TJ MCDaniel commits to smu

[MV pony]

3 star projected as a running back.

[mavsrage311]

This is a big one. Offer list includes Clemson, Minnesota, Oregon, Vandy, and SDSU. Other finalist was SDSU, which just put 2 running backs in the NFL. Donnell Pumphrey set NCAA records there and Rashad Penny was just a 1st rounder. Pony Up!

[BUS]

Great commit. Thank you to our great coaches.
Looking for some fun runs in a few years.
Pretty quick,

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Yeah, this one is nice.

Great work by Sonny and staff!

[ponyboy]

Highlight video is impressive.

[PonyPride]

You want highlights? Here's your highlights:

[mrydel]

Are we getting any of his linemen? He never gets touched. No disrespect to him at all. He seems quick to the hole, but I never saw him break a tackle. He never had to.

[BUS]

Perfect comment. A good line makes the little guys look great. SMU is getting bigger up front as well.
Go Dykes and staff.

[docabel]

Are we getting any of his linemen? He never gets touched. No disrespect to him at all. He seems quick to the hole, but I never saw him break a tackle. He never had to.

I believe we already have a commitment from one of the OG - Mossberg.

Could be some secondary gain if enough Southlake kids/families come down to Ford and fill our seats to see their friends play.

[ponyfan777]

Ponies land standout Southlake Carroll RB TJ McDaniel. 1862 Yards, 23 TD's last year. Should help out our already strong running game.

Go Ponies!

[Otto]

Brother played at Notre Dame

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

way to go Sonny! hand this boy a red shirt!

[ALEX LIFESON]

Sonny Dykes and Company, off to a great start!

[jpe747]

Things just keep getting better. Outstanding Sonny!

[JasonB]

Are we getting any of his linemen? He never gets touched. No disrespect to him at all. He seems quick to the hole, but I never saw him break a tackle. He never had to.

I get it, but I see three things I really like:

1) His patience behind the line to allow a hole to develop is very similar to how Zach Line ran here. He has a good feel and makes very good decisions on which hole to hit.
2) Once he hits the hole, he is very direct - he doesn't try to run around players, and in 1v1 situations, he jukes a guy a goes to the house. Lots of confidence in his ability to beat a player 1v1 instead of relying on speed or trying to run over a guy. Really nice "controlled shift" that allows him to wrong foot defenders on the cutback but still maintain his balance to quickly accelerate.
3) He is sneaky fast. Players are constantly misjudging his speed and taking bad angles on that tape. His top end might not be super fast, but his acceleration is very good.

The blocking is phenomenal, and allows him to be patient behind the line. But I really like that tape.