MIPs (Most Important Players) — 2007

[Corso]

OK, the season is coming. You can smell it in the air. The guys are going through offseason workouts and 7-on-7 drills, and getting ready for 2-a-days. Damn, I love this time of year.

With that in mind, I had a moment of clarity today and decided on the guys who absolutely must have good years for the Ponies to succeed. Would be interested in hearing others' opinions.

OFFENSE

Honorable mention:

RB DeMyron Martin — for the Ponies to have a balanced offense, they obviously need their big horse to re-establish himself as a premier running threat. Word is he's stronger, leaner, more focused and (most importantly) healthy.

LT Ben Poynter — got to keep Willis in one piece.

C Mitch Enright — got to get the ball safely to Willis, and keep DTs from collapsing the pocket.

WR Emmanuel Sanders — sophomore-to-be was team's most dangerous receiver last year, in part because of the attention defenses afforded to Bobby Chase and Rey Pellerin. How will he fair without them? (He will lead the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.)

Most Important Player:

QB Justin Willis — he gets the ball on every play. Opposing defenses now know him, and will gear their gameplans around stopping him first. As Willis goes, so go the Ponies.


DEFENSE

Honorable mention:

DE Cory Muse — the central figure in SMU's pass rush. Playmaking DE anchors defensive line.

S Bryce Hudman — takes over for Joe Sturdivant. Nothing like a little pressure.

LBs Tony Hawkins and Wilton McCray — with Carrington's sudden exodus, seniors must anchor middle of SMU defense.

DT Chris Parham — must occupy blockers and stuff run inside.

Most Important Player:

DE Patrick Handy — junior is exceptionally strong and must create viable pass rush from right side, to keep offenses from double-teaming Muse on every play, and has to hold up (which he does well) against the run. Muse will get the headlines, but Handy has to step up big time.[/b]

[MustangFan]

Offense: DeMyron Martin
He has to stay healthy, and he has to have a huge year.

Defense: Charlie Berry
He has to keep his head on the field, not in a recording studio. He needs to be a workhorse all year in the middle of the defense.