In Friday's DMN
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 9:51 amWillis' plan for SMU's opener: Keep it simple
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
UNIVERSITY PARK – Quarterback Justin Willis of Denton Ryan said he's anxious for the season opener because it will be his first college start. Willis, a redshirt freshman, won the starting job in spring practice and continued to play well in training camp despite a wart on his right foot.
"The perfect situation would be to have your first game at home," he said. "But I've played in front of big crowds in high school, and this situation [on Saturday] is good for me. You want to keep it simple but don't hold anything back."
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SMU freshman kicker misses practice
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
UNIVERSITY PARK – Freshman kicker Kellis Cunningham missed practice because of a groin injury. The Carrollton Creekview product is expected to practice today. Coach Phil Bennett said sophomore Thomas Morstead would kick off and punt and kick field goals and extra points if Cunningham's recovery was delayed.
Bennett has praised Morstead's fearlessness and leg strength. Cunningham and Morstead were among five kickers who Bennett said would travel to Lubbock for Saturday's opener.
Briefly ...
The NCAA ruled that cornerback Brandon Jones' eligibility would not be restored for 2006. He is out for academic reasons but improved in the classroom enough to make school officials seek a reinstatement. Jones will practice with the scout team. ... Former tight end John Hampton (1999-2002), who will do sideline reports for the radio broadcast, attended Wednesday's practice.
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SMU's Lowery finds a home as starting cornerback
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
UNIVERSITY PARK – Devin Lowery, one of the Mustangs' most athletic players, spent two seasons at wide receiver. After Lowery made little impact there, the coaches moved him to cornerback. Lowery, a junior from Grand Prairie, earned the starting job at corner and debuts Saturday.
"I thought they were joking when they first told me about it," Lowery said. "I don't have my technique down like some of the other corners, and I look back for the balls more than most, but I feel ready."
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
UNIVERSITY PARK – Quarterback Justin Willis of Denton Ryan said he's anxious for the season opener because it will be his first college start. Willis, a redshirt freshman, won the starting job in spring practice and continued to play well in training camp despite a wart on his right foot.
"The perfect situation would be to have your first game at home," he said. "But I've played in front of big crowds in high school, and this situation [on Saturday] is good for me. You want to keep it simple but don't hold anything back."
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SMU freshman kicker misses practice
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
UNIVERSITY PARK – Freshman kicker Kellis Cunningham missed practice because of a groin injury. The Carrollton Creekview product is expected to practice today. Coach Phil Bennett said sophomore Thomas Morstead would kick off and punt and kick field goals and extra points if Cunningham's recovery was delayed.
Bennett has praised Morstead's fearlessness and leg strength. Cunningham and Morstead were among five kickers who Bennett said would travel to Lubbock for Saturday's opener.
Briefly ...
The NCAA ruled that cornerback Brandon Jones' eligibility would not be restored for 2006. He is out for academic reasons but improved in the classroom enough to make school officials seek a reinstatement. Jones will practice with the scout team. ... Former tight end John Hampton (1999-2002), who will do sideline reports for the radio broadcast, attended Wednesday's practice.
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SMU's Lowery finds a home as starting cornerback
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
UNIVERSITY PARK – Devin Lowery, one of the Mustangs' most athletic players, spent two seasons at wide receiver. After Lowery made little impact there, the coaches moved him to cornerback. Lowery, a junior from Grand Prairie, earned the starting job at corner and debuts Saturday.
"I thought they were joking when they first told me about it," Lowery said. "I don't have my technique down like some of the other corners, and I look back for the balls more than most, but I feel ready."