University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Q&A: All-American Lineman Shadre Hurst
9/7/2026 1:30:00 PM | Football
Offensive lineman squating 655 pounds who loves to paint
Houston Football lineman Shadre Hurst joined ESPN Radio for an exclusive interview. Get to know Hurst following Houston's 33-20 win over Oregon State on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Q: What was it about Houston, and reuniting with Coach Fritz, that made you want to go there?
Shadre Hurst: Really just knowing the type of teams he puts together, the program that he runs, knowing he knows how to lead a winning program. That's really what had me. He also recruited me out of high school, so I know Coach Fritz, he loves to win, and he always has a plan.
Q: What is the difference between playing offensive line in the Big 12 versus playing at Tulane, given how fast everything moves in the Big 12?
SH: I'd say it's a different level of competition, a bit faster paced. The type of lineman, the type of defensive lineman you'll see, will be a bit more elite. So, I'm really excited to see what that's about.
Q: How is the chemistry building with this offensive line, and how long does it usually take to develop?
SH: The chemistry has been great. We've been getting it together – playing, moving as one. Pretty much throughout the spring we had time to really hang out, get to know each other, learn and get a feel for how each other plays. We try to elevate each other, in the areas I'm weak, somebody else is stronger, and we work together to balance that out. It's been good to have teammates who are on the same level.
Q: How important is it to build a relationship with the other offensive linemen off the field and outside the meeting room, and how much does that help you all when you're on the field together?
SH: It's all about establishing trust, knowing that when you go out there, you're going to get in a dogfight with your brother, so you want somebody you can trust. That's extremely important. That paves the way for a successful season. It's all built on chemistry, really knowing who you're playing with and knowing what you're playing for. You're playing for the guy next to you.
Q: Your quarterback called you the strongest man he's ever seen. What kind of weight are you throwing up? Have you always been strong?
SH: I'd say for the most part I've always been strong. My granddad gave me the nickname Hercules when I was younger, when I was just a toddler. He called me Hercules because of my build. That name stuck. My numbers are pretty high: 475 bench, 415 power clean and 655 squat.
Q: What did you feel like you needed to improve on as an offensive lineman moving from Tulane to Houston?
SH: Just really improving technique. Finding that small difference, taking a step this way, fine-tuning all my technique. That's really been the focus for me, because I know the level of competition is going up, so you always have to be in the mindset of improving.
Q: What do you like so much about painting? How long have you been doing it, and word on the street is you're working on a self-portrait?
SH: I actually already completed it. Painting has always been a way to let some stress go throughout a long week. You can get in the studio, paint, and express how you feel. That's always been an outlet for me, and I've always enjoyed it. It started back in elementary school art classes, I had a great art teacher who had us doing a lot of creative things, and it grew from there.
Q: Is there a painting you've done that's a little more extraordinary?
SH: Not in particular. I like to keep it pretty simple since time is limited. Regular base paintings, standard paint and brushes, nothing too elaborate.
Q: You're also playing with running back Makhi Hughes, your former teammate at Tulane. What's so impressive about his game?
SH: Makhi is an animal on the field. You go back and look at his old film and you say to yourself, "man, I don't know how, but he does it." Having him in the backfield, you know you're going to get five, ten yards. You're working for something. There's a lot of trust in the backfield when he's back there.
Q: What was it about Houston, and reuniting with Coach Fritz, that made you want to go there?
Shadre Hurst: Really just knowing the type of teams he puts together, the program that he runs, knowing he knows how to lead a winning program. That's really what had me. He also recruited me out of high school, so I know Coach Fritz, he loves to win, and he always has a plan.
Q: What is the difference between playing offensive line in the Big 12 versus playing at Tulane, given how fast everything moves in the Big 12?
SH: I'd say it's a different level of competition, a bit faster paced. The type of lineman, the type of defensive lineman you'll see, will be a bit more elite. So, I'm really excited to see what that's about.
Q: How is the chemistry building with this offensive line, and how long does it usually take to develop?
SH: The chemistry has been great. We've been getting it together – playing, moving as one. Pretty much throughout the spring we had time to really hang out, get to know each other, learn and get a feel for how each other plays. We try to elevate each other, in the areas I'm weak, somebody else is stronger, and we work together to balance that out. It's been good to have teammates who are on the same level.
Q: How important is it to build a relationship with the other offensive linemen off the field and outside the meeting room, and how much does that help you all when you're on the field together?
SH: It's all about establishing trust, knowing that when you go out there, you're going to get in a dogfight with your brother, so you want somebody you can trust. That's extremely important. That paves the way for a successful season. It's all built on chemistry, really knowing who you're playing with and knowing what you're playing for. You're playing for the guy next to you.
Q: Your quarterback called you the strongest man he's ever seen. What kind of weight are you throwing up? Have you always been strong?
SH: I'd say for the most part I've always been strong. My granddad gave me the nickname Hercules when I was younger, when I was just a toddler. He called me Hercules because of my build. That name stuck. My numbers are pretty high: 475 bench, 415 power clean and 655 squat.
Q: What did you feel like you needed to improve on as an offensive lineman moving from Tulane to Houston?
SH: Just really improving technique. Finding that small difference, taking a step this way, fine-tuning all my technique. That's really been the focus for me, because I know the level of competition is going up, so you always have to be in the mindset of improving.
Q: What do you like so much about painting? How long have you been doing it, and word on the street is you're working on a self-portrait?
SH: I actually already completed it. Painting has always been a way to let some stress go throughout a long week. You can get in the studio, paint, and express how you feel. That's always been an outlet for me, and I've always enjoyed it. It started back in elementary school art classes, I had a great art teacher who had us doing a lot of creative things, and it grew from there.
Q: Is there a painting you've done that's a little more extraordinary?
SH: Not in particular. I like to keep it pretty simple since time is limited. Regular base paintings, standard paint and brushes, nothing too elaborate.
Q: You're also playing with running back Makhi Hughes, your former teammate at Tulane. What's so impressive about his game?
SH: Makhi is an animal on the field. You go back and look at his old film and you say to yourself, "man, I don't know how, but he does it." Having him in the backfield, you know you're going to get five, ten yards. You're working for something. There's a lot of trust in the backfield when he's back there.
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