DMN: SMU shows signs of improvement in spring game
Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2015 6:50 pm1. Atmosphere — Over the last few years, SMU has been used to the laid back style of June Jones, who didn’t believe in spring games. Jones did some good on the Hilltop, but one area where he failed was embracing the community. New head coach Chad Morris is doing everything in his power to do the opposite of that. Morris welcomed thousands of SMU fans to Ford Stadium on Saturday, and you can tell his energy and charisma are genuine. From Morris’ speech to Larry Brown’s in-game presentation to alcohol being sold in the stadium to Young Thug blasting over the loud speaker, it was a great atmosphere on the Hilltop. And it’s all thanks to Morris.
2. Quarterback battle — Matt Davis appears to have the edge for the starting quarterback job over highly touted true freshman Ben Hicks. Davis, who led the Ponies in both passing and rushing a year ago, despite only starting five games, looked comfortable in Morris’ offense. Davis tossed a couple of touchdown passes and was much improved as a passer. Davis has the raw athletic ability to excel. If he can put it together under Morris, SMU will be in for a turnaround year. Hicks has potential, but as expected, he looked like a freshman.
3. Big weapons — Perhaps the biggest star of the spring game was redshirt freshman wide receiver Courtland Sutton. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder caught a few touchdown passes, stretched the defense and used his size to make some tough catches. Sutton is exactly what SMU needs on the outside and will be Davis’ best friend come August. Junior tight end Jeremiah Gaines also impressed. Gaines was one of the top tight end recruits in the country two years ago but was underutilized in Jones’ system. With Morris taking over, Gaines should flourish.
4. Defense — One of the worst units in the nation a year ago, this group still has a ways to go. But there is no doubt the defense has made incremental improvements. The defensive line gave the offensive line all kids of trouble, especially in passing situations. Two of the biggest standouts from the game were linebackers Kyran Mitchell and Nick Horton. Both combined for a multitude of tackles and could play big roles in 2015 after seeing limited action last year. The secondary gave up some big plays, but played very fast and aggressive.
5. Recruiting — Another area where Jones failed was recruiting. But in such short period of time, Morris has been able to rebuild relationships with area coaches and make SMU appealing to top talent. The Mustangs hosted an array of top recruits, including four-star Frisco offensive tackle Jack Anderson and four-star Plano East linebacker Anthony Hines. If Morris can produce a winning product, SMU should continue to grow into a force on the recruiting trail.
2. Quarterback battle — Matt Davis appears to have the edge for the starting quarterback job over highly touted true freshman Ben Hicks. Davis, who led the Ponies in both passing and rushing a year ago, despite only starting five games, looked comfortable in Morris’ offense. Davis tossed a couple of touchdown passes and was much improved as a passer. Davis has the raw athletic ability to excel. If he can put it together under Morris, SMU will be in for a turnaround year. Hicks has potential, but as expected, he looked like a freshman.
3. Big weapons — Perhaps the biggest star of the spring game was redshirt freshman wide receiver Courtland Sutton. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder caught a few touchdown passes, stretched the defense and used his size to make some tough catches. Sutton is exactly what SMU needs on the outside and will be Davis’ best friend come August. Junior tight end Jeremiah Gaines also impressed. Gaines was one of the top tight end recruits in the country two years ago but was underutilized in Jones’ system. With Morris taking over, Gaines should flourish.
4. Defense — One of the worst units in the nation a year ago, this group still has a ways to go. But there is no doubt the defense has made incremental improvements. The defensive line gave the offensive line all kids of trouble, especially in passing situations. Two of the biggest standouts from the game were linebackers Kyran Mitchell and Nick Horton. Both combined for a multitude of tackles and could play big roles in 2015 after seeing limited action last year. The secondary gave up some big plays, but played very fast and aggressive.
5. Recruiting — Another area where Jones failed was recruiting. But in such short period of time, Morris has been able to rebuild relationships with area coaches and make SMU appealing to top talent. The Mustangs hosted an array of top recruits, including four-star Frisco offensive tackle Jack Anderson and four-star Plano East linebacker Anthony Hines. If Morris can produce a winning product, SMU should continue to grow into a force on the recruiting trail.