Gerry Fraley comment in DMNews

[GoRedGoBlue]

SMU redshirts mean progress for Bennett
SMU's gradual return to football respectability could take a big step forward this fall.

All of the incoming freshman could stay on the bench.

Coach Phil Bennett, entering his fourth season, said Saturday that the entire freshman class could be redshirted. If Bennett can redshirt even a majority of the class, it will be helpful to the program.

Bennett has been forced to rush freshmen, such as linebacker Wilton McCray last season, into games to fill a manpower void. A freshman is better served starting with a redshirt season, using the time to get accustomed to college life and adding size and strength.

More redshirts also means there is more talent on the roster. Bennett started at SMU with a big deficit in talent, but he is eliminating the gap.

There will be temptation to use some freshmen, particularly receivers Columbus Givens of Killeen and Emmanuel Sanders of Bellville.