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Mustang football springs into action with high hopes for '04


By Clark Castle
Sports Editor
March 23, 2004


The Mustang football team began spring training last Thursday. The practice marked the first of 14 practices.

Thursday’s practice marked the first chance for SMU’s 16 recruits and reshuffled coaching staff to experience Mustang football.

“We had a good off-season and it’s plain to see that last year we struggled offensively,” head coach Phil Bennett said. “We needed some revitalization.”

“Each group of recruits we brought in has leadership qualities,” he said. “It was a good off-season.”

Linebacker Don Ieremia-Stansbury agrees.

“There’s been a big change in attitude for the better,” he said. “It’s a new year so everyone’s hoping for the best.”

Bennett is clearly determined to find a quarterback who can lead the team on and off the field.

“Our whole deal is to get better. Bennett said. “That means better quarterback play and more consistency on defense.”

“For nine weeks we had the number one defense in the WAC and it’s still by far the youngest defense in the league.”

In the off-season, Bennett acquired two junior college quarterbacks, Jerad Romo from Antelope Valley Junior College and Tony Eckert from Tyler Junior College. Bennett expects these two signees to give starting quarterback Chris Phillips some competition at the quarterback position.

“The quarterback position is the most competitive right now,” Bennett said. “Developing a quarterback is priority number one.”

The team has struggled with quarterbacks in the past.

Bennett also expects competition at wide receiver, linebacker and some secondary positions.

“We have a lot of talent and potential,” Stansbury said. “But so far we haven’t been able to put the potential together.”

“That’s what we’re working on.”

“We’re trying to find the best 11 on both sides of the ball,” Bennett said.

Bennett has also shifted the positions of several players. Stansbury moved from defensive end to outside linebacker, Rico Harris switched from safety to outside linebacker and Johnnie Fitzgerald moved from linebacker to safety.

“[Harris] hurt his knee last season and he gives us a lot of experience, so we’ll benefit from having him back,” Bennett said.

Eric Neal who moved to left guard sees the changes as necessary.

“I think it will motivate everybody because it proves there are no guarantees,” Neal said. “Things had to get shaken up because things weren’t working in the past; it’s like we’re building from the ground up.”

So far, Bennett has noticed a more physical team that is hitting better.

The new and reshuffled coaching staff also should rejuvenate the team.

“They’re good and they’re doing a lot of different things that will benefit the team,” Stansbury said.

The team’s practice on Saturday was the first outing in pads this year.

“During [Saturday’s practice] we had the best timing on the ball I’ve seen since I’ve been here.” Bennett said.

Spring training concludes with the traditional Red and Blue Game on April 17th.

“I think the new names will have surprising results,” Bennett said. “Especially the junior college acquisitions.”

“A lot of our new guys are young and talented.”

After the Red and Blue Game, the players must take it upon themselves to continue their workouts. “They have nine weeks of voluntary off-season where they can only meet with the strength coach,” Bennett said. “They have to take it on themselves to get better and to get bigger, stronger and faster.”

Most players seize the opportunity to get better on their own.

“Our summer workout ethic has never been a problem,” Neal said. “Seventy out of 80 of our scholarship players were here in the summer, sometimes more.”

Stansbury believes the voluntary summer session shows the mettle of a player.

“The summer is a whole different ballgame,” he said. “It shows a player’s desire and his true colors.”

“You get to work at your own pace, but it’s definitely a chance to get ahead.”

After the spring and summer workout sessions the team opens at home against intrastate rival Texas Tech.

In fact, four out of the Mustangs’ first five games are against potential top-25 teams including Boise State, TCU, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State. Every one of those games but the Texas Tech game are on the road.

“It always helps to play quality teams because it helps us,” Neal said. “The payoff work is playing these big ‘national powerhouse teams.’”

“I think we have a legitimate shot to win.”

Stansbury thinks the games will prove a good test for the team.

“Our main focus will be on where we’re at, not what the scoreboard says at the end of the game,” he said.

Bennett assures fans that things in 2004 will be better.

Spring training sessions are closed to the public, but the Red and Blue Game is open to the public. The game begins at 1 p.m. on April 17th.




Mustang football springs into action with high hopes for '04
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