CFN: 2015 SMU Preview

[Harry0569]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/1545440.html

The storm clouds have passed. The rebuilding is already in full swing in Dallas.

SMU slogged through a miserable 2014 season reminiscent of the post-Death Penalty days, losing its coach after two weekends and waiting until the final Saturday to win a game. But the arrival of new head coach Chad Morris brings much-needed hope for a turnaround. Landing Morris was an epic coup for the administration. While at Clemson, he was one of the nation’s most coveted offensive coordinators, and he has deep-rooted ties to high school football in the state of Texas.

Patience, though, will need to be exercised in the early going because the cupboard needs restocking, and properly installing new systems requires considerable time and teaching.

Make no mistake—the Mustangs don’t possess enough talent to engineer an overnight turnaround from last year’s disaster. Too many holes and too many scars from being outscored by an average of 30 points per game.

So, it’s a good thing that Morris’ blueprint for success is long on substance and void of quick-fixes. It involves reaching out to the community and exuding a palpable energy that was absent during the June Jones regime. Jones no doubt did good things in Dallas, but his detached demeanor became increasingly intolerable as the program began to slide in 2013.

Morris and his staff have spent the first phase of this offseason unveiling new offensive and defensive philosophies and gradually repairing the fractured egos of his kids. Going 1-11 and losing a head coach in-season take a toll on young athletes. Because Morris has had so much success mentoring quarterbacks, Tajh Boyd and Deshaun Watson most recently at Clemson, his ability to develop his newest pupils will attract plenty of attention in 2015. He inherits a pair of intriguing options, dual-threat Matt Davis, a former Texas A&M transfer, and touted rookie Ben Hicks.

Morris didn’t leave a good situation at Clemson. It was a great situation, one he wouldn’t have left if he wasn’t fully convinced he could turn SMU into a winner. Basically, Morris plans to be the Larry Brown of football on the Hilltop, employing a methodical, step-by-step approach to transform despair into victories.

The new man in charge is going to reach his goals. Just afford him a proper honeymoon to get the Mustang house in order, because Jones left him with a mess that’ll require at least a year before order and stability are restored.

What to watch for on offense: An influx of wide receiver talent. The Mustangs need help everywhere, and the backs will get special attention in a system that demands a strong ground game. But it’s the young receivers who could have a particularly immediate impact in 2015. The new staff recruited the area very well in February, beating out Power Five schools for Xavier Castille, James Proche and Kevin Thomas. And 6-4 redshirt freshman Courtland Sutton was a spring star, looking as if he could be the program’s deep threat this season.

What to watch for on defense: Adjusting to a new scheme. So many things are changing at SMU this offseason, including how the defense will be lining up. Gone is the old 3-4 alignment, replaced by a 4-3 that will utilize Shakiel Randolph as a hybrid between a safety and a linebacker. A number of Mustangs have changed positions, and everyone is digesting different roles and responsibilities. Coordinator Van Malone has a vision for his D, but it’s going to take time to attract the right players … and getting them up to speed on the changed looks.

This team will be far better if … it dramatically improves at the line of scrimmage. SMU lost games by an average of 30 points a year ago for a multitude of reasons, but none bigger than an inability to hold up at the point of attack. The O-line got mauled for 47 sacks, while the defense got to opposing quarterbacks just 16 times. For the healing to continue and the team to be more competitive in 2015, winning more of the battles in the trenches is a must this fall.
The Schedule:
- The Chad Morris era on the Hilltop will begin with a nationally televised Friday night visit from Baylor.
- The Mustangs will kick off the 2015 campaign against three Texas rivals, the Bears, North Texas and TCU, before facing a yet-to-be-determined opponent on Sept. 26.
- SMU will play seven games at Ford Stadium this fall, and will leave the Lone Star State just three times, to face South Florida, Navy and Memphis.
- This season’s bye week perfectly intersects the 12-game schedule, with six games preceding it and six games subsequent to it.
- The schedule could provide the landscape for a little end-of-year of momentum, since four of the final six opponents did not finish 2014 above the .500 mark.
- WATCH OUT FOR … Temple. Yeah, the Owls must make the long trip from Philadelphia to Dallas on Nov. 6. But Temple has too many proven returners to be taken lightly this season.

Best Offensive Player: Senior WR Darius Joseph. Joseph is here in part by default and in part because he had a 100-catch season as a sophomore in 2013. He possesses more potential than what was shown last year, a sharp decline in production directly attributable to a lack of support. Joseph is easily the veteran of a youthful corps, which means two things: First, he’ll have the confidence of the inexperienced quarterbacks. And second, he’s being counted on as a leader of a unit flush in up-and-coming playmakers.

Best Defensive Player: Senior LB Jonathan Yenga. The Mustangs have enjoyed a recent tradition of developing playmaking linebackers, a trend Yenga plans to perpetuate in his final year of eligibility. He’s about to enter his third season as a starter, determined to set the defensive tone on the field and in the locker room. Yenga plays the game with maximum speed and range, a particular plus on a defense that allows so many plays get beyond the first level.

Key player to a successful season: Junior QB Matt Davis. While no Mustang is going to singlehandedly elevate this program, Davis can clearly have the biggest impact in 2015. The keys will be to digest Chad Morris’ playbook as quickly as possible and take another step toward becoming a legitimate dual-threat. With continued development—in the weight room and in the film room—Davis is liable to become the coach’s next prolific pupil from behind center. And that’s something June Jones lacked at the tail end of his SMU tenure.

The season will be a success if ... the Mustangs are a markedly better November team than September team. Forget wins and losses for a moment. SMU isn’t quite ready to be evaluated by its record after winning just one time in 2015. This first season under Chad Morris is all about adopting new systems and expectations, and cleaning up what hamstrung June Jones’ final few squads. Oh, and an upset at some point in the final month will provide the young players with a much-needed tailwind to carry into 2016.

Key game: Oct. 8 at Houston. While no single game will define SMU in 2015, the Mustangs and the Cougars are a pair of Texas schools with some history and the potential to really ratchet up this rivalry in coming years. Both programs have new coaches and high expectations. This will be the first battle between Chad Morris and Tom Herman, a couple of the brightest offensive minds at this level. And beyond just one-year bragging rights, this is a matchup that will resonate throughout high schools in the region.

2014 Fun Stats:
- Points per game: SMU 11.1 – Opponents 41.3
- Turnovers: SMU 30 – Opponents 16
- Sacks: SMU 17 - Opponents 48

[Harry0569]

What You Need To Know...

- 2015 SMU Preview

What you need to know about the offense: The Run N’ Shoot has been laid to rest, replaced by an up-tempo, fast-paced spread that will place a greater emphasis on running the ball effectively. In fact, in a stark departure from the June Jones era, head coach Chad Morris and coordinator Joe Craddock will often work out of a two-back formation. The only way is up after the Mustangs ranked last nationally in scoring, failing to reach double-digits seven times. Morris and Craddock are essentially starting from scratch, opening up all competitions and getting back to basics with the holdovers. SMU is actually in decent shape behind center. Matt Davis has starting experience, and appears to be a good fit for Morris’ system. And true freshman Ben Hicks has a great future, with the arm talent to hang with veteran contenders. The supporting cast, though, will be a continuous work-in-progress. The program must decide who other than WR Darius Joseph can be counted on from the skill positions, and the line can’t repeat last year’s disastrous performance. Taylor Lasecki anchors the unit from the pivot, but it’s time for other veterans, like tackles Chauncey Briggs and Kris Weeks, to evolve as blockers.

What You Need To Know About The Defense: The SMU offense was feeble in 2014. The D wasn’t much better. The Mustangs yielded 41.3 points per game, showing some pushback just a pair of times all season. New coordinator Van Malone, like his counterparts on the other side of the ball, is staring at one of the most challenging assignments of his coaching career. His first decision was to scrap the 3-4 in favor of a 4-3 that gives the Mustangs more size at the line of scrimmage. That front wall will be led on the interior by NT Mason Gentry and converted end Zach Wood who has all-league potential. And a necrotic pass rush is hoping for a breakout year from senior DE Andrew McCleneghen who’s had a strong offseason. If the defense does a better job of holding the line, it’ll allow athletic LB Jonathan Yenga and Star Shakiel Randolph to do more freelancing and less cleaning up of messes. An embattled secondary is comprised of two Richardsons, Horace and Darrion, and a ton of question marks entering 2015.

Players You Need To Know

1. WR Darius Joseph, Sr.
Joseph’s production plummeted a year ago, but it wasn’t entirely his fault. The quarterback play on the Hilltop was horrendous. A season after catching 103 passes out of the slot, mostly from Garrett Gilbert, his numbers fell to 54 receptions for 379 yards and two touchdowns. When properly supported from his battery mate, Joseph is an elusive 5-11, 202-pound, with a penchant for locating the defense’s soft spots. It’s up to the new staff to find ways to get him into space with more regularity.

2. LB Jonathan Yenga, Sr.
Yenga has evolved into one of the fixtures on defense for the Mustangs. He’s started 19 games over the last two seasons, roaming the defense with all of the range and explosiveness of a strong safety. Yenga is only 6-1 and 220 pounds, but he packs a wallop from the weakside, especially after gaining a head of steam. He finished fourth on the team with 65 tackles, including 4.5 stops for loss and two sacks.

3. Star Shakiel Randolph, Sr.
Among all of the members of the back seven, no one makes a more impressive presence than Randolph, who has moved from safety to Star, a safety-linebacker hybrid. He’s a 6-4, 216-pound veteran, with the long arms and long stride to frustrate opposing receivers. Like all of the Mustang defenders, Randolph needs to evolve in coverage, but he possesses the raw physical traits to attract attention of pro scouts. Despite missing the final three games to injury, he led the team with nine pass breakups last season.

4. DT Zach Wood, Sr.
When the opposing quarterback is being flushed from the pocket, the pressure is usually being applied by SMU’s No. 90. Wood paced the Mustangs with four sacks in 2014 to go along with 40 tackles for loss and six stops for minus yards. The 6-3, 260-pound grinder, who had offers from Virginia and Minnesota coming out of high school, still has ample room for improvement, both as a run stopper and a pass rusher. And Wood is also adjusting to the interior after spending his career at defensive end.

5. FS Darrion Richardson, Jr.
Richardson was a very pleasant surprise a year ago, stepping up in a secondary that was besieged by injuries and overall poor play. The 6-0, 203-pound free safety started all 12 games at strong safety, finishing third on the team with 69 tackles, while breaking up four passes. Richardson still must improve in coverage, but his tenacity and attitude are essential to a defense that must initiate a complete turnaround in 2015.

6. C Taylor Lasecki, Sr.
Lasecki is back for one final year to anchor the Mustang line from the pivot. He’s started 36 career games, including two at guard in 2014, to remain a regular on the Rimington Trophy Watch List. The durable 6-2, 294-pounder was a key recruit from the 2011 class, giving the Mustangs a Big 12-caliber blocker in the trenches. Lasecki blocks with ideal leverage and a nasty streak that helps create daylight up the middle for the offense’s powerful backs.



7. QB Matt Davis, Jr.
After making stops at Texas A&M and Tyler (Tex.) Junior College, Davis has found a home on the Hilltop. And while he still needs to hold off hotshot rookie Ben Hicks and improve as a passer, he appears to be a good fit for Chad Morris’ offense. Davis is just 6-0 and 209 pounds, but his athleticism is something Morris knows he can utilize and accentuate. Davis started five games in his Mustang debut, rushing for a team-best 613 yards and four scores, while completing 89-of-164 passes for 855 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions.

8. DE Robert Seals, Sr.
Seals enters his final season as a Mustang with 17 career starts on the brag sheet, including 11 a year ago at outside linebacker. This fall, he’s transitioning to a stand-up end, where senior Andrew McCleneghen is providing stiff competition Seals tallied 48 stops in 2014, including a season-high eight versus UCF, 5.5 tackles for loss and a sack. At 6-3 and 240 pounds, Seals is a little undersized for the position, and needs to put himself in a position to make more plays as a senior.

9. RB Daniel Gresham, RFr.
Plenty was expected a year ago from Gresham, considered by many to be the nation’s premier high school fullback. But a knee injury required surgery and a redshirt season. Gresham, though, is healthy again and bucking to become the feature back in Chad Morris’ offense. The rookie is a 5-10, 228-pound battering ram, with excellent leg drive, and not much serious competition in the quest for playing time. While Gresham was listed third on the post-spring depth chart, he has as much upside potential as any Mustang back.

10. WR/KR Deion Sanders Jr., Jr.
Junior may never step outside of dad’s shadow, but he will continue to have an important role on the Mustang offense and special teams. The 5-7, 174-pound jackrabbit in the open field earned a spot on the All-American Athletic Conference Second Team as a return specialist in 2014, averaging 20.5 yards a kick return. Sanders also finished fourth on the team with 23 receptions for 188 yards, despite missing three contests.

[West Coast Johnny]

Not a bad list of players, many of whom would start or get playing time for some big 12 teams.

[blackoutpony]

Not a bad list of players, many of whom would start or get playing time for some big 12 teams.

Unfortunately the coaching staff doesn't feel the same way It's a much lower number

[West Coast Johnny]

Not a bad list of players, many of whom would start or get playing time for some big 12 teams.

Unfortunately the coaching staff doesn't feel the same way It's a much lower number

So how much legit d1 talent does SMU have?

[Stallion]

Really I'm not sure any of them start on a good Big 12 team-not a single one

[Pony Boss]

I am excited for the future. SMU will be really good in the future.

[blackoutpony]

Not a bad list of players, many of whom would start or get playing time for some big 12 teams.

Unfortunately the coaching staff doesn't feel the same way It's a much lower number

So how much legit d1 talent does SMU have?

Not my words, but maybe 5 guys, not counting the incoming freshmen

[blackoutpony]

I am excited for the future. SMU will be really good in the future.

Yup. Gotta keep your eyes on the prize. The encouraging thing is that the prize isn't the damn Hawaii Bowl anymore.

[malonish]

I am excited for the future. SMU will be really good in the future.

Yup. Gotta keep your eyes on the prize. The encouraging thing is that the prize isn't the damn Hawaii Bowl anymore.

Austin bowl FTW!

[ojaipony]

REALLY good write up and I was with the author right up until he said Lasecki has a mean streak and McCleneghan had a great spring. I never heard a peep about Andrew and I've never seen a mean streak in Lasecki (B12 caliber blocker? huh?).

No one on our team would start for TCU, Baylor, Texas . . . IMHO . . there are a few that would get some playing time maybe, but I'm not sure about starting . . .

[Planter's Punch]

How many redshirts will be burned this season?

[PonySnob]

Not a bad list of players, many of whom would start or get playing time for some big 12 teams.

Unfortunately the coaching staff doesn't feel the same way It's a much lower number

So how much legit d1 talent does SMU have?

Judging the the lack of D-1 offers that June Jones recruits tended to have, not much.

[East Coast Mustang]

PSA: West Coast Johnny is a TCU troll.

[JoeKidd]

REALLY good write up and I was with the author right up until he said Lasecki has a mean streak and McCleneghan had a great spring. I never heard a peep about Andrew and I've never seen a mean streak in Lasecki (B12 caliber blocker? huh?).

No one on our team would start for TCU, Baylor, Texas . . . IMHO . . there are a few that would get some playing time maybe, but I'm not sure about starting . . .

The overall write-up wasn't bad, but feel like he missed on quite a few of the players...feels like he didn't watch many of the SB practices or game.