The Red Zone Report | Need for Speed: UH duo set sights on NFL

NCAA Football

Need for Speed: UH duo set sights on NFL

By Kelsey McCarson ⋅ February 13, 2008 ⋅ Subscribe to The Red Zone Report

University of Houston weapons of fast destruction Anthony Alridge and Donnie Avery are 2 of the fastest players you’ll ever see on a football field.

Alridge is a RB who converted from WR his junior year. He finished his career having one of the greatest single seasons in UH history. Avery is a record-setting rocket who projects as a 1st day draft pick. He’s one of the fastest receivers in the draft this year running a legit 4.3 in the 40 yard dash. Alridge is even faster, reportedly timing in at 4.2.

Donnie Avery led Houston in recieving in 2007, catching 91 balls for 1,456 yards, both of which were career highs. He scored 7 TDs as both a deep-threat weapon and possession receiver for the Cougars, and was a constant threat as a kick-off returner where he averaged over 28.7 yards per catch.

On a team known for its history of prolific offenses, Avery and Alridge did something no Houston receiver-running back combo had ever done before.

In a win against crosstown rival Rice, Avery set single game school and conference records for receiving yards with a mind-blowing 346 yards on 13 receptions. He finished the game with 427 all-purpose yards and helped lead the Cougars to an important conference victory.

Not to be outdone, Alridge ran roughshod through the Owl “defense” to total an equally impressive 205 yards rushing on 24 carries. He tallied 4 touchdowns, the last 2 of which put the Coogs ahead for good in a 56-48 win.

Speed kills. Together the duo combined for 552 yards and 6 TDs in one game.

Perhaps unfairly labeled a one-dimensional speed back in 2006 when he split time in the backfield with current Kansas City Chiefs RB Jackie Battle, Alridge proved in 2007 he could carry the load for an entire season. Quick 6, as he’s known to fans and teammates, carried the ball 259 times accumulating an impressive 1,597 yards and 14 TDs. He also was a big factor in the passing game, catching 42 balls for 428 yards and 5 more TDs, and in a November showdown with former SWC foe SMU Alridge added a TD pass to his ledger connecting on a 24 yard strike to WR Chas Rodriguez.

Oh, and he returned kick-offs, too.

About the only thing these 2 playmakers didn’t do in college was play defense. Fortunately, neither prospect projects to be moving across to the other side of the ball any time soon.

Donnie Avery is listed on most NFL draft previews as a first day pick. Scouts like his 4.3 speed and superior body control. He is considered a hard worker who makes big plays consistently and runs good, crisp routes. Avery is considered a speed receiver who can help teams as a kick returner as well. He has limitless potential.

Meanwhile, Alridge is more of question mark, mostly because of his diminutive stature. Though he played RB his last 2 seasons in college, many scouts question whether or not he will have the durability to play the position in the NFL. Alridge stands 5′9″ and weighs only 174 lbs. Because of his sub 4.3 speed and pass-catching ability many GMs are considering him as WR/KR prospect, but don’t count him out as a RB just yet. Alridge’s productivity and skill set leave the door at playing RB in the NFL open, and if anyone can make it through that door before it closes, it’s him.

One thing is sure. With the new direction of the program began by departed head coach Art Briles, there is a growing trend of recent Cougar alums playing in the NFL these days. Last season, QB Kevin Kolb was drafted by the Eagles to succeed Donovan McNabb. RB Jackie Battle battled early season injury to find a job carrying the rock for the Kansas City Chiefs, and WR Biren Ealy was catching passes from Vince Young for the Tennessee Titans in the playoffs.

Look for Donnie Avery and Anthony Alridge to use their lightning quick speed to continue the trend in 2008. This UH duo has speed to burn, and with the NFL’s need for speed at a premium they should be tearing it up on an NFL field near you soon.

Coog fans, load up on UH gear at CollegeGear.com!