Next year..Quarterback?

[CBpony]

Don’t know why anyone thinks Ben Hicks is going to grad transfer anywhere. I highly doubt there is any FBS program that would want his 1 year of service. Poor decision making, average accuracy, below average arm strength and speed. It’s almost amazing that he is able to get meaningful playing time at the D1 level. He had a once and a generational WR in Sutton that made him look somewhat serviceable but even with Sutton he looked horrible half the time.

[Digetydog]

There are plenty of recruits that went to P5 schools we would kill to have. And if they are not getting the playing time, get homesick, don’t fit schemes, etc, they could be great fits.

It was not a grad transfer but much the same as Troy Aikman moving from Oklahoma to UCLA when OU put in the wishbone. I think he was better than a grain of salt.

Big difference between a grad transfer and a kid who simply wants playing time. With some exceptions like Gilbert, we would only get one year of eligibility and that does not really help the program. A good grad transfer candidate will generally be leaving a bad program and be looking for a significant program up grade ( Russell Wilson leaving a dismal NC State for a Wisconsin program with all pieces in place ). SMU presents very little up side for any quality graduate transfer. We do not have the OL, OL depth, experience, RBs to make us worth consideration. Aikman had to sit out a year to be eligible which brings me back to Ben Hicks who is the only viable QB for our situation of transition. Hicks is not ideal, but for our situation he is a must for next season thereby giving the staff a chance to rectify the QB situation by what ever means ( recruiting, transfer, JUCO, evolution of a current roster QB ).

Grad transfers often are guys on good teams who cannot get PT.

Although Shane Buechele is a decent QB, he was recruited by Strong. Since Herman loves the mobility of Ehlinger and has top QB recruits coming in, Buechele will need to move on if he wants PT.

Plus, coaching changes (UNC and Tech) can cause players to leave (voluntarily or otherwise) for greener pastures.

[Digetydog]

Don’t know why anyone thinks Ben Hicks is going to grad transfer anywhere. I highly doubt there is any FBS program that would want his 1 year of service. Poor decision making, average accuracy, below average arm strength and speed. It’s almost amazing that he is able to get meaningful playing time at the D1 level. He had a once and a generational WR in Sutton that made him look somewhat serviceable but even with Sutton he looked horrible half the time.

If Hicks is told that he won’t be the starter next year, he won’t be back.

[horsemanx]

If Hicks is told that he won’t be the starter next year, he won’t be back.

Hicks seems like he would be the kind of player who would still help the starter though - holding the play signs and discussing what he saw on the field and stuff.

[Timothythegreat]

Ben hicks is already in graduate school at SMU. He’s not going to transfer just to play football when he has no NFL potential. Whether it’s as first or second string, he will finish out at SMU.

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

Hicks with all of his issues this season is still our only alternative to be competitive and have a chance to win.

Pocono I reluctantly agree with you...Hicks will likely be the starter against Arky State next Fall.

[Charleston Pony]

Hicks with all of his issues this season is still our only alternative to be competitive and have a chance to win.

Pocono I reluctantly agree with you...Hicks will likely be the starter against Arky State next Fall.

Like it or not, someone (Brown?) would really have to step it up to unseat Hicks as the starter next year. If Hicks implodes in a game like he did several times this season, I just hope someone is ready to step in and play well. Won't be easy to win 6 games next year unless this team improves significantly and can stay healthier than they did this year.

[PoconoPony]

Hicks with all of his issues this season is still our only alternative to be competitive and have a chance to win.

Pocono I reluctantly agree with you...Hicks will likely be the starter against Arky State next Fall.

Agreeing with me is the reason for your insanity. We are simply not going to get a quality grad transfer who would seek to come to a program with so many offensive issues, lack of depth and experience as SMU next season. We might get lucky and get a quality transfer who would most likely need to sit out the year for eligibility. In the interim, the staff must develop what they have available and recruit the QB of the future. That make Hicks a very important person for next year to keep us competitive and facilitate the transition to a new QB.

[MustangStealth]

Ben will not be here next year

If he is, I'm not going to a game next year. Cannot deal with it.

If you listen to Sonny’s shows they are actively looking for grad transfers

Just like every year.

[Digetydog]

Hicks with all of his issues this season is still our only alternative to be competitive and have a chance to win.

Pocono I reluctantly agree with you...Hicks will likely be the starter against Arky State next Fall.

Agreeing with me is the reason for your insanity. We are simply not going to get a quality grad transfer who would seek to come to a program with so many offensive issues, lack of depth and experience as SMU next season. We might get lucky and get a quality transfer who would most likely need to sit out the year for eligibility. In the interim, the staff must develop what they have available and recruit the QB of the future. That make Hicks a very important person for next year to keep us competitive and facilitate the transition to a new QB.

Do hardship transfers still exist?

[Stallion]

There will probably be double digit QB graduate transfers with somewhat decent resumes-this is 2018 and QBs are moving everywhere. Example we had 2 QBs graduate transfer last year and there are 130 Division 1A schools. There will be a bunch available who could possibly start if Hicks leaves.

[ojaipony]

We are simply not going to get a quality grad transfer who would seek to come to a program with so many offensive issues, lack of depth and experience as SMU next season. We might get lucky and get a quality transfer who would most likely need to sit out the year for eligibility. In the interim, the staff must develop what they have available and recruit the QB of the future. That make Hicks a very important person for next year to keep us competitive and facilitate the transition to a new QB.

Uh, I completely disagree with you. Our offense does not have 'so many issues'. The issue is QB - we are deep at RB, loaded at WR and with a transfer our OL should be solid (much more experienced and with Livingston and then we actually get our OL coach back). IMHO, it's a dream landing spot for a quality QB. Hicks should just go. I'd be happy with Brown and have always felt that way. Should've stuck with him if going to burn his redshirt.

[mtrout]

In 2015, Matt Davis had a QBR 10points better than Hicks did in 2018.

He also rushed for 761 yds to Hicks -68. #progress

[Stallion]

come on-in our last 3 losses we rushed for 21, 23 and 68 yards. In the prior year our top 3 RBs averaged almost 6 yards per carry collectively. The running game is a mess and it definitely shouldn't have fallen off the cliff like it did.

Rushing in other losses;

NTSU-4 yards
TCU- 131 yard
Michigan 110 yards
UCF -83 yards

[SMUer]

Problemo Uno - OL
Problemo Dos - QB