Houston’s running back room is deep enough to survive a hit, but losing John Hebert still stings.
The freshman from Strake Jesuit had already carved out a role for himself in the Cougars’ offense and on special teams before the injury setback. Hebert, a local four-star recruit, made an immediate impression by scoring two touchdowns against Southern and earning time as one of Houston’s main kickoff returners.
Coach Willie Fritz first said on Oct. 5 that Hebert would be done for the season after suffering a lower-leg injury on a kickoff against UCF in Week 5. Fritz gave a clearer update during Monday’s weekly press conference, confirming the injury was an ACL tear. Hebert had ACL surgery on Oct. 8, and Fritz said the procedure went well.
"We think he's going to be full-go when the summer begins, which is good. It was clean, so he'll be in good shape to start rehabbing and training when we come back in early June," Fritz said.
Before the injury, Hebert had flashed the kind of burst that made him one of the biggest names in Houston’s freshman class. In limited action, he put up five carries for 65 yards and a touchdown, and he also caught a 20-yard touchdown pass in Week 2.
With Hebert sidelined, Houston will lean more on other options in the backfield and on returns. Fritz said Butler will take on more kickoff duties, and fifth-year transfer safety Myles Rowser will also help there.
The Cougars already have a strong duo leading the ground game in senior Makhi Hughes and redshirt junior Re'Shaun Sanford II, with junior DJ Butler behind them as another option. Sanford has been especially productive, and Houston’s top two backs have helped the Cougars post the second-most rushing yards in the Big 12 after Week 6.
Fritz also pointed to Sanford as a model for Hebert. Sanford has dealt with two ACL injuries, one in each leg, during his first three collegiate seasons and has come back playing at a high level.
"I told him he's going to use Re'Shaun as a good example for him. Re'Shaun's had two major injuries and has come back and is playing better than he ever has, so John will do a great job," Fritz said.
Houston will miss what Hebert brought on special teams, but the Cougars still have enough depth to cover the loss.
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