Junior College Recruiting

[Stallion]

I'll tell you the basis of my opinion. Since the season ended we have offered a 6-1, 190 LB who nobody else appears to be recruiting in Wilton McCray, S Jonathan Penelton ^-0, 197 from Skyline whose offers are Tulsa, Louisiana Tech and SMU, C Billy Harrison 6-0, 250 who claims offers from Missouri, SMU and North Texas. Quinton Turner 6-3, 285 whose only other offer is Louisiana-Monroe, and LB Karland Bennett 5-11-184whose other offers are Ill. St, Kansas, and Wyoming. When you only had 9 scholarships left and you offer 5 undersized and lightly recruited players like that then I think its pretty likely that you ain't going to set the world on fire in recruiting. These are kids who should be last resorts not targets in December. The only thing apparently saving this class are the early commits.

[Johnny Rock]

In response to this recent thread, there are many 'half full' kind of people on this board. There are a few 'half empty' kind of people on this board, but many of the 'half empty' kind of people have quit posting on this board and do not attend games anymore. I used to be a 'half full' kind of guy but I am quickly becoming a 'half empty' kind of guy. What is my point? We can all agree that Bennett had a great recruiting class last year in comparision to many other non-BCS schools and in comparsion to past SMU classes. We can all agree that Bennett has some good recruits for this years' class. However, it takes more than a few good quality recruits to complete a recruiting class and to turn a dismal program around. With that being said, there are several concerning developments. Bennett said that he wanted to sign a JUCO QB which is understandable. However, many of the JUCO QB players that he targeted signed with other programs. SMU has been mentioned with a few highly targeted recruits, but they seem to be commiting elsewhere. This is not good when we do not have many highly recruited players that are looking at SMU. Why doesn't Bennett target a few JUCO offesive and defensive lineman along with a QB? It doesn't make sense. We also do not have any highly recruited lineman commited. This is a concern. SMU'S primary problem is that it is undersized on the lines. I hope that Bennett proves me wrong, but the glass is starting to look 'half empty' to me. We will see in February.

[PK]

Originally posted by Johnny Rock:
Why doesn't Bennett target a few JUCO offesive and defensive lineman along with a QB?

That question was asked at one of the "Breakfast" meetings with Bennett. I can't give you a verbatum quote here, but the essence of his response was that QB's were more likely to have transferable hours than most of the JUCO linemen one would normally be interested in.

This goes back to the root problem of not having degree programs aimed at the area of interest most athletes have...coaching and phys ed...or even sports management.

[Johnny Rock]

Thanks for the response, PK. It would not suprise me if some of the JUCO QB'S we were recruiting did not chose SMU because too many of their hours would not transfer or that they could have not get in afterall. Unbelievable.

[Mickey]

Originally posted by Stampede:
Stallion,

While I appeciate your time and effort in trying to keep up with what all the major recruiting services are saying, I DO NOT believe your opinion is more/less valid than any other opionion on this board. To infer so only discredits your ability to mine the data from the "experts". I seriously doubt you have seen many of the prospects and, therefore, your misguided statements about how this recruiting class is "apparently dead in the water" really shows your lack of credibilty on what is occuring inside the football recruiting offices at SMU.

Stampede, I don't know about the other posters, but Stallion appears to be the most informed and most credible poster on the subject of recruiting.
I gotta belief that he is right about the direction recruiting is heading this year. Every year we hear the same old **** about what a great class we will sign. Bottom line, 0-12 will seriously impact this year's class.

[Stallion]

well if its true Martin committed then I guess I got showed up a bit tonite-but Martin was one of the 4 must-haves I listed a couple of days ago. Usually you are lucky to get 1 out 4 of your targets if they are highly recruited. My concern is that we are not in on the depth of top players we need to be-its a tough row to hoe at 0-12. Martin is a great start.

[Stallion]

well if its true Martin committed then I guess I got showed up a bit tonite-but Martin was one of the 4 must-haves I listed a couple of days ago. Usually you are lucky to get 1 out 4 of your targets if they are highly recruited. My concern is that we are not in on the depth of top players we need to be-its a tough row to hoe at 0-12. Martin is a great start. The margin of error ain't great this year though.

[No Cal Pony]

Stallion, thanks for all of your input. Good to hear about Martin, but I still wonder. We've got to do better. Time for the admin to wake up (pun inteneded.) We have to broaden recruiting also. If tulane can snag a Losman, why can't SMU? I find it insane we cannot do better. Our last season has hurt SMU. (My opinion.) We have to get JUCOs. We have to win. In the name of Doak, let's get it done!

Go Ponies!

<small>[ 12-15-2003, 09:43 PM: Message edited by: No Cal Pony ]</small>

[Buddha]

Here's to you, Stallion. Personally, I don't see tonight's revelation about Martin as "getting showed up," but if you feel the need to eat a little crow, you're more of a man than some of us. That takes some character. Nicely done.

And to NoCalPony: I'm less bothered by Tulane's ability to grab Losman a few years ago than I am by Tulane's ability to snag Ryan Johnson this year. That kid is a monster -- 6'5" and 260, according to most lists -- and his choice of Tulane is indicative of the idea that he wants a good education. He'll surely get that at Tulane, but there's no reason he should be leaving home to play down there. They can't sell him on bigger crowds, more TV exposure, more bowl options .... and they can't promise his family and friends can make it to his games. He would be the biggest DE we've had in ages as a true freshman, and based on his basketball ability, he has the quickness to play, not just fill out a uniform. I would give anything for Coach Bennett and Coach Roark and the rest of the staff to figure out a way to get him to change his commitment to SMU.