2010 redshirts stepping up

[Higher Authority]

This is really weird: the season ended just a few days ago, and already I can't wait for spring ball.

First things first: thank you to the seniors for your years of effort and service to SMU. You are a major part of why SMU has been to back-to-back bowls, and the foundation appears to be in place for more.

With that said, here are my guesses for 2010 redshirts (or little-used backups) who could play more significant roles in 2011:

> Larry Centers, Jr. ... the more I hear about the guy, the more of a playmaker he sounds like. His teammates talk about him all the time. One player (I forget who) called him "slippery" for his ability to slide away from would-be tacklers. Word is he's just one of those guys who makes plays every day. Hope they can bulk him up so he doesn't get killed out there.

> Uchenna Nwabuike ... raw, from what I hear, but the coaches supposedly think his ceiling is extremely high.

> Der'Rikk Thompson ... I just remember Aldrick Robinson saying Thompson could be as fast as Al. If so, throw deep!

> Lincoln Schick ... dude just looks like an LB. A big LB.

> Ben Gottschalk ... I don't know that he cracks the starting lineup on a team with six experienced senior offensive linemen, but he's supposed to be very strong and athletic, and supposedly has a little bit of a mean streak. Love that in an OL.

> Randall Joyner ... recruited as a safety who was thought to be marginal on the speed department, he's now a fast ILB, and word is he likes to hit.

> Jeremy Johnson ... the trendy pick before the season, Johnson had a quiet debut season, but it's not like his talent went away. He'll play a lot more in 2011.

[Junior]

we saw a little at the end of the season, but i thinkk keenan holman is going to be a great contributor the next three years.

[friend10]

Will the Barnes kid from Friendswood, walk on defensive end, be in the mix for any playing time?

[docabel]

I'll second the vote for Joyner. I think he could be the type of player we see at tcu who comes in as a stud RB in high school to be converted to a stud defensive player. Would rather see him at safety than LB with his size.

[RE Tycoon]

I went to a handful of Spring practices and Larry Centers Jr. looked like the best WR on the team every time I was there. He didn't 'look' that small compared to our other WR's, but he's listed at 160 and that won't do in the slot against LB's and Safeties.

[spacepony]

This is really weird: the season ended just a few days ago, and already I can't wait for spring ball.

First things first: thank you to the seniors for your years of effort and service to SMU. You are a major part of why SMU has been to back-to-back bowls, and the foundation appears to be in place for more.

With that said, here are my guesses for 2010 redshirts (or little-used backups) who could play more significant roles in 2011:

> Larry Centers, Jr. ... the more I hear about the guy, the more of a playmaker he sounds like. His teammates talk about him all the time. One player (I forget who) called him "slippery" for his ability to slide away from would-be tacklers. Word is he's just one of those guys who makes plays every day. Hope they can bulk him up so he doesn't get killed out there.

> Uchenna Nwabuike ... raw, from what I hear, but the coaches supposedly think his ceiling is extremely high.

> Der'Rikk Thompson ... I just remember Aldrick Robinson saying Thompson could be as fast as Al. If so, throw deep!

> Lincoln Schick ... dude just looks like an LB. A big LB.

> Ben Gottschalk ... I don't know that he cracks the starting lineup on a team with six experienced senior offensive linemen, but he's supposed to be very strong and athletic, and supposedly has a little bit of a mean streak. Love that in an OL.

> Randall Joyner ... recruited as a safety who was thought to be marginal on the speed department, he's now a fast ILB, and word is he likes to hit.

> Jeremy Johnson ... the trendy pick before the season, Johnson had a quiet debut season, but it's not like his talent went away. He'll play a lot more in 2011.

Good comments and observations about the players and Schick is a walk on too.

[ALEX LIFESON]

Ucheena missed most of the practices during the season to focus on school, word is that he impressed during bowl workouts.

[SMU 86]

Unless the NCAA has changed the rules Gottschalk and Johnson are NOT redshirts because they saw the field this year.

[davidpaul123]

We are definately going to need some of the young guys to step up at WR. I hope Centers is as good as you say (or was reported). I expect Derrick Thompson to try and fill in as best he can as the speed guy for AR. Maybe Jeremy Johnson will fill in too although I expect the biggest year out of Keenan Holeman who got the most reps of the young guys this year.

Schick has definately earned a 'ship for next year and Im sure he gets one. I like him competing for the starting inside spot next year after performing nicely on special teams.

Somehow I think Gotschalk finds his way onto the field as a guard next year. The interrior line did not play well in the bowl game at all.

[The PonyGrad]

Unless the NCAA has changed the rules Gottschalk and Johnson are NOT redshirts because they saw the field this year.

I think the setup was Red shirt OR little used freshmen.

[StallionsModelT]

Der'Rikk Thompson. Remember that name. Kid has insane speed.

[sbsmith]

Der'Rikk Thompson. Remember that name. Kid has insane speed.

4.37 according to this


http://www.couchscout.com/smu.htm

[Fresh]

Will the Barnes kid from Friendswood, walk on defensive end, be in the mix for any playing time?

I would think so, although who knows about whether it will be in 2011 or 2012. He has a good frame, but he has to add a lot of bulk and strength, but I gather they really like his ability and work ethic.

If Thompson ran that 4.37 after his knee surgery, that's incredible. That's amazingly fast for someone before/without knee surgery, but if he can do that afterward - wow.

[Harry0569]

If Thompson ran that 4.37 after his knee surgery, that's incredible. That's amazingly fast for someone before/without knee surgery, but if he can do that afterward - wow.

What's terrifying (for opposing teams) is that it usually takes 2 years to fully recover from an ACL tear[ I've torn both of mine], so he might get even faster. Talk about an absolute blazer.

The drawback is making those quick cuts/shifts in directions. It's not that you can't physically do it, it's mentally you're scared you will get hurt again.

Still, you can't teach speed.