From High on the Hilltop, ponyte observations

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

This whole "Ponyte goes to the Hilltop" story has been great to follow. Its nice to see that a member of the PF peanut gallery (albeit one with legitimate football bona fides) can step up and really do something to engage the team.

[PSCA]

I have a lot of buddies in the coaching ranks, many a lot more buddy than Mason. I do like Mason (and many of the current/former coaches, some of who I didn't/don't think were good coaches). I like Mason's approach, players/recruits like him and most in general ... and I think he is a good coach.

If the new guy comes in, interviews Mason and likes what he see's and hears and decides to keep him in some capacity (DC or LB ... doubt Mason stays for LB, but maybe). Fine with me, IMO that does indicate SMU has thrown in the towel as some suggest. If the new guy wants him (if), it is his choice. We know the "D" is struggling right now, and did some last year ... 2012 we were 33rd against the run, 2011 we were the 26th overall "D" in the country. So who knows. Yes, in Masons own words he recruited 3/4 of the "D”. But JJ determined how many Scholies the "D" could have, did advocate against spending time going after 5 & 4's for reasons stated and he wanted coaches to spend more time studying film etc. Why do I say that ... conversations and questions I had with Mason, Odum, June and a COC member ... and MO. Corporate attitude, culture, and vision/direction is dictated from the top. Has no one ever taken a new job, or replaced a boss that has moved up or out and changed the culture. Because, your world view and how to go about it was/is different. You reluctantly did things in the past you did not agree with because it was not your call. What you are now seeing is Mason approach to things. I am not advocating for him to stay, but have zero problem if he does. JJ might have distanced himself from things (or certain things), but make no mistake, he ran the show.

Also, off topic. Only because I have heard it mentioned a few times ... some have suggested that the bowls were with Bennett recruits

Compass Bowl ... had 4 starters (3 for sure) on the O connected to current staff 1) JJ McD, 2) Jarred Williams (would have been ZL also tied JJ), 3) DJ 4) J-Johnson ... I think. Plus, the punter/kicker, and most of the guys who rotated in

D had 8.5 guys connected to the current staff 1) Pittman 2) Hunt ½ credit (yes Hunt was already there, but JJ took him and taught him the game) 3) JG 4) Rogers 5) T-Reed 6) S Sanders 7) Crawford Ack 9) Ryan Smith. Plus, the main subs (Joyner, Pope, Spike etc.) I would even give him half credit for T-Thompson. I know he was committed, but according TT's dad, he was headed elsewhere because JJ's O had no TE, and that is what Taylor wanted. His dad said JJ stayed after him hard along with Bert Hill and convinced him to stay and flip to DE.

2012 Hawaii Bowl I believe was all JJ players. In fact, JJ players had starting roles in all bowls, and at key positions.

Yes I know, to some these bowls are an embarrassment. After all, roughly 60% of D1 teams go to bowls now, we play in a week conference, the other coaches did not have this opp etc etc. After 25 years of nothing, only a BCS is acceptable or some other upper tier bowl. Because, well … BECAUSE. I'm proud of 4 straight bowl games. It is going to be a long time before SMU sniffs a BCS or upper tier bowl IMO (no matter who they get as HC), even before all the P5/G5 crap. It is/was never in the cards, except for the occasional outsider who pops up. It has always been set up for the elite an old guard. With the exception of a few newbies (last 5-10 years), the same guys who played in the big bowls 20-30 years are basically the same. I am factoring in the DP with my comments. Otherwise, SMU might be one of the chosen ones ... but that is not the situation. Now with G5 status, even harder. Does that mean I want mediocre ... H--- no. I want 9-10 win seasons on a regular basis, throw in a 11 or 12 once in awhile, conf camps, solid bowls and be competitive with all, and keep working for the grand prize that very few get a shot at (National title and/or a BSC bowl).

[SMU89]

Im relieved there is no grab arse but concerned there was no mention of tomfoolery.

[Junior]

Im relieved there is no grab arse but concerned there was no mention of tomfoolery.

that's better than lollygagging.

[Rebel10]

Yes, in Masons own words he recruited 3/4 of the "D”.

At lease get the quote right. Mason said that he recruited 3/4th's of the team not just 3/4th of the "D".

[PSCA]

Rebel ... do me a favor please. I have tried to find it, and after listening to about 8 interview, I can't. Point me to the interview were Mason said he recruited 3/4 of the team. I listen to that interview when it originally came out (can not find it now), but I honestly thought he was referring to the "D", not the entire team. If I misunderstood what he said (very possible), I apologize. But my first reaction is ... what, Mason recruited 3/4 of the team.

[blackoutpony]

It would be great if Eric Doucherson could read ponyte's remarks and email to mason.... I know he was june's buddy, but he could really help the program instead of just making things worse.

Thanks again ponyte

[sbsmith]

Rebel ... do me a favor please. I have tried to find it, and after listening to about 8 interview, I can't. Point me to the interview were Mason said he recruited 3/4 of the team. I listen to that interview when it originally came out (can not find it now), but I honestly thought he was referring to the "D", not the entire team. If I misunderstood what he said (very possible), I apologize. But my first reaction is ... what, Mason recruited 3/4 of the team.

9:03 mark in the video

http://coachingsearch.247sports.com/Art ... s-31368422

[Rebel10]

Rebel ... do me a favor please. I have tried to find it, and after listening to about 8 interview, I can't. Point me to the interview were Mason said he recruited 3/4 of the team. I listen to that interview when it originally came out (can not find it now), but I honestly thought he was referring to the "D", not the entire team. If I misunderstood what he said (very possible), I apologize. But my first reaction is ... what, Mason recruited 3/4 of the team.

9:03 mark in the video

http://coachingsearch.247sports.com/Art ... s-31368422

Thanks sbsmith. "recruited 3/4th's of the kids in the locker room" not just the "D".

[fifty]

I bet he wished he hadn't said that. Do you guys wish he recruited 0 people?

[Rebel10]

I bet he wished he hadn't said that. Do you guys wish he recruited 0 people?

I guess when you are 0-5 and are responsible for most of the team it is not good. I wish he had gotten better local players don't you?

[PSCA]

Ok thanks, not sure why I could not find it. I listened to it again, the lead up conversation was about the "D", and then that short bit about his current situation and Mason loving SMU. When he said he recruited 3/4 of THE TEAM (he did say it), I referenced that back to the conversation about the "D" and not really the whole team. I think that is what he meant. I struggle with he recruited 3/4 of the team. But, he said it, I'm not a mind reader, nor I am going to put thoughts/words in his mouth .... so I apologize.

[fifty]

I bet he wished he hadn't said that. Do you guys wish he recruited 0 people?

I guess when you are 0-5 and are responsible for most of the team it is not good. I wish he had gotten better local players don't you?

I do wish that. However, I just want a couple months away from the ocean of negativity that goes on around here. Mason will be long gone in about 2 months so can we just give him the benefit of the doubt and support him for this brief window of time?
BTW, ponyte, thanks for coming to town and helping out.

[Treadway21]

Yes fifty. Not sure what reb is so obsessed with one quote or why he is doggin Mason who is working to change the culture of the team. The culture is set by the head man. Mason is pushing the right buttons going forward - let's just get through the season.

[JasonB]

You guys are way too literal about what is said in press conferences off the cuff after a game.

Mason is trustworthy and has a great sense of humor. He is easily the best choice on the coaching staff to have go and build a strong relationship with kids and their parents.

I doubt his quote means "I evaluated positions and chose 3/4 of the kids we offered" or "I am the one who decided to skip recruiting Dallas" or "I am the one who banned social media".

I think it is more probable that his quote means he was the guy in the living room of 3/4 of the kids to meet the parents and close the deal.

No reason to bash Mason. He is a good guy, has a lot of energy, and is really working hard. I don't care what the motives are - he wants another job or he loves SMU or some combo of the two - but he is working hard, doing his best, and making a lot of good decisions. There is no reason to find some negativity in that.

Don't let unsupported paranoia that the school might make a decision you won't agree with prevent you from supporting him in working his tail of for the next few months or supporting the kids for continuing to play hard.