The Houston Cougars knew more than two weeks before National Signing Day they had already landed a player that gives them a chance to win a C-USA title.

The NCAA on Jan. 14 announced fifth-year senior quarterback Case Keenum, who appeared in just three games in 2010 before tearing his ACL, would be granted a sixth-year of eligibility to rejoin the Cougars in 2011.

"It is such a great thing when good things happen to great people," Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin said. "It's been a long process. I'm out recruiting right now, but obviously for us, and the rest of the University of Houston, we got the best recruit for next year that we could get today."

Keenum had entered the 2010 season as a Heisman hopeful with NCAA career passing records in his sights. While he didn't play much last year, he did get some stats and is now even closer to becoming college football's all-time leading passer. Hawaii's Timmy Chang threw for a record 17,072 from 2000-2004. Keenum has 13,548 passing yards.

Even if Keenum had stuck around and was healthy for the entire 2010 season, however, it became clear the Cougars had some major deficiencies a season ago on defense. No matter how many yards Keenum throws for in 2011, the Cougars aren't entertaining BCS-busting ambitions or even league title hopes if they can't keep anyone out of the end zone.

The recruiting class focused on defense and while there are some potential players there, the Cougars staff has though that with plenty of past recruiting classes, too.

TOP OF THE CLASS

CB Chevy Bennett (Navarro Junior College, Corsicana, Texas) -- Bennett enrolled at Houston in December and will likely be given every opportunity to start from Day 1 in the Cougars secondary. Bennett is a polish cornerback who helped lead the 2010 NJCAA national champions to a No. 12 national ranking in defense.

WR C.J. McElroy (Clear Creek High, League City, Texas) -- He could be a bit of a sleeper, but considering how much this team uses speedy wide outs, and considering they lose some talent at that position from the 2010 team, McElroy could get some very early opportunities to make a name for himself. McElroy, a baseball star, was more of a running back threat in high school, but he's got star Cougars wideout written all over him.

LB Lloyd Allen (Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston, Miss.) -- The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder who everyone thought was going to end up in the SEC, will instead compete immediately to be a starter at Houston. They could use the help and Allen has instant-impact potential.

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