DAREN KITCHEN: Putting in work

[PonyPride]

Most of the incoming freshmen arrived at SMU in late June. Three — offensive lineman Taylor Lasecki, nose tackle Rishaad Wimbley and cornerback Daren Kitchen — showed up before that to join their veteran teammates in early voluntary conditioning workouts.

Wimbley and Lasecki are local players — Wimbley is from Forney and Lasecki from Frisco. But Kitchen is from Houma, La., about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans.

Kitchen came to Dallas June 6, before his class was required to report and stayed with his uncle, who lives in DeSoto, and commuted to the Hilltop to begin working out. In early seven-on-seven drills, Kitchen impressed some of his teammates with his coverage skills. He also has impressed strength and conditioning coach Mel de Laura with his dedication in the weight room.

Since his arrival at SMU, the 6-foot-2-inch Kitchen already has added 21 pounds to his frame (in 36 days).

"I was 158 when I got here, and I'm 179 now," Kitchen said. "I eat all day long and I try to lift as much as I can. I'm just trying to get stronger."

[cutter]

excellent news.
thanks.

[ALEX LIFESON]

21 pounds in 36 days???

[SMU89]

21 pounds in 36 days???

About a 1/4 lb per inch.

[ponyscott]

We all could do that...I mean gain weight. But to add 21 pounds of muscle is good stuff. Great news for Daren.

[PonyPride]

Fear not: Kitchen assured me that the weight isn't a result of pizza and cheese fries.

[reddevil]

I just hope it doesn't impact his speed, but at over six feet, he is still very slender.

[Harry0569]

I am expecting huge things out of Kitchen. I'd love for him to get some time this season (nickel/dime situations)

[Ponymon]

How is he enjoying his initial experience on the Hilltop?

[PonyPlayer4]

I am expecting huge things out of Kitchen. I'd love for him to get some time this season (nickel/dime situations)

We need huge things out of someone at CB, that's for sure.