While the Cougars may have some trouble replacing Sims (who also caught 37 passes last season in addition to his 851 yards rushing), there are some quality options on the receiver depth chart.

Perhaps helping out most of all will be the return of junior quarterback David Piland, who threw for 16 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards last year in the first season post-Kevin Sumlin/Case Keenum. Sophomore Deontay Greenberrry was a top recruit who switched to Houston from Notre Dame on signing day, while 2012’s second-leading receiver, Daniel Spencer, is also back. Rounding out the returning options at the position are Larry McDuffey (28 catches and 3 touchdowns) and Xavier Maxwell (2 touchdowns and a 17.9 yards per catch average, which led the team).