting duo on the corners. Fans will be excited about what they will bring, despite the snaps they lost a year ago. Mayo is being overshadowed by the other signings, but I believe he is the most underrated signee in this class. In fact, he could prove to be one of, if not the best, in the class.
