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Went to the See the Field Party at 5pm today. We watched practice for about 1 hour before they started escorting people in groups to the field.

PRACTICE REPORT: From what I saw it wasn't too pretty. But, I noticed true Freshman in the mix as they were running drills (i.e., First Team offense with some Fr WRs and RBs, etc.) so any consistency was off. I did not judge it poorly because they were basically just running drills. Some 7 on 7, some 11 on 11, some no linemen, OLinemen on the sideline with rubber bands on...Running Circle drills in the end zone for the DE's, etc...

After practice they lined the offense on one sideline of the 50 and the defense on the other side and alternated running across the field (50yd sprints). I would guess they ran about 8-10 times across the field (up and back = one time).

I noticed 56 and 9x were slacking, 56 is true fresh Bonds, and afterwards, Bennett said don't worry about him, he is in shape, but won't run anyone down for 40 yard sprints.

FIELD: The field looks awesome, feels very firm and you don't realize that it is actually over 2" deep because the rubber pellets are so thick. Bennett says the players love the field. Grand Prarie and Jesuit HS were mentioned to be installing it at this time. There is no crown and when you are on the field it seemed so big, also there was a nice breeze. The car said it was 92 outside, but it seemed much cooler in the shade.

BENNETT: He had an impromtu discussion with people who came down on the field. He seemed very confident that this team would be much more competitive. Also, FOY(sp?) transferred from Tech, he didn't mention his eligibility, but I assume one year wait. Said Jay Taylor had better come back or the three WR fresh would challenge. He expected him back Tuesday of next week. Also, the starters are Trey Griffen and Matt Rushbrook, he was very happy with both. Cunningham is the 3rd receiver.

He seemed reserved on Richuel Massey, said he was a very talented back. Also, the Fresh QBs were struggling because of so much thrown at them. He is happy with both Bartel and Wallis. He had amazing praise for Keylon Kincade, and said he was a super back.

He reported that 41 of the 76? scholarships were Fresh/RS Fresh. That 86? players stayed in town to work out and were in condition. They have 101 players practicing with about 11 more to report Aug 22.

He seemed very reserved about Massey? How so? Kincade is going to dominate this year. Also, were the true frosh involved in the entire practice? It doesn't really make sense to show everyone a practice session that doesn't look so good. Oh well.

Great report!

He was asked something like "How has Richuel been?" And he said something like, "Massey, he is a very talented running back." He didn't seem to figure him in the with the starters at all.

Then he went on to talk about Keylon, and gave him accolades for getting 1300 yards against 9 men in the box all season long.

Oh, Sturdivant, they said they were still evaluating whether to RS him. I think they feel confident with the current safeties, and don't want to waste a future year of eligibility with him, but like his talent.

Let's all remember, next year and the next are going to be exciting years, Bartel and that Oline will gel, and the RBs coming in are awesome. I think that he really has to weigh play now, or pay later (less years available). Bennett RS-ed I think 23 players I counted on the rosted.

Thank you GoRedGoBlue. Needless to say, being halfway around the world, I don't get a chance to pop over to SMU to check on my Mustangs. I haven't been back in a couple of years, so I don't know the players you mention (I do remember Cunningham and Kincade), but you offer an insight I never get over here.

Thanks for the detailed reports - I look forward to the next one.

There's a quiz tomorrow, get to know the Mustangs!!

<A HREF="http://www.smumustangs.com/roster.asp?sport=football" TARGET=_blank>http://www.smumustangs.com/roster.asp?sport=football</A>

Great Report

Now I know that Bennett is confident in how his team is doing but I havent heard how the players feel about this year. Have you heard anything?

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UNfortunately, I only know from the administration side and from personal viewing...There are others on here that know the players more.

Hey, you guys that know the players, answer the guy's question!!

Thanks

Good to hear that the frosh will be pushing Jay Taylor, because that is our weakest position. Don't put too much into Cunningham being our third reciever, because we will be using three slot sets a lot.

Also, interesting comments on Massey and Sturdivant. Bennett must have enough confidence in Godfrey to think about redshirting Sturdivant. Fitz must be looking good as well if they are going to RS Massey.

Also Bennett mentioned that he is personally working very closely with the DBs. I liked hearing that very much. He mentioned Rico Harris and Jamie Harper along with Nnabuife at safety. I think Rutledge and Humphrey are currently the starters at CB. Some of the freshmen are going to play a role.

Bonds is starting at DT. He is a load and can play--over 300 now. The DT position may not be as weak as feared. Jones and others should get PT also.

[This message has been edited by Nacho (edited 08-14-2003).]

Good to hear! Thanks for the update Nacho.. where have you been? I still hope we can pick up a couple DT's in this year's class, but knowing Bonds is starting says a lot about the kid's work ethic.

Also good to hear about Bennett working closer with the DB's.

[This message has been edited by UNFMustang06 (edited 08-14-2003).]