SMU LANDS TEXAS A&M TRANSFER

[PonyPride]

SMU lands Texas A&M transfer

Matt Szymanski, who has kicked for two years at Texas A&M, has been granted his release by new Aggie head coach Mike Sherman and will transfer to SMU, his father, David, said Friday.

Szymanski served as the Aggies’ kickoff specialist after graduating a year early from A&M Consolidated High School in College Station to enroll at A&M. As a freshman, he forced 25 touchbacks on 69 kickoffs last year, allowing an average of just 18 yards per return, and hit a 35-yard field goal in A&M’s victory over Louisiana-Lafayette and a 32-yarder against Cal in the Holiday Bowl. He also was a perfect 12-for-12 on extra points.

In his sophomore season, he hit 39-of-40 extra points and 15-of-25 field goals, including two games when he hit three in a game (against Montana State and Kansas). He hit one from 48 yards, and two from 47.

“He’ll be enrolling this fall, and he’ll redshirt this year because of the transfer rules,â€

[RGV Pony]

Guess we're set at kicker for the next five years, between the Servite CA kid and this guy.

I will admit that given the title of this thread, it was somewhat anticlimactic to see that it was a kicker.

Glad to have him though.

[RedTapestry]

This suggests Coach Jones believes he needs two to three kickers in order to handle the intense workload of PATs and kickoffs.

[Cadillac]

I will admit that given the title of this thread, it was somewhat anticlimactic to see that it was a kicker.

Anticlimactic? I was just glad it wasn't a Soccer player.

-CoS

[ponyboy]

Nice. We now probably have the best kickers in the nation.

[abezontar]

I wonder what the rest of the story is behind his decision to leave. Is Ganz so respected that someone would give up a year of eligibility & the exposure of a better known school to come to SMU?

[GrapevineMustang]

Thanks for the report, PonyPride!

To me, kickers are like long-relief guys in baseball - not the most glamorous job, but you sure realize their value if you don't have a good one. Sounds like we'll have a few between Morstead (this year), and then this guy, Cunningham and Loftus.

Welcome to SMU, Matt!

[Big Easy Pony]

... you sure realize their value if you don't have a good one..

Absolutely right.

Glad to have you, Matt

[ThadFilms]

I thought June Jones didn't think about kicking.... oh wait that's punting.

The hype surrounding this kid was pretty huge a couple years back. The way last season panned out, I think a transfer was the right move. And I would think, that one Mr. Gansz, for those in the know, would be a huge reason for a special teams guy to look to SMU.

Welcome to the Hilltop!

[CashMcMogulsonIII]

Thanks for the report, PonyPride!

To me, kickers are like long-relief guys in baseball - not the most glamorous job, but you sure realize their value if you don't have a good one. Sounds like we'll have a few between Morstead (this year), and then this guy, Cunningham and Loftus.

Welcome to SMU, Matt!

Might want to just include Szymanzski and Loftus as the options for next year. Cunningham won't be able to cut through the cream on top.

[One Trick Pony]

I wonder what the rest of the story is behind his decision to leave. Is Ganz so respected that someone would give up a year of eligibility & the exposure of a bitter known school to come to SMU?

I'm glad I dont have to post all of my thougths

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

"I'm glad I dont have to post all of my thoughts"

are you referring to the "must try find something negative"
(even in something positive)
attitude so prevalent among some SMU fans?

[One Trick Pony]

[quote="Insane_Pony_Posse"]"I'm glad I dont have to post all of my thoughts"

I do not want to be negative and jaded. But I always keep my eyes open. Hey the glass is falling off the damn counter

[HB Pony Dad]

Small video here:

http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/25923334.html

[One Trick Pony]

Small video here:

http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/25923334.html

Szymanski made 15 of 25 field goals last season

Sounds like 40% of the time he's missed. Perhaps a year off to practice will be good