By Rick Atkinson for cusa-fans.com

Matt Szymanski, junior transfer kicker/punter
You’ve set a goal of being an improved punter. How’s that going?
“The punting’s going good. I kind of had a shaky day the other day, but I was feeling kind of sick. I’ve been definitely having pretty flawless two-a-days and a pretty flawless month.â€
Could you nail Jerry Jones’ video board?
“Yeah, I think so. I’ve been watching that. I want to try that out. It’s pretty cool.â€
Bradley Haynes, sophomore wideout
How’s the receiving corps shaping up?
“I think we’re getting a lot better this year. I think we’re getting the timing in and we’re getting all the young guys used to all the reps and the running. I think we’re going to be ready for SFA.â€
Where will you be improved?
“I think the main thing is I’m starting to be more physical and I’m starting to understand how to use my body better. I’ve still got to work on that but for the most part I’m understanding how to use my size [6-3, 212] to my advantage.â€

You scored the second touchdown of SMU's June Jones era in last year’s opener at Rice, giving the Mustangs an early 13-0 lead. What was that like for you as a redshirt freshman?
“It was exciting. It was adrenaline-rushing. It had everything in it. I didn’t expect it to happen but sometimes you get called in the game, you get opportunities. You’ve got to make a play.â€
The Owls won that game, 56-27. How does the team maintain early-game momentum this year?
“We’re older now and we understand that you can’t play one half to win the game. … Just because you’re up doesn’t mean you’re going to win the game. Just like [in later losses to] Houston and Tulsa. We’ve been there and we’ve learned from that and now we know that that can’t happen again.â€

Cole Beasley, sophomore wideout
How have you improved in the Run-and-Shoot?
“Not only the quarterbacks have to make reads, we have to make reads as well. Last year I was a little iffy and didn’t want to mess up. Coach Jones is big on, if you mess up, you’re not going to be in there. Now I pretty much know everything I’m doing and I can read everything a lot faster and now it’s just who can make plays.â€
What contributions do you expect to make this season?
“I’m not too sure what my contributions will be. I’ll make some contributions, but my goal for this year is to have over 1,000 yards [receiving.]â€
Is the Run-and-Shoot an offense you're comfortable with?
“Definitely. Coach Jones is known for having slots that used to be quarterbacks, that read coverages and stuff. I had a head start last year [as a true freshman.] That’s part of the reason I started. I knew how to read coverages. We used to watch film in high school all the time.â€
“I should be able to prosper in this [offense] because the slots get a lot of balls.â€

Taylor Thompson, sophomore defensive end
How’s it looking up front?
“A lot of things are starting to come together. Last year was a big learning year for us. We had a lot of young guys. This year I think a lot guys have stepped up and want to play. A lot of things are clicking with us.â€






