Big questions for Houston spring football: Kendal Briles and finding WRs and LBs

1. Is Kendal Briles an overnight fix for the offense? Ex-Baylor offensive coordinator Kendal Briles was the most controversial assistant hire in the state this offseason. But Major Applewhite (and the UH administration) pulling the trigger means they're willing to trade the PR blowback and face questions about the program's ethical approach in exchange for fixing an offense that actually improved from 96th nationally in yards per play under Tom Herman in 2016 to 43rd in 2017. At the very least, will Briles' arrival give Houston what it wanted when it gave him a two-year deal worth $400,000 annually? Junior quarterback D'Eriq King gives Briles a piece to build around at quarterback, but there's no backup plan at the position with Kyle Allen and Kyle Postma both gone from the program. 2. Who emerges as a reliable pass-catcher? Steven Dunbar and Linnell Bonner combined for 156 catches and 1,959 yards last year, but both are gone. UH's third-leading receiver was King, who finished the season as the program's starting quarterback. And the only other receiver on the team with more than 12 catches last year, John Leday, is gone, too. Somebody has to catch King's passes and it's a clean slate next year, especially in a new offense that will be heavily vertical if Briles' history at Baylor is any guide. Look for the fastest overall receivers to make the biggest impact in this offense. Briles' offense is essentially a power spread that tries to overpower defenses on the ground and throws it over their head once they adjust and stack more defenders in the box. The receivers most adept at getting a quick release off the line and running by corners will be the receivers who make the biggest impact. 3. Who wins the position battles at linebacker? D'Juan Hines and Matthew Adams led the Cougars in tackles last season, rolling up 198 stops between them. They're both gone, as is starter Khalil Williams and reserve Austin Robinson. Life will be much easier with Ed Oliver occupying multiple blockers at the front line of the defense, but linebacker depth is hugely important in a 3-4 scheme. Junior Leroy Godfrey, who made 33 tackles last year, should battle senior Joeal Williams for the starting spot at outside linebacker. Senior Roman Brown will need to step into a bigger role, but don't be surprised if a younger talent like sophomore David Anenih or redshirt freshman Amaud Willis-Dalton challenges Brown in the spring for a starting spot. More big questions for spring football: