Cougars Digest: The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder, Chooses Houston Cougars Over Other High Profile Teams
Cougars go ‘Bayou2Bayou’ again landing DK Mays
The Houston Cougars have effectively returned to Louisiana to strengthen their 2025 defensive line. DK Mays, a three-star defensive lineman from Baton Rouge (LA) Central, has declared his commitment to Houston in an Instagram Live broadcast today. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, he picked Houston over TCU, Tulane, Texas A&M, and several other options.
Mays officially visited Houston, TCU, and Tulane, and he received a visit from Houston’s staff in early May. His commitment marks the 17th for Houston’s 2025 class. Additionally, Mays becomes the third “the boot” commit in this class, joining Reshad Sterling from Lutcher (LA) and Jacob Bradford from Baton Rouge (LA) Catholic.
Houston’s “Bayou2BayoUH” recruiting slogan was initially created with both DK Mays and Sterling in mind, as the original graphic featured both players. Houston has prioritized Mays for a significant period, particularly on the defensive front, well before the spring. His recruitment by Willie Fritz’s staff began after he participated in a camp with Tulane during his sophomore year. Mays’ high potential will contribute to Houston’s well-rounded defensive class.
According to 247Sports scout Hudson Stanish, Mays’ recruitment reflects another strong addition for Coach Fritz’s first full recruiting cycle for the Cougars. Although Mays’ official measurements are not available, he is believed to be around 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds. Stanish believes that Mays carries his weight well and could potentially bulk up to 270-280 pounds after a few years in a college strength and conditioning program.
As a product of Baton Rouge Central, Mays demonstrates strength at the point of attack and excels in overpowering opposing linemen with his force or using lower body strength and good pad level. While he may not be the most explosive pass rusher, Mays displays significant potential for long-term growth, especially as he is likely to operate from the interior at the next level. Overall, Mays’ addition is another valuable asset for Houston’s 2025 recruiting class, particularly as the program focuses on strengthening both sides of the line of scrimmage.
His decision represents another significant success for defensive line coach Oscar Giles, who returned to the Cougars in the most recent offseason. Mays will be part of a group of four other defensive line commitments in this recruiting class, which includes Travis Buhake, a four-star defensive lineman from Mansfield Summit in Arlington, Texas.
Mays is currently ranked as the 73rd best defensive lineman in the class and holds the 23rd overall spot among players in the state of Louisiana. In the industry-generated 247 Sports composite rankings, he is positioned at 746th.
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