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I was just watching some of the replay of this game now on Fox Central and 2006 All State LB Recruit Justin Smart from Marshall just leveled a running back coming up the middle. He looks impressive.

With no logical basis,I somehow have a gut feeling that this guy might play as a true freshman. Maybe only on special teams, maybe on defense ... guess we'll find out in August.

We usually end up having strong LB's. That has kind of been a strength of the pitiful Mustangs these past years. Always have had at least one all-conference caliber linebacker.

Here's a pic of Smart:

I noticed that Justin Smart is not yet listed on the 2006 SMU Roster, as all other freshmen recruits are. Is this an error or is he a grayshirt ?

I would assume that's an oversight.

He is adding weight (muscle) and conditioning daily. Marshall's Coach Southern has personally taken an interest in prepping him for two-a-days this fall at SMU.

He has been given the speech that this is the "big show", and that SMU takes academics seriously as well. He is interested in business from what I understand. I am putting the word out to people I know in the B-school that he is wanting to go that route. Hopefully, they can connect with him so he has a number of people he can visit with on campus.

Guys, Justin is a good kid. Marshall in most respects is a typical small town. Reputations, especially of the kids, get around the community. He has been raised largely by his grandparents, and they are now elderly and in poor health or less than ambulatory. He struggled early with making the decision to go to SMU, not in any way because of a desire to go somewhere else, but because he wasn't sure that they could make it without him. I think some other family members are picking up the slack for him.

There is an assistant coach at Marshall that used to be at Commerce when Justin Rogers was there. He says that the Justin R. would be the best of mentors to Justin S. b/c they are cut from similar cloth. If anybody knows Justin R., please encourage him to meet and get to know Justin S. and bring him along.

This kid can play, but as important, SMU can be THE difference in this kid's life. It is as dramatic as that. We talk about stats and Rivals, and this and that. Here is where the rubber meets the road in the most meaningful sense. Notwithstanding the need for the program to succeed, this particular kid needs SMU. I am hopeful that both will be well-served by the relationship.

will be passed along ,I can assure you

OC Mustang wrote:.... He says that the Justin R. would be the best of mentors to Justin S. b/c they are cut from similar cloth....

Based on what we know about Justin Rogers, that's high praise indeed. Give me another No. 40 (or a team full of them) any day.