Dickerson wants to get involved again w/SMU

[PK]

Evidently Dickerson and Copeland had a good breakfast.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... 30dbd.html

[Col. Nathan R. Jessep]

Well, c'mon on in, ED.

Become part of the 'solution'...

[LA_Mustang]

Just my personal opinion, but I believe this is a HUGE development.

[RGV Pony]

Big time story, imho. Remember when Stoops took over at OU? What was one of the first things he did...invited Switzer, Boz, even Jim Ross onto the sideline. Made the players think tradition.

I for one am anxious to Pony up big bucks for the golf event mentioned in the article, should it come to fruition.

Funny that ED didn't mention Craig James...Celina isn't all that far away, and he happened to mention the other Dallas-area residents.

Wonder who paid ED's airfare?

Finally, I was betting they'd go to the Original Pancake House...

[Pony Up]

Just my personal opinion, but I believe this is a HUGE development.

This, if handled correctly, is bigger than huge. If SMU were to create a position for E.D. like the one UT has created for Earl Campbell -- even if it was a satellite position that he could handle from afar -- that could have a monumental impact on the program. Can you imagine a high school RB going to visit SMU and meeting Dickerson? Having Dickerson say "I want you to come take a run at my records"? To be visible on the sidelines -- not just when we're retiring his number or something, but being there because SMU is his alma mater and he's proud of his school. Win or lose, let's have E.D. on the sideline.

E.D. has to be genuine here. I admit that I was among those who said "to hell with Dickerson" because of his act last year. If he gets it right this time around, he has a chance to really help his alma mater. If he really comes on board with genuine support, I'll take back everything I said against him. Quite willingly.

[MrMustang1965]

Get Dickerson, James, McIlhenny (who can be seen at games quite often!), Big Louie Kelcher (also seen at some games last year) and others lined up!

I agree: this could be as monumental as Earl Campbell's position with the Teasips!

We also ought to work on getting Ramon Flanigan back to The Hilltop, just in time for the Mustangs' series with the University of North Texas!!!! Stick it to 'em, big time!

However, I'm not too keen on former players getting a 'discount' on tickets and merchandise. Most of 'em are probably pulling down some pretty good coin, don't ya think? If they're gonna support the team, they should lead the way with their pocketbooks, too!

As for that breakfast with Copeland & Dickerson, I wonder which one of 'em ordered the crow?

And how the heck can Jerry LeVias be an ex-SMU great??? That line should read: "Dickerson said he wants to be more involved and suggested the program seek more involvement from SMU great Jerry LeVias."

I've never seen Doak Walker or Don Meredith or Forrest Gregg or Eric Dickerson referred to as an 'ex-SMU great'. They're all legends...and LeVias stands in the Hall of Fame with them!

[MustangSally]

Agreed, could be very nice to have an organized panel of football alumni to help with 'selling SMU' to recruits, talking with parents, etc.

One question, what exactly does ED do now? I know he used to do a little sideline work in the NFL, but now what? Anything?

[MrMustang1965]

Maybe this was a job interview for ED!

[Lefty]

Last I heard, he owned a marketing (or maybe it was advertising) agency in Los Angeles. No idea if he still does.

And MM65 is right. No way should those guys get a discount on SMU gear. If you want to throw 'em a free hat or shirt or something to get them re-involved .... that's not going to make or break their decision. But even without considering whatever misdoings led to the DP, consider that everyscholarship athlete has essentially been "given" four years' worth (and sometimes five) tuition, room and board, etc. For that kind of cash, you'd think Dickerson and his friends would be the first in line to get some shirts and hats at the Spirit Shop, and I can't believe they'd have the gall to ask for a discount, no matter how overpriced that stuff is.

Give them some free stuff. Toss them a hat. Print up a jersey with the number "05" and their name on the back, to signify the year they get back involved, etc. You often hear about former athletes "giving back" (like when Deuce McAlister quietly cut a check for $1 million to Ole Miss, and it took a while for the story to leak - he was thankful for his time there, and didn't have to be asked; or like all the former OU guys you see on the sidelines.) We need these guys to get involved, and you'd think they'd feel obligated to do so.

[ponyboy]

Yes, this is big. Let's hope we act on this opportunity. Wow.

[Stallion]

before all you Dickerson "lovers" wet your pants-alumni are prohibited from recruiting players except for incidental contact. Ex. Dickerson could meet a recruit honored by an award presentation but couldn't escort the recruit around campus on his recruiting trip. Uunless he is one of the universities designated recruiters which has been limited over the last few years he can't have any other contact with recruits. Eric is not going to work for the university so everybody calm down. It has some symbolic value but when it comes down to it -it will have very little to do with turning the program around.

[PK]

It wouldn't hurt for recruits to see him down on the side lines during games and know that when they come here they will be able to get up close and personal with him.

[Diamond Girl]

Let's hope ED follows up his words with some action. It would be nice to hear something from the former players he mentioned.

[MustangSally]

My sister is a "Garnet and Gold Person" or something like that (they cant call them girls anymore) at Florida State. Last season she said on gamedays , they'd bring recruits to the stadium to show them around, and there are always former players and famous alumni milling around, shaking hands, taking pictures, etc. If that's incidental contact, then that's what I was referring in terms of what we should have.

BTW, I know this was months ago, but she talked to Matt Stafford ("some kid from Highland Park" was all she knew him as), and they talked about SMU for most of the conversation, so take that for what it's worth...probably not a lot.

[Hoop Fan]

I think Dickersons bigger role if he wanted one could come from fund raising from alums. Doubt he would want that gig. I think having a good relationship with past greats is imperative for any school. Dickerson has been out of the game a long time now though. Not sure even the current high school seniors would have ever seen him play.