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SMU now finds itself battling Oklahoma State and Minnesota for Plano (Plano East) OLB Jamaal Bouyer (6-3, 185). TheInsiders.com says he was scheduled to visit Minnesota this past weekend. He reports equal ("medium") interest in SMU, OSU and Minnesota. He has not yet scheduled visits to OSU or SMU. None of the schools has offered a scholarship.

The website didn't list a 40-yard dash time, but I did find an article that called him "the fastest linebacker around," for what that's worth. If that means the fastest LB on his block, it's not saying much. If he's the fastest LB in Dallas/Fort Worth, then it's impressive. At 6-3, 185, he would need to add 25-35 pounds to be effective. Or, if he's really fast, maybe you have a stud safety in the making here. He also played some DE, TE and WR in high school.

<small>[ 12-14-2003, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: Lotus ]</small>

That's a free safety candidate, Add 30 lbs and he is a strong safety. He needs to add 45-50 lbs to play LB - would he lose his speed then? This has Darren Woodson written all over it (if he is good).

<small>[ 12-15-2003, 03:43 AM: Message edited by: GoRedGoBlue ]</small>

Well...I heard he ran about a 5.1 forty at our cam. Any more questions? Okay ....file closed.

5.1? So why are Minnesota and Ok State recruiting him?

Think you've got the wrong guy. Jamaal is pretty fast. I don't know what he's done on a stopwatch, but 5.1 is lineman speed, and he sure doesn't run like a lineman. (You really think OSU and Minnesota -- two top-25 teams -- would have even sent a letter to a LB who runs a 5.1?) I've seen him chase down RBs and WRs from behind .... so maybe he's in the 4.5-4.6 range? His biggest strength might be his versatility. In addition to those positions "Lotus" listed, he also played some strong safety, which is where I think he could be really good in college. And he's everywhere on special teams. I'd love to see him end up at SMU in one role or another.

Bouyer is a late bloomer in the recruiting world. I'm not sure where Stampede got that 5.1 in the 40. I've seen him listed consistently between 4.45 and 4.6. I have to say up front I haven't seen this guy play. But from interviews I've done with coaches who have seen him, this guy sounds to me like the ultimate "diamond in the rough." He has the size to play outside linebacker, or he could slide back to strong safety. Either way, he probably will have to redshirt while he learns the college game and gets stronger. But I'm told he has very good natural athleticism and learns quickly. He could be a real sleeper for whatever school gets him.