PonyFans.com

From Rivals this morning:

Houston Kashmere outside linebacker Jason Berryman is one of the recruits that has seen his stock soar late in the recruiting process. And now he's begun to line up and take official visits.

"I was at SMU this weekend," Berryman said. "It was really nice. I think they're going to set the standard of what I'm looking for in a school.

"They're at the building stage in the program and I could come in and make an impact right away. Plus, they have an excellent head coach. I talked to him quite a bit and caoch (Phil) Bennett seemed like the right guy for the players."

Even though SMU was impressive, he's not done with his visits there.

Berryman (6-3, 220, 4.6) will take the ACT next weekend and then is set to visit Kansas on December 20, Pittsburgh on January 10 and Iowa on January 17. He is leaving the last weekend open for a team that he covets.

"Miami called a little while back and they're getting film on me," he said. "I don't know if they're interested or not, but I'll save that last visit for a team like them."

He's got trips lined up for Iowa, Kansas, and Pittsbugh, who have all offered him.

Pittsburgh was one of the surprise teams in the country this year, and is one of the "hot" teams in recruiting. Iowa could make a claim that it is the best team in the nation at this point, even though they're not going to the Fiesta Bowl. If those two want this kid, he must be pretty good.

The coaches have really turned it into high gear!

I've been worried about the linebackers for next year. We have some good ones coming back, but the loss of Vic Viloria, Justin Williams, Billy Jack Williams (and D.D. Johnson? Does anyone know if he's coming back?)

But if Berryman and Zach Hall are as good as advertised, that will go a long way toward shoring up the troops. Sure hope we get this guy.

it sounds like we are in on a lot of quality LBs. Give this staff credit for recognizing this critical need and doing their best to fill some future needs.