Official Press Release
Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:13 pmSMU Announces Another Stellar Recruiting Class
DALLAS (SMU) - It just keeps getting better. SMU today announced a recruiting class of 28 student-athletes, assembling its finest class in nearly three decades. The 2011 incoming class has 21 three-star and above Rivals.com recruits, nearly a 30% bump from the 2010 class, which had 16 such signees, a figure which itself surpassed the number of such recruits in the 2007 (4), 2008 (4) and 2009 (7) classes combined.
Further reinforcing this point, Scout.com ranks SMU's recruiting class as No. 1 among all non-BCS AQ schools. Only AQ schools and schools joining AQ leagues top the Mustangs' haul.
Brian Perroni, Rivals.com National Analyst, says, "SMU has turned back-to-back strong finishes on the field to even greater success on the recruiting trail."
FoxSports.com's Greg Powers writes, "(SMU) hit some home runs..."
The jewel of the class may be four-star California linebacker Davon Moreland, the highest-rated player signed by SMU in Rivals' decade-plus database.
John Machota of the Dallas Morning News writes," Earning consecutive bowl appearances is one way of understanding June Jones' success at SMU. Tracking his recent recruiting class is another."
Gather.com's Larry Seely sums it up, writing that June Jones is "building the program back to when SMU was a power in not only Texas, but in the nation."
2011 SMU Recruiting Class
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown
Caldwell Flores WR 6-1 175 Houston, Texas (St. John's)
Arrius Holleman WR 6-3 170 Lubbock, Texas (Monterey)
Christian Holloway DE 6-5 240 Torrance, Calif. (Bishop Montgomery)
Maurice Hood DB 6-0 190 Tyler, Texas (Tyler J.C./Lee)
Rodney Hubert DB 5-11 165 Brenham, Texas (Brenham)
Nyle Johnson WR 6-0 185 Baton Rouge, La. (Dunham School)
Darius Joseph WR 6-1 190 Abilene, Texas (Abilene)
Daren Kitchen DB 6-1 172 Houma, Louisiana (Vandebilt Catholic)
Taylor Lasecki C 6-3 260 Frisco, Texas (Frisco)
Dontae Levingston OL 6-4 285 Harbor City, Calif. (Narbonne)
Derek Longoria LB 6-3 205 Brownwood, Texas (Brownwood)
Davon Moreland LB 6-3 230 Los Angeles, Calif. (Salesian)
K.C. Nlemchi RB 6-1 195 Katy, Texas (Cinco Ranch)
Conner Preston* QB 6-0 200 Gardena, Calif. (Junipero Serra)
Taylor Reich OL 6-7 295 San Diego, Calif. (Westview)
James Richardson DB 5-9 175 Baton Rouge, La. (Central)
Jermaine Sams WR 5-11 177 Covington, La. (St. Paul's)
Stephon Sanders DL 6-3 230 Mesquite, Texas (Horn)
Robert Seals DL 6-2 220 Pearland, Texas (Dawson)
Ronnell Sims WR 5-8 170 Abilene, Texas (Abilene)
Cameron Smith LB 6-2 240 Austin, Texas (McNeil)
Mike Sparling DB 6-2 175 La Habra, Calif. (La Habra)
Jarrett Spencer DE 6-3 240 Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall)
Kris Weeks OL 6-5 300 Sachse, Texas (Sachse)
Rishaad Wimbley DT 6-0 295 Forney, Texas (Forney)
Zachary Wood DE 6-3 260 Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett)
Darrian Wright DT 6-2 280 Dayton, Texas (Dayton)
Jonathan Yenga LB 6-2 200 Euless, Texas (Trinity)
* - Enrolled in January
Caldwell Flores
WR
6-1/185
Houston, Texas (St. John's)
Prep: On the year, rushed for 994 yards and 12 TDs... Also hauled in a receiving TD... Rushed 14 times for 131 yards and a touchdown in St. John's 34-27 victory over Second Baptist... Had 15 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown against Casady.
Arrius Holleman
WR
6-3/170
Lubbock, Texas (Monterey)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Ranked as the No. 115 player in the state by Scout... Had 36 catches for 748 yards and seven TDs as a senior... Named All-City, All-District, All-Area, All-South Plains and All-West Texas... Caught 34 passes for 557 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior... Chose SMU over offers from Texas Tech, Houston, UTEP and Rice.
Christian Holloway
DE
6-5/240
Torrance, Calif. (Bishop Montgomery)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com and ESPN.com recruit... Registered 65 tackles, 13 sacks and one interception during his senior season... Team Captain... An All-CIF performer... Named to the South Bay All-Area Team and was tabbed Del Rey League Lineman of the Year... Only played two seasons of high school football... Had 12 sacks and five forced fumbles as a junior... Also played basketball and volleyball... Chose SMU over an offer from New Mexico State.
Maurice Hood
DB
6-0/190
Tyler, Texas (Tyler J.C./Lee)
Junior College (2009-10): A 2010 first-team NJCAA All-American... Totaled nearly 200 tackles during his junior college career, including 70 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions in just six full games in 2010... A two-time Conference Player of the Week... Had 14 tackles and two tackles for-loss against Blinn J.C. and then notched 18 tackles, a fumble recovery, a pass breakup and two sacks against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M... A two-year starter and unanimous All-Conference selection... A two-star Rivals.com recruit; Prep: A second-team 5A All-State selection as a senior at Tyler Lee.
Rodney Hubert
DB
5-11/165
Brenham, Texas (Brenham)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Named All-District after notching 26 tackles, three interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a senior... Racked up 80 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups as a junior... Runs a 4.48 40... Ranked as the nation's No. 85 corner by ESPN.com... Also ran track... Chose SMU over Colorado State and others.
Nyle Johnson
WR
6-0/185
Baton Rouge, La. (Dunham School)
Prep: A two-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... First-team All-District on offense and a second-team pick as a returner and defensive back as a senior... A three-time All-District choice... Had 86 carries in five games at running back, rolling up 693 yards and six rushing touchdowns... Named the ESPN Player of the Week... Caught 36 passes for 471 yards and five scores... Had five punt returns and two kickoff returns for touchdowns... Named his team's Offensive MVP after sophomore and junior seasons... Selected to play in the post-season Red Stick Bowl... Chose SMU over offers from Connecticut, Tulane and others; Personal: Son of NFL standout and USFL All-Star Trumaine Johnson.
Darius Joseph
WR
6-1/190
Abilene, Texas (Abilene)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com and ESPN.com recruit... As a senior, totaled 460 receiving yards and five touchdowns on offense and 50 tackles and two interceptions on defense... An All-District 3-5A selection... High school teammate of fellow SMU signee Ronnell Sims... Also played basketball and ran track.
Daren Kitchen
DB
6-1/172
Houma, La. (Vandebilt Catholic)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 56 corner back in the nation and the 24th-best player overall in Louisiana... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Southeast Region Team... In just seven games in 2010, notched 45 tackles and four interceptions - three of which were returned for touchdowns... Tallied 64 tackles and four interceptions during his junior season... Named All-District in 2009... Also ran track... Chose SMU over offers from Michigan, Nebraska, Stanford, Pitt, Kansas, Memphis, and Southern Miss.
Taylor Lasecki
OL
6-3/260
Frisco, Texas (Frisco)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Named first-team All-District and second-team All-Collin County... Ranked No. 91 on the Dallas Morning News' All-Area list... Also competed in powerlifting, track and baseball.
Dontae Levingston
OL
6-4/285
Harbor City, Calif. (Narbonne)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 25 offensive guard in the nation and the 37th-best player overall in California... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-West Region Team... Named first-team All-City... Averaged eight pancake blocks per game... Also lettered in basketball and track... Chose SMU over offers from USC, Florida, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and others.
Derek Longoria
LB
6-3/205
Brownwood, Texas (Brownwood)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Had 115 tackles and three interception returns for touchdowns as a senior... Also rushed for three scores... Named Academic All-District 5-3A and to the All-Big Country Super Team... A two-way player in high school, rushing for 500 yards and intercepting three passes as a junior... A preseason All-State pick by Dave Campbell's Texas Football... Averaged 41.8 yards as Brownwood's punter... A 2010 Class 3A second-team All-State selection.
Davon Moreland
LB
6-3/230
Los Angeles, Calif. (Salesian)
Prep: A four-star Rivals.com and FoxSports.com recruit... The highest-rated player signed by SMU in Rivals' decade-plus database... Rated by Rivals as the No. 17 defensive end in the nation and the 27th-best player overall in California... Ranked as the No. 231 player overall nationally by Rivals and No. 293 overall by FoxSports.com... Scout.com rates him as the nation's No. 20 outside linebacker... Named an All-American by PrepStar Magazine... Had 17 sacks and 95 stops as a senior... Recorded 95 tackles (45 TFLs) and 21 sacks as a junior... Named All-League Defensive MVP... Honored as the Los Angeles Wave Player of the Year... Also played volleyball and boxed... Chose SMU over offers from USC, Oregon, Cal, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon State, Washington, Texas A&M, UCLA and others.
K.C. Nlemchi
RB
6-1/195
Katy, Texas (Cinco Ranch)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 36 running back in the nation and the 78th-best player overall in Texas... Named an All-American by PrepStar Magazine... Named one of Dave Campbell's Texas Football's five 5A "Money Players" and the preseason Offensive MVP... Ranked as the No. 102 player in the state by Scout... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Rushed for over 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns and added two receiving touchdowns as a senior... Carried 284 times for 2,388 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior... A 2009 APSE and TexasFootball.com Class 5A first-team All-State selection... Named the 2009 Houston Offensive Player of the Year by the Houston Chronicle... Chose SMU over offers from Arkansas, Tulsa, Tulane and Utah.
Taylor Reich
OL
6-7/295
San Diego, Calif. (Westview)
Prep: A three-star FoxSports.com recruit... Named second-team All-Palomar League in 2010... A 2009 All-Valley League Honorable Mention selection... Named Westview's Lineman of the Year... Chose SMU over offers from Nevada and UTEP.
James Richardson
DB
5-9/175
Baton Rouge, La. (Central)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Named first-team All-State, All-District and District Defensive MVP in 2010... Also tabbed All-Metro... One of six finalists for the Warrick Dunn Award, given annually to the top prep athlete in Louisiana... A four-time All-District selection... Chosen All-District at three spots - defensive back, kick returner and athlete... Invited to play in two post-season all-star games - the Red Stick Bowl and the Who's The Man Bowl... Tallied 62 tackles, eight TFLs and five interceptions during his senior season... Also ran for 262 yards and four scores on 44 carries... Recorded 43 tackles, one sack, two interceptions and two blocked punts as a junior... One of four MVPs at the New Orleans Combine, running a camp-best 4.35 40... Also ran track... Chose SMU over offers from Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, Cincinnati, Marshall and others.
Jermaine Sams
WR
5-11/177
Covington, La. (St. Paul's)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... A two-time All-District selection... Named honorable mention All-State as a senior... Also tabbed All-Catholic Elite... Caught 39 passes for 729 yards and as a senior... Averaged just under 30 yards per kick return, returning six kickoffs for touchdowns in 2010... Hauled in 29 balls for 682 yards as a junior... Chose SMU over Southern Miss and others.
Stephon Sanders
DE
6-3/230
Mesquite, Texas (Horn)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 36 defensive end in the nation... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team and TheOldCoach.com's All-Area squad... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Ranked No. 64 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100 list... Registered 77 tackles (53 solo), 11 tackles for-loss and four sacks during his senior season... As a junior, recorded 57 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble... A two-time All-District selection... Named Academic All-State... Also played baseball and basketball... Held 15 offers, including ones from Arkansas, Duke, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Utah, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Wake Forest.
Robert Seals
DE
6-2/220
Pearland, Texas (Dawson)
Prep: A two-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team and the Houston Chronicle's Top 100... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Recorded 13 tackles for-loss, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior and 50 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a junior... A three-time first-team All-District selection... Also tabbed All-Brazoria County... Nominated for two post-season all-star games - The Bayou Bowl and the Space City Classic... Also lettered in basketball.
Ronnell Sims
WR
5-8/170
Abilene, Texas (Abilene)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 100 wide receiver in the nation and the 83rd-best player overall in Texas... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team and TheOldCoach.com's All-Area squad... Ranked as the No. 10 athlete in Texas by Dave Campbell's Texas Football... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Completed 142 of 224 attempts for 1,893 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 893 yards and 10 scores during his senior season... Accumulated over 2,900 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns during his junior year, leading Abilene to the 2009 State Championship... Named All-State in 2009... Averaged more than 240 yards of total offense during senior season... The 2010 District Co-Offensive Player of the Year... Honorable mention Academic All-State... High school teammate of fellow SMU signee Darius Joseph... Chose SMU over offers from Baylor, Houston, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech and Rice.
Cameron Smith
LB
6-2/240
Austin, Texas (McNeil)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named first-team All-Centex and All-District... Named District 16-5A Lineman of the Year... Had 48 tackles and three sacks in 2010... Also tabbed Academic All-District... Also lettered in track... Held over 10 offers, including ones from Illinois, Tulsa, Houston and Utah.
Mike Sparling
DB
6-2/175
La Habra, Calif. (La Habra)
Prep: A two-star Rivals.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated as the No. 1 defensive back in Orange County and chosen All-County by the Orange County Register... Finished his senior season with eight interceptions, 13 pass breakups and 55 tackles, leading La Habra to an 11-3 record and its fourth straight CIS Championship... Tallied six interceptions, 44 tackles and 16 pass breakups as a junior... A first-team All-League and All-CIF selection ...Four-year varsity starter... Averaged 36 yards per punt return... Also lettered in baseball.
Jarrett Spencer
DE
6-3/240
Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall)
Prep: A three-star FoxSports.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Ranked No. 92 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100... Had 35 tackles and six sacks as a senior... As a junior, had three sacks in one game against Turner and totaled 29 stops on the year... Also lettered in track.
Kris Weeks
OL
6-5/300
Sachse, Texas (Sachse)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Ranked No. 81 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100 list... A first-team All-District selection... Also competed in power lifting and track.
Rishaad Wimbley
DT
6-0/295
Forney, Texas (Forney)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named first-team All-District... Ranked No. 84 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100 list... Competitive power lifter in high school, taking second at state - bench press: 425; squat: 640; deadlift: 635.
Zach Wood
DE
6-3/260
Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Ranked as the nation's No. 56 defensive tackle by ESPN.com... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Had 99 tackles, 32 TFLs and eight sacks as a junior... Totaled 115 tackles and 10 sacks during his senior campaign... A 2010 Class 4A All-State honorable mention selection... Named Dave Campbell's Texas Football's preseason Defensive District MVP... Held numerous offers, including ones from Minnesota, Virginia and Houston.
Darrian Wright
DT
6-2/280
Dayton, Texas (Dayton)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named the District Player of the Year and preseason All-State by Dave Campbell's Texas Football... Voted Defensive MVP by the coaches in his district... Named first-team All-State and All-District as a senior... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Recorded 123 tacks, 15 TFLs, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and 21 hurries in 2010... As a junior, tallied 73 tackles, 23 TFLs and seven sacks... Also played basketball and threw the shot in track... Chose SMU over offers from Northwestern, Kentucky, Tulane and Colorado State among others.
Jonathan Yenga
LB
6-2/200
Euless, Texas (Trinity)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated as the nation's No. 41 outside linebacker and the No. 71 player in all of Texas by Scout... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... An AP honorable mention All-State choice... Chosen to the Ft. Worth Star Telegram's Area Top 50 and rated No. 51 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100... Led Euless Trinity to the 2010 State Championship game after winning the State Championship as a junior... An All-District honoree... Named Dave Campbell's Texas Football's preseason Defensive District MVP... Averaged 9.3 tackles per game during his senior season, racking up 134 stops, seven TFL and three sacks on the year... Totaled 143 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one pick as a junior... Chose SMU over offers from Oklahoma State, Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Minnesota and Tulsa among others; Personal: Brother, Youri, was a four-year starter for SMU.
January Enrollee
Conner Preston
QB
6-0/200
Gardena, Calif. (Junipero Serra)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-West Region Team... Compiled 29-1 record as a starting quarterback at Junipero Serra... Led the state with over 3,500 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, earning first-team All-State and All-CIF honors... Ranked as the No. 2 quarterback and No. 13 player overall in the state by CaliHiSports.com... Guided his team to an undefeated 15-0 season in 2009, throwing for 44 touchdowns... Maintained a 4.3 GPA... The 2010 Mission League Offensive MVP... Threw for over 2,000 yards as a sophomore... Also played baseball... Chose SMU over offers from Colorado, Maryland, Cincinnati and others.
DALLAS (SMU) - It just keeps getting better. SMU today announced a recruiting class of 28 student-athletes, assembling its finest class in nearly three decades. The 2011 incoming class has 21 three-star and above Rivals.com recruits, nearly a 30% bump from the 2010 class, which had 16 such signees, a figure which itself surpassed the number of such recruits in the 2007 (4), 2008 (4) and 2009 (7) classes combined.
Further reinforcing this point, Scout.com ranks SMU's recruiting class as No. 1 among all non-BCS AQ schools. Only AQ schools and schools joining AQ leagues top the Mustangs' haul.
Brian Perroni, Rivals.com National Analyst, says, "SMU has turned back-to-back strong finishes on the field to even greater success on the recruiting trail."
FoxSports.com's Greg Powers writes, "(SMU) hit some home runs..."
The jewel of the class may be four-star California linebacker Davon Moreland, the highest-rated player signed by SMU in Rivals' decade-plus database.
John Machota of the Dallas Morning News writes," Earning consecutive bowl appearances is one way of understanding June Jones' success at SMU. Tracking his recent recruiting class is another."
Gather.com's Larry Seely sums it up, writing that June Jones is "building the program back to when SMU was a power in not only Texas, but in the nation."
2011 SMU Recruiting Class
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown
Caldwell Flores WR 6-1 175 Houston, Texas (St. John's)
Arrius Holleman WR 6-3 170 Lubbock, Texas (Monterey)
Christian Holloway DE 6-5 240 Torrance, Calif. (Bishop Montgomery)
Maurice Hood DB 6-0 190 Tyler, Texas (Tyler J.C./Lee)
Rodney Hubert DB 5-11 165 Brenham, Texas (Brenham)
Nyle Johnson WR 6-0 185 Baton Rouge, La. (Dunham School)
Darius Joseph WR 6-1 190 Abilene, Texas (Abilene)
Daren Kitchen DB 6-1 172 Houma, Louisiana (Vandebilt Catholic)
Taylor Lasecki C 6-3 260 Frisco, Texas (Frisco)
Dontae Levingston OL 6-4 285 Harbor City, Calif. (Narbonne)
Derek Longoria LB 6-3 205 Brownwood, Texas (Brownwood)
Davon Moreland LB 6-3 230 Los Angeles, Calif. (Salesian)
K.C. Nlemchi RB 6-1 195 Katy, Texas (Cinco Ranch)
Conner Preston* QB 6-0 200 Gardena, Calif. (Junipero Serra)
Taylor Reich OL 6-7 295 San Diego, Calif. (Westview)
James Richardson DB 5-9 175 Baton Rouge, La. (Central)
Jermaine Sams WR 5-11 177 Covington, La. (St. Paul's)
Stephon Sanders DL 6-3 230 Mesquite, Texas (Horn)
Robert Seals DL 6-2 220 Pearland, Texas (Dawson)
Ronnell Sims WR 5-8 170 Abilene, Texas (Abilene)
Cameron Smith LB 6-2 240 Austin, Texas (McNeil)
Mike Sparling DB 6-2 175 La Habra, Calif. (La Habra)
Jarrett Spencer DE 6-3 240 Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall)
Kris Weeks OL 6-5 300 Sachse, Texas (Sachse)
Rishaad Wimbley DT 6-0 295 Forney, Texas (Forney)
Zachary Wood DE 6-3 260 Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett)
Darrian Wright DT 6-2 280 Dayton, Texas (Dayton)
Jonathan Yenga LB 6-2 200 Euless, Texas (Trinity)
* - Enrolled in January
Caldwell Flores
WR
6-1/185
Houston, Texas (St. John's)
Prep: On the year, rushed for 994 yards and 12 TDs... Also hauled in a receiving TD... Rushed 14 times for 131 yards and a touchdown in St. John's 34-27 victory over Second Baptist... Had 15 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown against Casady.
Arrius Holleman
WR
6-3/170
Lubbock, Texas (Monterey)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Ranked as the No. 115 player in the state by Scout... Had 36 catches for 748 yards and seven TDs as a senior... Named All-City, All-District, All-Area, All-South Plains and All-West Texas... Caught 34 passes for 557 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior... Chose SMU over offers from Texas Tech, Houston, UTEP and Rice.
Christian Holloway
DE
6-5/240
Torrance, Calif. (Bishop Montgomery)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com and ESPN.com recruit... Registered 65 tackles, 13 sacks and one interception during his senior season... Team Captain... An All-CIF performer... Named to the South Bay All-Area Team and was tabbed Del Rey League Lineman of the Year... Only played two seasons of high school football... Had 12 sacks and five forced fumbles as a junior... Also played basketball and volleyball... Chose SMU over an offer from New Mexico State.
Maurice Hood
DB
6-0/190
Tyler, Texas (Tyler J.C./Lee)
Junior College (2009-10): A 2010 first-team NJCAA All-American... Totaled nearly 200 tackles during his junior college career, including 70 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions in just six full games in 2010... A two-time Conference Player of the Week... Had 14 tackles and two tackles for-loss against Blinn J.C. and then notched 18 tackles, a fumble recovery, a pass breakup and two sacks against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M... A two-year starter and unanimous All-Conference selection... A two-star Rivals.com recruit; Prep: A second-team 5A All-State selection as a senior at Tyler Lee.
Rodney Hubert
DB
5-11/165
Brenham, Texas (Brenham)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Named All-District after notching 26 tackles, three interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a senior... Racked up 80 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups as a junior... Runs a 4.48 40... Ranked as the nation's No. 85 corner by ESPN.com... Also ran track... Chose SMU over Colorado State and others.
Nyle Johnson
WR
6-0/185
Baton Rouge, La. (Dunham School)
Prep: A two-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... First-team All-District on offense and a second-team pick as a returner and defensive back as a senior... A three-time All-District choice... Had 86 carries in five games at running back, rolling up 693 yards and six rushing touchdowns... Named the ESPN Player of the Week... Caught 36 passes for 471 yards and five scores... Had five punt returns and two kickoff returns for touchdowns... Named his team's Offensive MVP after sophomore and junior seasons... Selected to play in the post-season Red Stick Bowl... Chose SMU over offers from Connecticut, Tulane and others; Personal: Son of NFL standout and USFL All-Star Trumaine Johnson.
Darius Joseph
WR
6-1/190
Abilene, Texas (Abilene)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com and ESPN.com recruit... As a senior, totaled 460 receiving yards and five touchdowns on offense and 50 tackles and two interceptions on defense... An All-District 3-5A selection... High school teammate of fellow SMU signee Ronnell Sims... Also played basketball and ran track.
Daren Kitchen
DB
6-1/172
Houma, La. (Vandebilt Catholic)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 56 corner back in the nation and the 24th-best player overall in Louisiana... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Southeast Region Team... In just seven games in 2010, notched 45 tackles and four interceptions - three of which were returned for touchdowns... Tallied 64 tackles and four interceptions during his junior season... Named All-District in 2009... Also ran track... Chose SMU over offers from Michigan, Nebraska, Stanford, Pitt, Kansas, Memphis, and Southern Miss.
Taylor Lasecki
OL
6-3/260
Frisco, Texas (Frisco)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Named first-team All-District and second-team All-Collin County... Ranked No. 91 on the Dallas Morning News' All-Area list... Also competed in powerlifting, track and baseball.
Dontae Levingston
OL
6-4/285
Harbor City, Calif. (Narbonne)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 25 offensive guard in the nation and the 37th-best player overall in California... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-West Region Team... Named first-team All-City... Averaged eight pancake blocks per game... Also lettered in basketball and track... Chose SMU over offers from USC, Florida, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and others.
Derek Longoria
LB
6-3/205
Brownwood, Texas (Brownwood)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Had 115 tackles and three interception returns for touchdowns as a senior... Also rushed for three scores... Named Academic All-District 5-3A and to the All-Big Country Super Team... A two-way player in high school, rushing for 500 yards and intercepting three passes as a junior... A preseason All-State pick by Dave Campbell's Texas Football... Averaged 41.8 yards as Brownwood's punter... A 2010 Class 3A second-team All-State selection.
Davon Moreland
LB
6-3/230
Los Angeles, Calif. (Salesian)
Prep: A four-star Rivals.com and FoxSports.com recruit... The highest-rated player signed by SMU in Rivals' decade-plus database... Rated by Rivals as the No. 17 defensive end in the nation and the 27th-best player overall in California... Ranked as the No. 231 player overall nationally by Rivals and No. 293 overall by FoxSports.com... Scout.com rates him as the nation's No. 20 outside linebacker... Named an All-American by PrepStar Magazine... Had 17 sacks and 95 stops as a senior... Recorded 95 tackles (45 TFLs) and 21 sacks as a junior... Named All-League Defensive MVP... Honored as the Los Angeles Wave Player of the Year... Also played volleyball and boxed... Chose SMU over offers from USC, Oregon, Cal, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon State, Washington, Texas A&M, UCLA and others.
K.C. Nlemchi
RB
6-1/195
Katy, Texas (Cinco Ranch)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 36 running back in the nation and the 78th-best player overall in Texas... Named an All-American by PrepStar Magazine... Named one of Dave Campbell's Texas Football's five 5A "Money Players" and the preseason Offensive MVP... Ranked as the No. 102 player in the state by Scout... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Rushed for over 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns and added two receiving touchdowns as a senior... Carried 284 times for 2,388 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior... A 2009 APSE and TexasFootball.com Class 5A first-team All-State selection... Named the 2009 Houston Offensive Player of the Year by the Houston Chronicle... Chose SMU over offers from Arkansas, Tulsa, Tulane and Utah.
Taylor Reich
OL
6-7/295
San Diego, Calif. (Westview)
Prep: A three-star FoxSports.com recruit... Named second-team All-Palomar League in 2010... A 2009 All-Valley League Honorable Mention selection... Named Westview's Lineman of the Year... Chose SMU over offers from Nevada and UTEP.
James Richardson
DB
5-9/175
Baton Rouge, La. (Central)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Named first-team All-State, All-District and District Defensive MVP in 2010... Also tabbed All-Metro... One of six finalists for the Warrick Dunn Award, given annually to the top prep athlete in Louisiana... A four-time All-District selection... Chosen All-District at three spots - defensive back, kick returner and athlete... Invited to play in two post-season all-star games - the Red Stick Bowl and the Who's The Man Bowl... Tallied 62 tackles, eight TFLs and five interceptions during his senior season... Also ran for 262 yards and four scores on 44 carries... Recorded 43 tackles, one sack, two interceptions and two blocked punts as a junior... One of four MVPs at the New Orleans Combine, running a camp-best 4.35 40... Also ran track... Chose SMU over offers from Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, Cincinnati, Marshall and others.
Jermaine Sams
WR
5-11/177
Covington, La. (St. Paul's)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... A two-time All-District selection... Named honorable mention All-State as a senior... Also tabbed All-Catholic Elite... Caught 39 passes for 729 yards and as a senior... Averaged just under 30 yards per kick return, returning six kickoffs for touchdowns in 2010... Hauled in 29 balls for 682 yards as a junior... Chose SMU over Southern Miss and others.
Stephon Sanders
DE
6-3/230
Mesquite, Texas (Horn)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 36 defensive end in the nation... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team and TheOldCoach.com's All-Area squad... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Ranked No. 64 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100 list... Registered 77 tackles (53 solo), 11 tackles for-loss and four sacks during his senior season... As a junior, recorded 57 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble... A two-time All-District selection... Named Academic All-State... Also played baseball and basketball... Held 15 offers, including ones from Arkansas, Duke, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Utah, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Wake Forest.
Robert Seals
DE
6-2/220
Pearland, Texas (Dawson)
Prep: A two-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team and the Houston Chronicle's Top 100... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Recorded 13 tackles for-loss, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior and 50 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a junior... A three-time first-team All-District selection... Also tabbed All-Brazoria County... Nominated for two post-season all-star games - The Bayou Bowl and the Space City Classic... Also lettered in basketball.
Ronnell Sims
WR
5-8/170
Abilene, Texas (Abilene)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 100 wide receiver in the nation and the 83rd-best player overall in Texas... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team and TheOldCoach.com's All-Area squad... Ranked as the No. 10 athlete in Texas by Dave Campbell's Texas Football... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Completed 142 of 224 attempts for 1,893 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 893 yards and 10 scores during his senior season... Accumulated over 2,900 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns during his junior year, leading Abilene to the 2009 State Championship... Named All-State in 2009... Averaged more than 240 yards of total offense during senior season... The 2010 District Co-Offensive Player of the Year... Honorable mention Academic All-State... High school teammate of fellow SMU signee Darius Joseph... Chose SMU over offers from Baylor, Houston, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech and Rice.
Cameron Smith
LB
6-2/240
Austin, Texas (McNeil)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named first-team All-Centex and All-District... Named District 16-5A Lineman of the Year... Had 48 tackles and three sacks in 2010... Also tabbed Academic All-District... Also lettered in track... Held over 10 offers, including ones from Illinois, Tulsa, Houston and Utah.
Mike Sparling
DB
6-2/175
La Habra, Calif. (La Habra)
Prep: A two-star Rivals.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated as the No. 1 defensive back in Orange County and chosen All-County by the Orange County Register... Finished his senior season with eight interceptions, 13 pass breakups and 55 tackles, leading La Habra to an 11-3 record and its fourth straight CIS Championship... Tallied six interceptions, 44 tackles and 16 pass breakups as a junior... A first-team All-League and All-CIF selection ...Four-year varsity starter... Averaged 36 yards per punt return... Also lettered in baseball.
Jarrett Spencer
DE
6-3/240
Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall)
Prep: A three-star FoxSports.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Ranked No. 92 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100... Had 35 tackles and six sacks as a senior... As a junior, had three sacks in one game against Turner and totaled 29 stops on the year... Also lettered in track.
Kris Weeks
OL
6-5/300
Sachse, Texas (Sachse)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Ranked No. 81 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100 list... A first-team All-District selection... Also competed in power lifting and track.
Rishaad Wimbley
DT
6-0/295
Forney, Texas (Forney)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named first-team All-District... Ranked No. 84 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100 list... Competitive power lifter in high school, taking second at state - bench press: 425; squat: 640; deadlift: 635.
Zach Wood
DE
6-3/260
Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Ranked as the nation's No. 56 defensive tackle by ESPN.com... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Had 99 tackles, 32 TFLs and eight sacks as a junior... Totaled 115 tackles and 10 sacks during his senior campaign... A 2010 Class 4A All-State honorable mention selection... Named Dave Campbell's Texas Football's preseason Defensive District MVP... Held numerous offers, including ones from Minnesota, Virginia and Houston.
Darrian Wright
DT
6-2/280
Dayton, Texas (Dayton)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named the District Player of the Year and preseason All-State by Dave Campbell's Texas Football... Voted Defensive MVP by the coaches in his district... Named first-team All-State and All-District as a senior... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Recorded 123 tacks, 15 TFLs, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and 21 hurries in 2010... As a junior, tallied 73 tackles, 23 TFLs and seven sacks... Also played basketball and threw the shot in track... Chose SMU over offers from Northwestern, Kentucky, Tulane and Colorado State among others.
Jonathan Yenga
LB
6-2/200
Euless, Texas (Trinity)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated as the nation's No. 41 outside linebacker and the No. 71 player in all of Texas by Scout... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-Midlands Region Team... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... An AP honorable mention All-State choice... Chosen to the Ft. Worth Star Telegram's Area Top 50 and rated No. 51 on the Dallas Morning News' Area Top 100... Led Euless Trinity to the 2010 State Championship game after winning the State Championship as a junior... An All-District honoree... Named Dave Campbell's Texas Football's preseason Defensive District MVP... Averaged 9.3 tackles per game during his senior season, racking up 134 stops, seven TFL and three sacks on the year... Totaled 143 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one pick as a junior... Chose SMU over offers from Oklahoma State, Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Minnesota and Tulsa among others; Personal: Brother, Youri, was a four-year starter for SMU.
January Enrollee
Conner Preston
QB
6-0/200
Gardena, Calif. (Junipero Serra)
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com recruit... Selected to PrepStar Magazine's All-West Region Team... Compiled 29-1 record as a starting quarterback at Junipero Serra... Led the state with over 3,500 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, earning first-team All-State and All-CIF honors... Ranked as the No. 2 quarterback and No. 13 player overall in the state by CaliHiSports.com... Guided his team to an undefeated 15-0 season in 2009, throwing for 44 touchdowns... Maintained a 4.3 GPA... The 2010 Mission League Offensive MVP... Threw for over 2,000 yards as a sophomore... Also played baseball... Chose SMU over offers from Colorado, Maryland, Cincinnati and others.