Notes from Monday's optional workout

[PonyPride]

Members of the SMU football team convened Monday for an optional workout at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. One true freshman — offensive lineman Ashton Duhe — took part with his new teammates. Most of the other newcomers are expected to arrive in July.

• The workout started with quarterback Kyle Padron throwing with a group of receivers, although most of the routes were run at about half-speed. Padron looked accurate, but again, his receivers weren't running fast and weren't going against defenders. At times, quarterback-turned-safety Braden Smith stepped in to throw some, but Padron got most of the work. One passer who won't be lining up in the backfield: Sterling Moore. At one point, Smith took off downfield along the right sideline, and Moore grabbed the ball and fired ... and missed Smith by at least 10 yards. (Other than that, not a lot to report on the passing — they didn't do much, and I got there late.)

• Much of the workout was conditioning work, meaning running — lots of running. The team broke up into groups (by position groups) and went through a series of sprints and shuttle runs. Some of the notable results:
â—Š Padron ran with the linebackers, and finished first in almost every shuttle run.
â—Š Several of the offensive linemen look leaner than last year, especially tackle J.T. Brooks, who is working his way back into shape after missing the Mustangs' spring workouts because he had surgery to clean out his left knee and help an injured tendon heal more quickly. Brooks and tackle Josh Emshoff were well ahead of the rest of the offensive linemen on the shuttle runs.
â—Š While some players like Brooks have leaned down, others, such as Braden Smith, linebacker Ja'Gared Davis and defensive end Marquis Frazier look visibly stronger. Frazier said he is up to 295 pounds, but said that he expects to run off about 15 pounds over the summer and go into preseason camp at around 280.
â—Š Linebackers Youri Yenga and Pete Fleps ran with the running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs; Yenga outran them all.
â—Š Fleps ran with a light wrap on his left knee, but said it was merely a precaution after lightly straining his hamstring. He said the injury is nothing serious, and he plans to continue taking part in all workouts with his teammates.

• Linebacker E.J. Drewery has transferred, according to several of his (former) teammates.

[RE Tycoon]

• Linebacker E.J. Drewery has transferred, according to several of his (former) teammates.

Sucks, I had high hopes for him when he came in as a WR, mainly because he was tall and I liked his dreads.

[Kiper]

Good stuff, Pride.
Thanks for keeping us tuned in.

[Junior]

• Linebacker E.J. Drewery has transferred, according to several of his (former) teammates.

Sucks, I had high hopes for him when he came in as a WR, mainly because he was tall and I liked his dreads.

I don't recall hearing anything about this prior. Was this expected?

[Junior]

• Linebacker E.J. Drewery has transferred, according to several of his (former) teammates.

Sucks, I had high hopes for him when he came in as a WR, mainly because he was tall and I liked his dreads.

I don't recall hearing anything about this prior. Was this expected?

[SMUfiji43]

• Linebacker E.J. Drewery has transferred, according to several of his (former) teammates.

Sucks, I had high hopes for him when he came in as a WR, mainly because he was tall and I liked his dreads.

Thats too bad. He did have cool dreads and was a great athlete for being 6'5. I was hoping he could get some time at OLB this year. Best of luck to him

[southerncomfort]

I believe he transferred to Howard in DC.

[One Trick Pony]

I hope JJ glued his hands before he left.

[Swamp Gas]

Thanks, PP!

[mr. pony]

What do voluntary mean?

[Get_Some_Ponies]

Yeah good question...are tons of guys there? Glad to hear JT's on the mend.