ESPN College Football

Editor's note: ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. continues his look at the most important players on each Division I-A team with his lists of the five most important players on each team in the East Division of Conference USA (schools listed in alphabetical order).

Houston Cougars
1. Kevin Kolb, QB, jr. -- His numbers were down a little last year but that might have had something to do with the 44 sacks Houston allowed. He was on the run a lot last year but is a smart, tough passer who will pick a defense apart if given time.
2. Anthony Evans, RB, sr. -- A steady, solid performer who topped 1,100 yards in 2003 but missed some time last year.
3. Jackie Battle, RB, jr. -- A 6-2, 250-pound junior who bangs between the tackles and is not brought down easily by the first defender.
4. Vincent Marshall, WR, sr. -- An explosive player with good leaping ability, Marshall plays bigger than his 5-9, 175-pound frame suggests.
5. Will Gulley, FS, sr. -- Sat out spring practice after suffering a knee injury late last year but is now at 100 percent. A big, athletic player who is the best defender for the Cougars.

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