Gain a commitment and lose (release?) one

[Mr. Ed]

Rivals is reporting the below commitment. It sounds like something happened with Jordan Newman this weekend - it wasn't clear if he made his scheduled visit last weekend or not. But the message is pretty cryptic: Newman "is no longer being recruiting by the Mustangs" - it sounds like we pulled our offer for some reason.

Bonds is a two-star on Rivals. He is 6-1, 300lbs, runs a 5.0 and benches 400 lbs.
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Cooper, Texas, defensive tackle Brandon Bonds is one of the top small school players in the state of Texas. And he’s not going to leave the Lone Star State to play his college football.

“Brandon has committed to SMU,” said Cooper coach Lance Angel. “Coach Eric Roark called today to lay an offer down, and Brandon jumped on the opportunity. His older brother played at SMU, so it was natural for him to pick the Mustangs.”

So what type of player is SMU getting?

Bonds is a good one, apparently. Bonds was the Class 2A, District 17 defensive player of the year after recording 65 tackles and 12 tackles for a loss.

“He has great feet for a player his size,” Angel said. “He can move really well and is agile and can move around.”

Bonds was also recruited by UTEP and Central Arkansas. He is scheduled to visit SMU this upcoming weekend.

In other SMU news, Tulsa (Okla.) Victory Christian defensive end Jordan Newman is no longer being recruited by the Mustangs and is not committed anymore.

[FloridaMustang]

This is an interesting development...Jordan Newman was a player I was REALLY excited about. Brandon Bonds just doesn't seem like an adequate replacement. He's a 6'1" 300lb. DT. Anyone know what really happened with Jordan? I'm actually a little mad about this...hmmm.

[PerunaPunch]

Anybody hear anything about what happened with Newman??

I also was excited about signing a DE of his calibre. I know he wasn't in town this past weekend, but was he supposed to be?

I am, however, excited about Bonds who OBVIOUSLY wants to play for us. Good to have another "legacy" on board.

[d_pony]

heard he failed his physical

[PerunaPunch]

that sucks. injury, or something more dubious?

[JasonB]

I was a little confused about this as well, especially since Newman is highly regarded.

One possible scenario is that we obviously need another big DT, and now have one.

And with the number of OLB we are recruiting, at least one will be moved to DE, so that releases a requirement there...

[d_pony]

injury -- i think to back and ankle

[PX]

What physical did he flunk? I dont think we can give him one if he hasnt even signed yet.

[PonyPower]

Actually, Newman was in town, from what I hear. Don't know anything about why his status changed, though.

If Brandon Bonds is anything like his brother Byron, we've got an anchor for the interior of the defensive line. Byron was huge (6-3 or 6-4 and close to 300, if I remember correctly) and he drew comparisons to Lawrence Taylor - because he wore #56 and because of a strong facial resemblance.

I think he also earned an NFL tryout - didn't he spend a season with the Chiefs or Chargers or someone?

[PonyPower]

And as much as I hate to lose Newman - or any player we've offered a scholarship to - I'd say Bonds fills a greater need. We have more DEs coming back than we do DTs, and we have Lucky Delay and Desmond Jones coming in. Zach Hall could bulk up and play DE,too, if needed.

[Vitale]

Byron Bonds lettered at SMU from 1990-93. He was a load at DT.

[ClassOf81]

We had two 300-pound DTs in last year's class and lost them. With Birdwell quitting and Croy graduating, this guy might turn out to be as valuable as anyone in the class. Does anyone know how good he is, or any statistical information? Thanks

[ClassOf81]

Brandon Bonds won the District 14-2A discuss championship last year with a throw of 143 feet, 10 inches.

He also was District Defensive MVP this year.

[Recruiting Guru]

PonyPower, I don't think Byron Bonds made an NFL roster. I know he got a free-agent tryout, but that's the last I heard.

Brandon Bonds is a nice player. He's a little shorter than some coaches like in their DTs, and he plays at a small school against small-school opponents, which is why he wasn't on everyone's top list of prospects. But make no mistake, Brandon is as strong as his brother was at this stage, if not stronger, and he's quicker. He also is pretty nimble for a big guy - he accelerates quickly, and he can stop and change directions very quickly.

He's very similar in the way he plays to Brandon Kennedy, the Terrell Texas DT who went to North Texas, and is drawing all kinds of praise. Both guys are squatty, thick guys who go non-stop on every play. Bonds is probably stronger than Kennedy was as a HS senior, and Kennedy was probably a step quicker. But Bonds should benefit greatly from a college conditioning program.

[Charleston Pony]

If this report is true, it just might work out well for the Ponies. If Bonds is anywhere near the player that Kennedy has been for UNT, he'll be a real steal...not to mention a heavyweight to help clog the middle on those short yardage plays. We've got plenty of 240-260 lb guys who can play on the DL, so I can see us having a legitimate 2-deep and playing a more aggressive, attacking style next year, knowing we can spot guys when they get tired. With Adami, Williams and Ieremia-Stansbury all back and Denman, Karrington and possibly Darrin Johnson ready to step into the DL rotation, it might be tough for any of these Frosh to earn immediate playing time, but I wouldn't rule it out. Let's not forget one of our earliest commitments, Desmond Jones. He's another "low center of gravity" guy and might be strong enough to compete right away. Martin Guidry is another guy (listed as 265 last year) who was mentioned as someone who could play on either the OL or DL. With DeLay already committed and considering the guys we already have, I wouldn't be concerned if we lose out on another DE type. I'm beginning to think the DL is going to be a much improved group in 2003.