Houston Cougars football takes a giant leap into the P4 spotlight, and with it comes a seismic shift in recruiting expectations. This episode dives deep into the Coogs' evolving strategy to attract top-tier talent in a fiercely competitive landscape. Recruiting guru Brian Smith offers exclusive insights into Houston's aggressive pursuit of elite prospects, particularly focusing on the offensive line and skill positions. He breaks down the program's efforts to land coveted recruits like Paris Melvin Jr.and Davin Groce, shedding light on the intricate dance of college football recruitment. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of why high school recruitment, especially for offensive linemen, is the lifeblood of any successful program. The discussion highlights July as a crucial month in the recruiting calendar, exploring how early commitments can shape a team's future. The episode also tackles the new challenges facing college coaches in the NIL era, examining how financial incentives are reshaping the recruitment landscape. Brian provides expert analysis on the trend of increasingly early recruitment, with coaches now eyeing prospects as young as freshmen and sophomores. Throughout the show, the central question looms: Can Houston compete with established powerhouses for the nation's top recruits? Brian offers his projections and outlines the strategies the Coogs are employing to level the playing field. This episode is a must-listen for Houston fans, recruiting enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of college football. Tune in for an insider's look at how the Coogs are aiming to build a roster capable of P4 success. 0:00 Intro: Houston Coogs in the recruiting game 3:57 Importance of recruiting high school offensive linemen 7:57 Unique top three schools for Pelulei'tei Primus 10:48 Analyzing top receiver recruits for Houston 14:59 Keisean Henderson as a top recruiter 19:20 Houston competing with top SEC schools 22:55 July recruiting calendar and coach burnout 25:52 Year-round recruiting for future classes Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)