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From insiders:

Byron Eaton, a 5-foot-11 point guard out of Dallas (Tex.) Lincoln, said he has scheduled four official visits.

Eaton told TheInsiders.com that he'll visit San Diego State on Sept. 4, then go to LSU (Sept. 11), Oklahoma State (Sept. 18) and Cincinnati (Sept. 25). The final visit will come out of Arkansas, Texas A&M and SMU.

"It's really always been Oklahoma State and Cincinnati as my leaders," Eaton said.

I'd hate to miss on this guy. I know we never were at the forefront, but he's so good and so popular locally, it would be great to see the effect he could have (including in terms of attedance) at SMU.

I'm don't intend to sound like some of the negative neds on the board, but would Eaton be any different in terms of interest (i.e. attendance) than Bhop or Sasser before him?

Actually, I think so. He seems to be more of a household name.
Besides, the more local guys you have, the better. They bring friends and family, and maybe we can recruit some of them!

Latest Rivals report today does not list SMU as in contention for Eaton

DMN article in today's paper:

High-ranking prospect Eaton opts to play for Lincoln again
08:54 PM CDT on Thursday, September 9, 2004
By TIM MacMAHON / The Dallas Morning News

Byron Eaton is back on the Lincoln football team.

Eaton, a two-sport star who had considered concentrating on basketball, rejoined the football team this week. Coach Reginald Samples said Eaton would not play tonight against Denton Ryan.

Rivals100.com, a recruiting Web site, ranks Eaton (5-11, 210) as the No. 17 senior football prospect in the state. He is the No. 20 basketball prospect in the nation.

Eaton said he missed Lincoln's season-opening win and the first month of practice because he had to convince his mother, Latorra, to let him play football again. He did not participate in spring drills because he was playing with a traveling AAU basketball team.

Eaton was the District 10-4A co-player of the year last season after accounting for 1,629 total yards and 21 touchdowns as a quarterback. However, Samples said Chase Means would continue to be Lincoln's starting quarterback.

Samples said he isn't certain how he would use Eaton, who practiced at wide receiver, defensive back and as a return man Thursday.

"I haven't even thought about it," Samples said when asked about Eaton's role. "I've been thinking about Denton Ryan."

Eaton, who college scouts project as a tailback or safety, said he didn't care which position he plays.

"I just want to have fun," Eaton said. "I'll do whatever."

Eaton said he plans to play both sports in college. He added that coaches at his two favorite schools – Oklahoma State and Cincinnati – have indicated they were open to the idea.

Good luck to Byron. I have from an extremely close source that SMU has decided to "go in another direction" in the recruiting of a guard. Don't know who they are recruiting...but we are firm in the decision.

(And it was Coach Tubbs decision....he knows what he wants)

We always seem to go in another direction

I never got the feeling this kid was interested in us in the first place.

I don't see us on any top-50 guards' lists... i guess we are taking a step down.

Stampede wrote:Good luck to Byron. I have from an extremely close source that SMU has decided to "go in another direction" in the recruiting of a guard. Don't know who they are recruiting...but we are firm in the decision.

(And it was Coach Tubbs decision....he knows what he wants)

Stampede, you seem to be saying we stopped recruiting him and/or withdrew our offer. Was there a reason? Its no disgrace to not get this guy, it was always a long shot. Why not keep trying until he signs with someone else or until another guard at least verbals to us?

It is only my speculation... we must have someone already committed that plays the same position and simply do not have room for another combo guard. Again, specualtion , but trust me... we can stand with San Diego St. and Byron will do well whereever he goes. I feel Coach Tubbs knew he had to fish or cut bait on the other recruit and could not wait on Eaton to play out his hand.