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random thoughts from perusing the depth chart:

- glad to see Darrin Johnson emerge as a starter. Too often local/DISD kids have not panned out.

- Same goes for Richuel Massey being on track to start. He was a prize recruit. But man are we young at running back.

- lots of veteran presence at receiver and tight end. But something tells me Givens is going to be counted on alot. Pellerin hasn't seemed to earn his way on the field as much as you might hope the past few seasons even though we needed a big receiver badly.

- its a little disappointing that a guy with Jamar Bey's size and quickness is no higher than 3rd on the chart at DE. But then again, maybe thats a good sign.

- Are we finally strong and deep at cornerback?

- Key to the season might be whether Adrian Heywood can make an impact and upgrade the D-line play. And of course the OLine stopping the blitz penetration.

- And finally, I'll say it again. If Chris Phillips is our 3rd string qb, we must be good at the position. The pressure should truly be on the starter to produce.

Okay, I want to get some thoughts in here as well....

Offense: The o-line is the key. We are solid at receiver and TE. RB is young, but I am okay with Dorsey and a slimmed up Massey. If our O-line matures this year, our offense could take a dramatic step forward. No matter what, it is going to be better than last year.

Defense: I think this gets interesting. On the d-line, I really like how our ends are shaping up. I foresee Rogers and Stansbury in there on first and second down, and on passing situations, Muse and Therion come in to give us a pass rush that is going to be better than any we have seen in a long time. I think we will actually generate some pressure on the QB this year for once. At defensive tackle, take a look at Haywood, that is the key. He was hyped coming in, but has been pushed by both Denman and Berry for that second spot. Is this because Haywood has been a disappointment, or is it because Berry and Denman have improved that much? If it is the former, we are going to have issues against the run again because our LBs are so small. If we actually have quality depth at DT, I think our defense could be in for a big year. We are going to be solid at corner and saftey, and have depth at linebacker with players who can run. If the DL can keep pressur off of the linebackers, I think we could have a big year on defense.

So, basically I will be watching the lineplay on Saturday. For me, that is the key to the season.

Thanks coaches. Bennett could use you guys on the sidelines. Frankly, how can anyone express any optimism with a straight face with the lack of success the last decade. I expect the 'same old' play until they show me otherwise. Bennett and Copeland can 'rah' 'rah' all day long. It is put up or shut up this season for both of those guys. Either win or get the f out of dodge. Period.

Thanks coaches. Bennett could use you guys on the sidelines. Frankly, how can anyone express any optimism with a straight face with the lack of success the last decade. I expect the 'same old' play until they show me otherwise. Bennett and Copeland can 'rah' 'rah' all day long. It is put up or shut up this season for both of those guys. Either win or get the f out of dodge. Period.

why don't you take your two first names and your mullet and go figure out how to not post twice?

Good one coach. See you on the sidelines!

Billy Joe wrote:Good one coach. See you on the sidelines!

Good one Billy Bob, thanks for your insightful wit and humor. It really made my day.

Hoop Fan wrote:random thoughts from perusing the depth chart:

- glad to see Darrin Johnson emerge as a starter. Too often local/DISD kids have not panned out.

- Same goes for Richuel Massey being on track to start. He was a prize recruit. But man are we young at running back.

I agree, on both counts.

Hoop Fan wrote:- lots of veteran presence at receiver and tight end. But something tells me Givens is going to be counted on alot. Pellerin hasn't seemed to earn his way on the field as much as you might hope the past few seasons even though we needed a big receiver badly.

I disagree on this one. Have you been to practice? Pellerin looks like an outside linebacker now -- he's a hell of a lot thicker than he was last year. And he caught everything near him when I was out there. I know, practice is different than games. But based on what I saw, he should have been down as one of PonyFans.com's "Breakout" players.

Hoop Fan wrote:- its a little disappointing that a guy with Jamar Bey's size and quickness is no higher than 3rd on the chart at DE. But then again, maybe thats a good sign.

I think all it means is that he's young, as a football player. Didn't he only play one year of HS football? If his game ever catches up to his athletic ability .... look out.

Hoop Fan wrote:- Are we finally strong and deep at cornerback?

Not yet. But we're getting there.

Go MUSTANGS!

I also disagree "Hoop Fan". If the Mustangs had a passing game like they should this year, Pellerin could probably utilize those skills I've seen in previous games and if he would get have the balls thrown his way as Chase and Foster, I think you would retrack that statement. Pellerin has never got consistent throws his way as some of the other receivers.
Jay'mond is another one that has not been utilized as he could have been.

King Pony wrote:I also disagree "Hoop Fan". If the Mustangs had a passing game like they should this year, Pellerin could probably utilize those skills I've seen in previous games and if he would get have the balls thrown his way as Chase and Foster, I think you would retrack that statement. Pellerin has never got consistent throws his way as some of the other receivers.
Jay'mond is another one that has not been utilized as he could have been.

Retract what statement? You are basically agreeing with me that Pellerin has never gotten many throws his way. Thats essentially what I was saying. I dont know why he hasnt been counted on in the past, but I'd really like to see him step up and be a bigger part of the offense. If he doesnt, we need Givens to. Sorry to offend you if you are related to #85.

No offense taken and no I'm not related.

I'm only saying that I do not understand why is it that coaches remove the "redshirt" from freshmen and do do utilize their talent.

Another example of this would be Joe Sturdivant. A player with awesome talent, but why remove the "redshirt" if you're not going to use him.

One can earn their way on the field, but a lost is a lost.

Why not use your best talent and WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[quote="Hoop Fan"]random thoughts from perusing the depth chart:
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Where is the 'depth chart"?

go to SMUMUSTANGS.COM press release on this week's game.

Page 7 of the game notes.

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/sch ... elease.pdf

Items like game notes were a hell of a lot easier to access on the old version of the school website.