When was the last time you saw an offensive or defensive coordinator start a drive with the entire second unit in the huddle at once? Outside of lopsided games with outcomes already decided, I had never seen it until last Saturday during the second quarter of SMU’s win over Washington State.

If you recall, entering the season, there was widespread concern over what seemed to be a lack of depth at virtually every position on the Mustangs’ defense. I guess (defensive coordinator) Tom Mason forgot about that. Or has an SMU coaching staff actually developed a depth chart with the competence and athletic ability to run a fresh unit of 11 second string players? At once? No way, right?

Hampton says that part of the reason for SMU's defensive improvement is because of the coaches' faith in backups like cornerback Chris Castro (photo by Travis Johnston).

Rich was looking through his binoculars, scanning the field, pointing out one at a time, “SMU is going to go with a couple backups to start this drive. (Kevin) Grenier in at end, I see Cameron Rogers at linebacker, Chris Castro at one cor…”

Like the unprofessional I am, instead of segueing with class, I just interrupted Rich before he could finish “nerback,” with a shocked, “uh, it’s the entire second unit, Rich” and kept my eyebrows in a raised state for the first play.

I know it was a hot day and remaining fresh was imperative, but I was somewhat leery that the coaches in general took that sort of shot. Logic, Mason said, was for the birds — and that’s why he gets the most out of every defender on the roster.

Twenty-two defenders know they’ll be getting reps, so coaches and teammates can count on improved practice habits and mental preparation, and fresher legs to finish out games. But it also sends a clear message that talent alone won’t keep a starting job — being competitive will. You’ll be amazed how motivated a starter will get watching the one person closest to taking his job get valuable game reps.

During the next few games, if and when the entire second unit is on the field together and it’s a tight game, and someone creates a turnover and it changes a game’s momentum, look at the fans around you and take some comfort knowing SMU has come a long way in a really short time.