SMU defensive tackle Lute Croy.

Lute Croy has been a starting defensive tackle in each of his three seasons at SMU. Last year he led all interior defensive linemen with 50 tackles and also racked up five tackles for losses and 3.5 quarterback sacks. After the first day of spring workouts, he visited with www.PonyFans.com.

"Awesome."

That was the first word that came to Croy’s mind when asked is impressions of working with the Mustangs’ new coaching staff. "The entire staff is so intense," he said. "Practice was intense from start to finish -- much more than in the past." Croy said he likes what he’s heard about the changes in assignments for the defensive line in Bennett’s scheme.

"Up front, we’re going to attack a lot more," he said. "In the past, we were reading what the offense was doing and reacting to that. This year, we’re attacking more, and making them react to us. I really like the scheme they’re putting in."

Croy said he’ll be more effective in the new scheme in part because of a re-vamped conditioning program that helped him shed about 30 pounds. Croy said the decision to drop the extra pounds was own. "I decided at the end of the season that I was too heavy," said Croy, who last year played at 322 pounds. "I wanted to be quicker, and that fits right in with the defense that Coach Bennett coaches. He wants linemen who can move, and I’ll be able to move a lot better next year."

Croy credited SMU strength and conditioning coordinator Chuck Faucette with helping him re-shape his physique for his final season with the Ponies. "Coach Faucette has a great program, and he’s got (most of the SMU linemen) on it," he said. "I’ve lost the weight without losing any strength, and I’m quicker. I’ll get up a little bit before the season, but not much. I'll be ready. The defensive line is going to be better than people think."