SMU sleepers: 2006

[Dement-ed]

OK, we all know what to expect from our best players. DeMyron Martin, Justin Rogers, Joe Sturdivant, Bobby Chase, Adrian Haywood, etc. -- each of us is hoping for a huge season from guys like that. With that said, who are the lesser-known Mustangs who will break out with a big season?

My nominees:

1. Cory Muse: opponents will load up (position their blocking tight end) on the other side of the line to try to contain All-America nominee Justin Rogers and Adrian Haywood, meaning Muse will face a lot of single blockers. He's another year removed from his knee injury, and last year started to show the pre-surgery speed and athleticism.
Prediction: 6-8 sacks.

2. Vincent Chase: even coming off his knee injury, Ryan Kennedy is the tight end opponents will fear as the Ponies' top pass-catching tight end. The report on Chase is that he's huge (260? 270?) and a punishing blocker, but he has very good hands and ran better after the catch in the spring than I thought he could. He's not going to hit a bunch of 70-yarders, but he could be a terrific third-down and red zone receiver.
Prediction: 25 receptions, 6 touchdowns.

3. James Mapps: DeMyron Martin is the man, and Johnnie Fitzgerald might be the best athlete in a talented Mustang backfield. But Mapps has elusiveness not seen at SMU since ShanDerrick Charles. His ability to wiggle his way out of traffic is going to leave a lot of defenders wondering where he went.
Prediction: 550 rushing yards, 20 receptions.

4. Reggie Carrington: the defensive line has gotten some much-deserved attention last season and over the offseason. When Carrington was a true freshman, Coach Bennett said he had all-conference talent. With Brandon Bonds and Adrian Haywood tying up blockers in front of him, Carrington will be free to run to the ball and make plays.
Prediction: 80 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries.

5. Jay'Mond Cleveland: Remember him? Cleveland is another guy who will benefit from the attention paid to others at his position, in this case Bobby Chase and lightning-fast Columbus Givens. But Cleveland runs excellent routes and has reliable hands. He had an excellent spring last year and then got lost in the shuffle in 2005. This year, he breaks out.
Prediction: 45 receptions, 5 touchdowns.

[Corso]

Maybe you can't call him a "sleeper," but I'm hoping for a huge year from Ryan Kennedy.

Others:
Jonathan Lindley
Damon Hurst
Johnnie Fitzgerald

[Ponymon]

Others: everyone else NOT mentioned. It is time for each member of the team to show that they are exceptional, which is the reason that they received a scholarship to SMU. The first chance is coming up against Tech. If we can't beat them, we can still have a good season. If we do beat them, than we can show that maybe the time is right for taking it to the next level!

[Ikus]

Well said.

Put Justin Willis on the list.

C-USA Freshman of the Year?

[Kappas Are Yummy]

We have a guy named Vincent Chase? That's awesome.

I nominate Stallion to be Turtle (he likes models) and jtstang and Hoopfan to be Drama (for obvious reasons).

[jtstang]

We have a guy named Vincent Chase? That's awesome.

I nominate Stallion to be Turtle (he likes models) and jtstang and Hoopfan to be Drama (for obvious reasons).

That's so funny I'm going to have to refrain from the usual witty retort and let its humor stand on its own. Good job, Aquaman.

[LA_Mustang]

jt has to be Ari.

[Hoofprint]

Rey Pellerin, Patrick Handy, Devin Lowery, Thomas Morestead

[PonyFan]

I'll go with all redshirt freshmen.

Emmanuel Sanders
Brad Lankford
Emerson Settle
James Mapps
and of course JUSTIN WILLIS

[smu diamond m]

I hope E Settle comes out this year, he would make a great solid 4 year player. I'm going to pull for my buddy C McKay.

J Willis really shouldn't be considered a sleeper should he? He should be expected to perform extremely well, not surprise us when he does.

[Corso]

One more: tight end Chris Phillips

[Grider]

One more: tight end Chris Phillips

You sure that shouldn't read: "One more tight end: Chris Phillips"

[jtstang]

See now, Grider gets it.

[Stallion]

Is Emerson Settle still on the team-I thought he took a bus?

[westexSMU]

Sleepers who could also have a great year are talented RB Johnnie Fitzgerald 4.35 40, ran this within last couple of months and former QB transfer WR Joseph Ferguson who has run a 10.6 100 meters.