re: To all you naysayers...

[GoRedGoBlue]

Just look at the schools we are being mentioned with - Nebraska, OU, Texas, A&M, Florida State...

This was unheard of in the past 15 years prior to Bennett.

We are on our way. We need to show it on the field to validate the rise in talent, and that may still take 2 or 3, or even 4 years to truly show through. But, we have turned the corner.

If for some stretch of luck we can go 7-5 this year, and perhaps even go 2-1 in the Big12, eyes will open. We will be looked at as serious about being a winner in football.

I spoke to a coach during last fall, and asked about recruiting. He told me point blank, "Look, Bennett isn't recruiting for the quick win and then leave, he is recruiting to build a winner and stay."

Somehow, I truly believe that. If SMU becomes a competitive team, and continues to improve recruiting year over year, Bennett would have no real reason to leave. SMU could be his home.

I hope it comes to that.

[Stallion]

Please-Phil Bennett will be gone as soon as he recieves his first offer from the Big 12 or SEC. A little reality.

[MustangKurt20]

Leave it to Stallion. Did you ever consider the man may actually LIKE SMU? That his family seems to love Dallas and the surrounding area? Is it likely he would leave for a more high profile job? absolutely. I'm not saying he won't. But give SMU and Phil Bennett a little credit. Your not as all wise and all knowing as you make yourself out to be you pretentious windbag.

Kurt

[PonyTales]

I do know that Coach Bennett seems to put his kids above everything else in his life, and I've heard repeatedly that his kids like going to school here. With that in mind, I tend to believe the idea that he certainly wouldn't bolt for another job if for no other reason than to allow his kids to stay in the same schools with their friends. My guess is that Coach Bennett is at SMU at least until after his kids both graduate high school and head off to college.

[Roach]

Another tidbit for naysayers: look at the quality of players who are being offered by SMU and who have at least some interest:

Ratings from one recruiting service:

Vincent Chase (commit): 4 stars
Drew Weatherford: 3 stars
Parris Fisher: 3 stars
Ryan Young: 3 stars
Damahco Ousley: 3 stars
Donald Massey: 2 stars
Tommy Daniels: 3 stars
Alvin Newhouse: 2 stars
De'Nerian Wrighter: 4 stars
Matterial Richardson: 3 stars

And that's not even counting the top guys like Frank Okam, who have been offered but probably are out of reach.

We might not get all these guys. We might not get any. But we just might surprise folks and get several. It shows me that the positive reports about Coach Bennett and his staff are valid, that better players are listening and considering SMU, which they should.T

[gostangs]

Bennet seems great - but don't fall in love with your coaches - they are not fans - it is their career - if you got a big promotion and a 40% raise how long would it take you to say yes? - its always the money. We got Bennets quality in the first place because we stepped up the bucks a little.

[Pony4Life]

All I know is that his kids really like their HPISD schools. I think PonyTales nailed this one.