New University of Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin was smiling with pride Friday. He wasn’t just smiling about the Cougars’ hopes for the 2008 season, but more about the abundance of talented Houston-area high school players that came to his one-day mini-camp.

Over 460 area junior and senior high school football players came out to the University of Houston on Friday for a day-long camp to teach techniques and evaluate the top players in the area and in the state.

“We’re pleased with the turnout, obviously,” Sumlin said. “It’s a chance for parents and a lot of high school coaches to get on campus and for them to get to know us and for us to get to know them.”

And that is important for a first-year coach to do, especially in how deep and talented the Houston area is with football players. Sumlin already has tapped into the area by signing 10 area players in the 2008 recruiting year, including Hightower wide receiver Isaiah Sweeney, Pearland defensive back Nick Saenz and Fort Bend Austin running back Chris Wilson.

A plethora of talent participated in the camp, including Cinco Ranch quarterback/wide receiver Shane Ros, Eisenhower quarterback Kenneth Guiton and Hightower linebacker Phillip Steward. For Sumlin to get the attention of such a high number of athletes is a big plus to him and the program.

“To get 400 guys here on a Friday afternoon in the summer before they start back, is impressive,” Sumlin said. “They’ll get some instruction and practice, and it’s one last chance to feel comfortable about us and come see some games this year.”

Sumlin is also hoping that the camp and the level of teaching will make some of the players think about playing for the Cougars.

“It’s encouraging,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent in this area, and hopefully these guys want to stay close to home and Mom and Dad want to watch them play. The more they’re on our campus, the better off we are.”

Houston opens its 2008 season on Aug. 30 at home against Southern.

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