With fall workouts coming to a close in the next few weeks for several programs around the country, we thought it'd be good to catch up with some coaches in Conference USA.

Here are some intriguing notes from programs around the league:

• Rice coach Wayne Graham is very optimistic about his team this fall. Veteran Diego Seastrunk has improved a lot behind the plate this fall and also is hitting at a high clip. Graham said that Seastrunk is in the best shape he's ever been. Steven Sultzbaugh is having a sensational fall and is "killing" the ball according to Graham. To no surprise, newcomer second baseman Michael Ratterree is having a fantastic fall. Graham said Ratterree is a fantastic athlete and the real deal ... On the mound, junior left-handed pitcher Doug Simmons has been a pleasant surprise this fall. The Owls changed his release point at the beginning of fall workouts and that switch has made all the difference. Graham said the lefty was great against Texas State in a scrimmage last week and throws 87-91 with good movement and a good changeup. Redshirt freshman pitcher Anthony Fazio is having a good fall and appears to be back in business. Boogie Anagnostou, a newcomer, also is a good fit and Graham said Jared Rogers has matured a great deal since last season. Other pitchers that have impressed Graham include J.T. Chargois, Chase McDowell and Tyler Spurlin ... Last but not least, there has at least been some speculating that Graham might be a candidate for the vacant Rice athletic director position after Chris Del Conte made the move to TCU. Graham said he has no interest in that side of athletics. He's a baseball coach only.

• After a tough first campaign with the Knights, UCF coach Terry Rooney is sleeping a little better these days after he welcomed an exceptional recruiting class to campus this fall. Rooney said his program has 21 new players and the learning curve must improve between now and the spring. He did say, however, that the players are continuing to gain familiarity with his styles and expectations. He admits it will take time, but wants the program to have a championship mentality sooner rather than later. In the surprise department, the maturity of many of the newcomers has been a welcomed surprise for the second-year coach. Freshman infielder Darnell Sweeney is standing out this fall. Sweeney could start at shortstop and is swinging the bat very well this fall. He also is displaying a high level of maturity for such a young player. On the mound, keep an eye on right-handed pitcher Owen Dew. Dew is a junior college transfer that has blossomed since having a solid summer at the Alaska League a few months ago. Rooney believes he has the potential to be one of the better arms in C-USA ... Overall, Rooney feels like this team has potential, but still is cautiously optimistic because of its lack of experience.

• Tulane has its sights set on making it back to an NCAA regional in the spring. Coach Rick Jones took some time out to provide us with some snippets from fall workouts. In terms of improvements that need to be made, Jones said the team needs to gain more experience. He expects to start up to five freshmen in the spring. He does say, however, that the young players are very talented. In terms of positives, Jones is very pleased with how seasoned veterans Rob Segedin and Robby Broach are performing this fall. They both missed much of last season with injuries, and having them back and healthy is like adding a pair of outstanding recruits. Jones is very excited about the dynamic duo ... Jones believes freshman Garrett Cannizaro, a shortstop, will be an immediate impact player. He is having an impressive fall ...  On the mound, keep an eye on right-handers Kyle McKenzie and Alex Byo. McKenzie is throwing 91-95 with a great breaking ball and Byo has great control with a plus changeup and slider.

• Houston is another C-USA team hoping to return to a regional in the spring. The Cougars hope to find someone to fill the closer's role sooner rather than later. For now, though, that role is a concern. In the surprise department, Taylor Hammack is finally healthy and having a fantastic fall on the mound. Michael Goodnight, who started on the weekend as a freshman last season, is following up a good summer at the Cape Cod League with an even better fall for the Cougars. UH's coaches are very excited about Goodnight for the upcoming season. Other surprises to keep an eye on include transfers Ryan Still, Austin Gracey and Matt Creel. Still and Gracey are infielders and Creel is a two-way player for the Cougars ... In terms of an overall fall assessment, the Cougars believe they lacked both speed and power offensively last season. So far this fall, UH believes it has fixed those issues. The Cougars also believe they're stronger defensively and have much more experience than last season.

• Memphis sure has had an exciting fall. As the Tigers continue fall workouts, they're also having to deal with a facility that finally is getting renovated. That's great news. Memphis coach Daron Schoenrock said the key to the end of the fall and the time leading up to the spring is to get healthy and increase depth. He believes the Tigers will have a very solid team if the front-line guys stay healthy. However, there are six position players that are out this fall because of various injuries. Three of the six are out until at least December. Schoenrock is very pleased with his pitching staff this fall ... In terms of surprises, Coach Rock is very pleased with the pitching staff and how the team approaches practice ... Position players that have stood out include outfielders Robby Graham and Derrick Thomas, first baseman Trey Wiedman, catchers Phillip Chapman, Rick Russell and Shawn Ablett and second baseman Adam McClain ... Pitchers that have stood out include left-hander Brennan Martin, Ryan Fraser, Ryan Holland (much improved command), reliever Marcus Barnes and JUCO transfer Chase Joiner.