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Torlan Pittman should have been a junior nose tackle on the SMU football team in 2010, but spent more than a year away from his team while awaiting a ruling on a legal charge against him. His case now resolved, Pittman has been cleared to rejoin his team. Pittman visited with PonyFans.com to discuss his emotions during his time away from the team, his thoughts about being back ... and why his first game back might make him as nervous as any game he ever has played.

Enjoy!

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http://www.ponyfans.com/features/index.php?id=287

Do we really have enough depth at DT to move Frazier back to DE? I'll defer to the coaches, but surprised if that is the case. The DE position is loaded for bear with Frazier in the mix.

Outstanding article as always!

Sounds like we might see more guys playing on the DL; keep 'em fresh if you can, as long as there is not too big a drop off between # 1 and #2 guys. This is good news. Frazier should really help at the DE with both Taylor and Margus coming off injuries

I could see Frazier sliding inside on passing downs. This would create an athletic and hopefully fresher front three.

Why this is huge is that Marquis would probably be starting opposite Taylor had none of this happened (i.e. either Pittman's case or Taylor and Margus' shoulder). So now we'll have our three best DLs back on the line and in their natural positions. Plus you (presumably) have Hunt and Grenier rotating in frequently as a dynamite 1-2 punch. We are set on the DL like we haven't been in a quarter century! The double bonus is that we also get Pitt and Margus back for next year.

The Mustangs still have plenty of question marks coming into the season, but I'd be willing to argue that we should easily have the best O-line and D-line in the conference.

I wonder if Frazier will teach Pittman the "I am hurt so we can get a rest on defense" play he used so well last year, or if he will take it with him to the outside.

mrydel wrote:I wonder if Frazier will teach Pittman the "I am hurt so we can get a rest on defense" play he used so well last year, or if he will take it with him to the outside.

Dude, what if a CUSA ref. is reading this? Don't blow our cover!

Also, for whatever it's worth (probably doesn't mean a thing), Aaron Davis is currently listed as a linebacker and Jordan Favreau is listed as an OL on the roster at smumustangs.com. The incoming frosh aren't on the roster either.

I also think one of our true freshman DTs will step up at NT and provide the depth we need. Our DL and OL are the strongest parts of the team this year and we have not been able to say that in over a quarter of a century.

Both of the frosh coming in will play in the DT rotation. If the coaches didn't think they were ready to play, Frazier wouldn't be pushed back outside. Although the previous poster is probably correct - on passing downs, Frazier goes inside.

It seems like Pittman being back may give Wimbley and opportunity to RS in order to properly and fully rehab his shoulder and Wright will be the freshman NT who sees PT. This kind of seems like a catch 22 though as Wimbley looks more ready from a strength standpoint, than Wright.

Maybe T.P. should give the pregame speech before the a@m game.

BIGHORSE wrote:Maybe T.P. should give the pregame speech before the a@m game.

I agree, as Torlan has been through the ringer and sounds very contrite and deserving of a reprieve. Good for him! And good for the defense for SMU in 2011.....its been a long time coming.

ponyscott wrote:

BIGHORSE wrote:Maybe T.P. should give the pregame speech before the a@m game.

I agree, as Torlan has been through the ringer and sounds very contrite and deserving of a reprieve. Good for him! And good for the defense for SMU in 2011.....its been a long time coming.

Agreed

Welcome back torlan

Coach Jones has a history of giving second chances to deserving people, and Pittman certainly sounds like one. I expect him and Frazier to have a big season in 2011.

Our man PonyPride also deserves a major nod here. Not only did he beat everyone else to this story ... again ... but he handled a delicate and sensitive subject with professionalism and sensitivity and class.

Welcome back, Torlan. Tear it up in 2011.