Mustangsabu wrote: Sounds like diamond in the rough
Not really, just under-recruited; had 1,467 yds on 202 att (7.26 per) 20 TDs rushing and 511 yds on 19 receptions (26.9 per) and 6 TDs in the passing game. That's just shy of 2,000 all-purpose yards and 26 touchdowns on 221 touches. He just played in a district (19-6A) overshadowed by Katy H.S. (another under-recruited program).
Braeden is a good player and a nice kid. Would make an excellent back in HCCM's system if we can land him.
He was also instrumental in leading his team to 7 on 7 State Championship. He was reportedly unstoppable in the passing game highlited by 7 on 7. So very versatile back
watch his video-especially lethal out of the backfield in the passing game. I think he's a great pickup this late in the recruiting season. He's no LineP though. We need someone with some speed and magic out of the backfield. An athlete out of the backfield was essential in this class.
"With a quarter of a tank of gas, we can get everything we need right here in DFW." -SMU Head Coach Chad Morris
When momentum starts rolling downhill in recruiting-WATCH OUT.
Looks good enough on film (faster than his timed speed) though he's a lot lighter than Morris' backs at Clemson. I wonder if he can add weight and keep the speed.
They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security
That top level RB is going to be '16 recruiting class. Need to show the big names the O-Line is in better shape and the offense is organized enough for them to make that decision. Just looking at the development of this class over the past almost 2 months is impressive enough, let alone the names they are already making offers to for the '16 class. This class could even just be the intro to the foundation laid over the next 12.5 months upon which the next great period in SMU football history will be built.
I agree with Puckhead; our big-name RB is probably going to be in the '16 class. At the same time, I wouldn't sleep on Braeden West either. As I shared on the paid board (Scout) I saw him play 2 or 3 times this season (he's a local kid); reminds me of former Jets RB Thomas Jones. Very fluid runner; stops, moves laterally, and accelerates extremely quickly. Doesn't rely on 'dancing' or spin moves; just makes people miss because he's so effortlessly smooth.
Not sure whether it was here or not, but there was a discussion regarding his style and skill-set being perfect for this season. You need that line with a more powerful runner...open up lanes and create gaps. For someone like West with speed and agility, you an work outside and utilize those strengths to assist that O-Line. Add his skills to this new receiver corps and you have the potential for some insane tempo. The run sets up the pass, but in this case, the run could also set-up the line for success in all areas of play. Speed in the backfield and out wide, height out wide, and a QB who can pull the trigger fast, and you might see the key ingredients that work together to alter those 5-10 plays on offense every game and make the difference between 1-11 and 5-7. Get those extra sets of downs, an extra TD or two a game, and the resulting reduction in time the defense is on the field, and you can start to see the way forward.
