Practice observations (August 12)

[PonyPride]

The Mustangs held their first scrimmage of the season Saturday at the Pettus practice field. Head coach Rhett Lashlee said the scrimmage lasted "about 100 plays — about 40 (each) for the 1s and the 2s, and about 20 for the 3s (many of whom are freshmen)."

Some observations:

• The Mustangs welcomed former players from years past to practice, and then hosted a former players' BBQ. More than 130 former SMU players reportedly planned to attend.

• Saturday's scrimmage marked the first time in camp that the Mustangs have gone with full contact, tackling to the ground. Lashlee said it is important to have the team go live so the players aren't shocked in the season opener — especially because the first opponent, Louisiana Tech already will have played a game, hosting Florida International week before visiting Dallas.

• In a crowded receiver room, one player who has stood out a lot with a fantastic camp has been Romello Brinson. It was no secret that the Miami transfer (6-2 / 186) could run and can out-jump most defenders. But he also has shown repeatedly that even when he doesn't simply jump higher, he can win 50-50 balls through strength that belies his lanky frame.

• PonyFans got a glimpse last year of what QBs Preston Stone and Kevin Jennings can do, but it was in a very limited sample size, as they backed up former QB Tanner Mordecai. A year later, they look like different players — partly because they look physically stronger, but also because each has shown a much stronger arm. Passes on short, intermediate or deep routes all are delivered with greater velocity and accuracy than a year ago, partly because of added size and strength, but also because of a year in the system that allows quicker reads and decisions. Stone, in particular, also has shown better mobility. It was no secret before that he can run, but his ability to throw on the run, including when he rolls to his left or throws off the wrong foot, is exceptional.

• Another player who looks better is TE Nolan Matthews-Harris. Maybe saying he looks better isn't fair — at 6-6 and 245 pounds, he looks and runs like a power forward. The issue has been health: in the last two seasons, he has been limited to 11 games. But when healthy, he can present a nightmare matchup for defenses who already have to account for fellow TE R.J. Maryland and the Mustangs' deep groups of receivers and running backs. Matthews-Harris runs very well for a big tight end, and his blocking appears improved.

• Unlucky number? Early in the scrimmage, Jennings threw to the front corner of the end zone, looking for WR Roderick Daniels ... only to watch CB Jaelyn Davis-Robinson step around Daniels for the interception. Davis-Robinson and Daniels both wear jersey No. 13.

• While much of the talk about the Mustangs' depth has focused on the running backs and receivers and defensive line, it is much-improved on the offensive line, too, and some players are regularly working at multiple positions. Transfer Jakai Clark took some snaps at guard early on, but worked as the No 2 center Saturday, while Ben Sparks played both guard positions.

• Toward the end of the 2022 season, Lashlee commended RB Tyler Lavine, the team's leading rusher last season with 142 carries for 642 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, for remaining productive down the stretch while playing through injury. Lavine is back to add to the crowded running back position, and looks explosive and powerful — at one point he drove a pile of several would-be tacklers 7 or 8 yards straight back.

• The defense looks decidedly different when transfer LBs Chris Adimora (Texas) and Kobe Wilson (Temple) are on the field. Both run exceedingly well and have good cover skills (Adimora previously played safety, and has experience in high school at wide receiver and even returning kicks). In obvious passing downs, their speed and coverage skills make it almost like the Mustangs have added one or two extra defensive backs.

• If at first you don't succeed ... : at one point, Jennings fired a deep pass down the left sideline to freshman WR Case Holleron, who dropped it. But Jennings and the coaches showed their faith in the young receiver, going right back to him on the very next play on an immediate route near the sideline, and it paid off: Holleron made a lunging grab in front of transfer CB Keyshon Mills — the two wrestled for the ball on the ground before Holleron ended up with it.

• One player who missed some time in the spring was DE Je'lin Samuels, who looks significantly stronger than he did a year ago. Now listed at 6-7 and 241, Samuels is exceptionally athletic and has great reach, and held up fairly well when blocked by veteran offensive linemen like OT Hyrin White. Lashlee said he still wants to see Samuels get stronger against the run, and more consistent overall, but overall likes what he sees from the sophomore.

• One notable difference from a year ago: receivers are doing a better job of coming back toward the quarterback when needed and winning one-on-one-battles on shorter passes to help out the passer. Maybe it was partly because the coaches were simply teaching the basic concepts of the offense a year ago, and many of the wideouts are therefore more comfortable after a year in the system, but it also indicates that they have a better understanding of what the quarterbacks are seeing and how to help them.

• Speaking of the receivers, there may be no position that is a better example of the Mustangs' increased depth. There might not be a clear alpha receiver like Rashee Rice, but coaches feel like they have between six and eight receivers at their disposal that they will feel comfortable rolling out in any situation, including Brinson, Jordan Kerley, Key'Shawn Smith, Daniels, Moochie Dixon, Jordan Hudson and Jake Bailey, and that doesn't even include veterans like Teddy Knox or intriguing freshmen like Jamarrion Carroll or Jaxson Lavender. It's as deep and talented a group as SMU has had in years.

[ROCKNEPONY]

These are so interesting to read and informative! thank you

[DiamondM75]

As always. Wonderful information about the team.

[PonyFan]

Great stuff, as always. I sure hope you're right about Nolan. Putting him and Maryland out there together, along with all of the skill guys, would force defensive coaches to make some tough decisions.

[PonyPride]

One note I forgot to include:

We already had hints in the spring, but Elijah Chatman is going to be an absolute problem for defenses when he lines up on the offensive side of the ball. Everyone knows how ridiculously strong he is, but he clearly has taken to the idea of becoming a punishing blocker. At one point, Jaylan Knighton scored on a nice run through the right side of the offensive line.

But what was more impressive was the way Chatman absolutely erased a linebacker closing in on Knighton ... and then used his quickness to lead Knighton into the secondary as he looked for a defensive back to victimize. Chatman's strength is no secret, but his quickness will surprise some ... and will scare some defenders.

[BUS]

BBQ or breakfast tacos?

[BUS]

4.6 40.

[PonyPride]

BBQ or breakfast tacos?

You're right. Someone said the menu changed ... thanks.

[PNW_Stang]

Love these.

Who took the reps at 3rd string QB? Padilla or Luster?