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Without singling people out…let’s single out the three most vital players for the Mustangs’ chances of winning the conference.

WR Terrance Wilkerson

Aldrick Robinson, the team’s leading receiver with 65 catches, 1,301 yards and 14 touchdowns, is gone to Washington after being drafted by the Redskins. Cole Beasley and Darius Johnson are back to catch passes from QB Kyle Padron, but they are relatively known quantities: high-volume receivers who aren’t necessarily known as the best deep threats. Enter Wilkerson – or, really, re-enter Wilkerson. The senior from DeSoto missed the 2010 season for academic reasons, but caught 42 passes for 527 yards and four touchdowns in 2009. He is an outstanding receiver who will be asked to be a third and final piece of a receiving trifecta.

G Josh LeRibeus

Offensive linemen aren’t supposed to make these lists – they don’t notch any positive stats (only sacks allowed and penalties) – but LeRibeus is as important a cog as the Mustangs have. Another guy who was academically ineligible for the 2010 season, LeRibeus started every game in 2009 and will rejoin a line that returns every one of its starters. I repeat: the SMU offensive line returns every one of its starters. At 305 pounds, the Richardson Berkner alum will be an important part of what should be perhaps the Mustangs’ biggest asset.

CB Richard Crawford

So, if the road to the Conference USA title goes through Houston and Tulsa, and Houston and Tulsa have prolific quarterbacks, and SMU plays both Houston and Tulsa on the road…the Mustangs should probably try to stop those quarterbacks, right? That’s where the secondary comes in. Free safety Chris Banjo is a legitimate star, but he needs more help back there. Crawford, a senior from Oceanside, California, will be asked to be the man at corner. Reports out of spring are positive for Crawford, saying he’s made strides in his game. If it’s true, and Crawford can become a legitimate No. 1 shut-down cornerback, the Conference USA race just got tighter.

ponydawg wrote:Hadn't noticed posted yet, maybe it has.....

http://www.texasfootball.com/college-al ... iew/179116

Here is a little excerpt from the article:

Without singling people out…let’s single out the three most vital players for the Mustangs’ chances of winning the conference.

WR Terrance Wilkerson

Aldrick Robinson, the team’s leading receiver with 65 catches, 1,301 yards and 14 touchdowns, is gone to Washington after being drafted by the Redskins. Cole Beasley and Darius Johnson are back to catch passes from QB Kyle Padron, but they are relatively known quantities: high-volume receivers who aren’t necessarily known as the best deep threats. Enter Wilkerson – or, really, re-enter Wilkerson. The senior from DeSoto missed the 2010 season for academic reasons, but caught 42 passes for 527 yards and four touchdowns in 2009. He is an outstanding receiver who will be asked to be a third and final piece of a receiving trifecta.

G Josh LeRibeus

Offensive linemen aren’t supposed to make these lists – they don’t notch any positive stats (only sacks allowed and penalties) – but LeRibeus is as important a cog as the Mustangs have. Another guy who was academically ineligible for the 2010 season, LeRibeus started every game in 2009 and will rejoin a line that returns every one of its starters. I repeat: the SMU offensive line returns every one of its starters. At 305 pounds, the Richardson Berkner alum will be an important part of what should be perhaps the Mustangs’ biggest asset.

CB Richard Crawford

So, if the road to the Conference USA title goes through Houston and Tulsa, and Houston and Tulsa have prolific quarterbacks, and SMU plays both Houston and Tulsa on the road…the Mustangs should probably try to stop those quarterbacks, right? That’s where the secondary comes in. Free safety Chris Banjo is a legitimate star, but he needs more help back there. Crawford, a senior from Oceanside, California, will be asked to be the man at corner. Reports out of spring are positive for Crawford, saying he’s made strides in his game. If it’s true, and Crawford can become a legitimate No. 1 shut-down cornerback, the Conference USA race just got tighter.