Recruiting Weekend No. 1

[Stallion]

SMU visitors according to Rivals were DT James McClinton, QB Jared Romo Antelope Valley Calf, CC, David Haynes from McGregor, recent commit Devin Lowery, and Bobby Chase. Comparing McClinton's two visits he said "the academics are so much better at SMU. That means alot to me because I want to play at a place that I'm going to get a great education at. But on the other hand, Kansas has better facilities, lockers and equipment. That's also something I'm thinking about too. My family would like me to get a great education and stay close to home, so SMU would be a great option for that. But they're also not going to be upset if I go far away too." Other visits scheduled UH next weekend, Iowa Dec 19 and perhaps a trip to Iowa St.

[Stallion]

Prospect No. 2 CB David Haynes 5-9, 165 4.4 McGregor is a perfect example of why I always say you focus on visits and offers by top programs not only the recruiting services. He is only a 1 star by the Insiders and a 2 star and 5.3 by Rivals, but he's got offers by Kansas(12/12), Okie St, and SMU and visits scheduled to Arkansas 1/16 and A&M 1/9. The Aggie Websider claims the Aggies are showing genuine interest. He reports a 3.3 GPA and 16 ACT which I believe is 1-2 points under a qualifying score. He played QB in a veer offense and had 1100 yards rushing and 16 TD and 750 yards passing with 8 TDs.

<small>[ 12-07-2003, 12:37 PM: Message edited by: Stallion ]</small>

[Stallion]

Prospect No. 3 QB Jared Romo 6-2, 210-not listed in the Insiders and Rivals. I found a site that had his stats as of November 9(not sure if final) as 117-194 for 1590 yards and 10 TDs.

[Hoofprint]

Originally posted by Stallion:
Prospect No. 3 QB Jared Romo 6-2, 210-not listed in the Insiders and Rivals. I found a site that had his stats as of November 9(not sure if final) as 117-194 for 1590 yards and 10 TDs.

And, if I'm not mistaken, he only threw two picks this year.

I had heard there was another visitor this weekend. You only have 5? I'd heard rumors that there would be 6, but I don't know another name....

[Pony Up]

Good call, Stallion. McGregor is a small school, but that Haynes kid can move -- he's super-fast, and he changes direction real fast. When the ball is in his hands, he's dangerous -- kind of like a lighter Blake Warren. What makes him real tough is the fact that he accelerates so quick. He might not be a 4.3 guy (almost nobody is), but he's going top speed almost as soon as he gets running. If you catch him, you can bring him down, because he's not that big. But he sure is tough to catch.

[Cheesesteak]

Quote from James McClinton (per Stallion):

"But on the other hand, Kansas has better facilities, lockers and equipment."

Recruits see things through their own eyes and have unique priorities. But, how much better could Kansas' facilities, lockers and equipment be than SMU's?

SMU's Loyd ASC is only four years old, as is Ford Stadium. Kansas' Memorial Stadium is the eighth oldest collegiate stadium in the nation.

Like many D-1A schools, Kansas occasionally upgraded its facilities over the years, but I'd be surprised if KU has any infrastructure advantage over SMU.

[Pony Up]

Actually, KU built an indoor practice/weight/trainingroom facility that's absolutely enormous, and completely first-rate. You could land a plane in that thing. For a basketball school, they sure have set up their football program with some nice tools.

My question: who cares about the lockers? I mean, as long as they're not the old steel lockers we all had in junior high, do the lockers really matter?

We need to get this guy.

[Pony Up]

The best line out of Stallion's post:

"My family would like me to get a great education and stay close to home, so SMU would be a great option for that."

Let's hope he focuses on that!

[Recruiting Guru]

David Haynes is the type of player who has flourished at other Bennett-coached teams, especially Kansas State. Think about former K-State WR/KR Kevin Lockett, and you have a good idea of how Haynes plays. He's not very big (I have him at 5-8.5, 170), but he's very quick, very tough and very elusive; he has something of a "jitterbug" style, never keeping his feet still. He also takes hits well, bouncing right up after getting hit by much bigger players, although he rarely takes a direct hit (if he's going to be brought down, he almost always turns his body so as to take a glancing blow). He also has an innate ability to find his way out of traffic, often sprinting clear of piles of players that looked to have consumed him.

James McClinton would be a prize catch for the Ponies. He is one of those players whose stock is climbing rapidly. Part of that is his position -- there's always a run on DTs as recruiting season heats up. He hasn't drawn offers from some of the top programs that often are able to sign the 6-5, 330-pound monsters, but he has impressed the coaches who have seen him. For a guy of his size (he's about 6-1.5, 293), he moves amazingly quickly, and he's extremely strong and intense. He's one of those "motor never stops" guys, sort of like a shorter version of Chris Hovan or Anthony McFarland. Getting him will still be an uphill battle for the Ponies, but the fact that he took a visit this early and seemingly enjoyed himself sure can't hurt. Landing this guy would be something of a coup for Coach Bennett and his staff.