The Real Key Young Players to Success in 2008

[Stallion]

for some reason-I guess because of the new Coach-way way too much emphasis has been placed on raw freshman recruits "turning the program around". I'd say the players with the real potential to add new athleticism and help turn the program around must actually come to a great extent from these kids who have redshirted or had little game experience. If some of these guys don't play big roles at least as backups SMU will be introuble:

De'Von Bailey
Kelvin Beachum
Derrius Bell
J. T. Brooks
Chris Butler
Tim Crosby
Adrian Dizer
Bradley Haynes
Julian Herron
Jourdan Johnson
Josh LeReibus
Aldrick Robinson
Anthony Sowe
DeMikel Shankle
Zac Thomas
Bryce Tennison
Rock Dennis

[Vitale]

I'm betting most of them make a contribution, at least on special teams. Bell, Dizer (if healthy), Robinson and Sowe - at least - also will make major contributions on offense and defense.

[PerunaPunch]

Tennison should start on the OL. Maybe our best OL and an impact player for sure.

Rock isn't a "young guy", he's a Jr.

Ditto for Dizer.

Aldrick Robinson is the real deal. Barring an injury or JWill overlooking him in favor of Sanders, Robinson is going to turn some heads... Big time.

Butler also might have a breakout year. Everything looks and sounds good from Martin, but I've heard that from him the last two years. This is Martin's last year to do anything, so I hope he takes full advantage. If not, then Butler may have an even larger role.

[smupony]

Isn't Kelvin Beachum our Spring Roster starting left tackle? I would say he is the most important piece. Or is it right tackle?

[PonyPride]

Left tackle. He and Vincent Chase are listed as the top two at that spot.

[PonyPatrol]

If you're going to include Rock on that list, I'd throw in McElroy as well. Three starting caliber corners could go a long way in holding opponents under 900 yards/game.

I agree with the consensous that Aldrick Robinson will play a big role this year, but I'm interested to see what Bradley Haynes can do in this offense. It appears behind Sanders and Robinson we're looking for two more consistent threats at WR and I'm hoping this is one of the guys that emerges in that role. Add one of the true freshmen to that mix as well.

Keep an eye on what Jessie Henderson can do in the slot. I realize he's a senior, but if he stays healthy this could be another viable offensive addition.

[mrydel]

If you're going to include Rock on that list, I'd throw in McElroy as well. Three starting caliber corners could go a long way in holding opponents under 900 yards/game.

I agree with the consensous that Aldrick Robinson will play a big role this year, but I'm interested to see what Bradley Haynes can do in this offense. It appears behind Sanders and Robinson we're looking for two more consistent threats at WR and I'm hoping this is one of the guys that emerges in that role. Add one of the true freshmen to that mix as well.

Keep an eye on what Jessie Henderson can do in the slot. I realize he's a senior, but if he stays healthy this could be another viable offensive addition.

Henderson has been moved to running back. He will be broken in two.

[Cadillac]

If you're going to include Rock on that list, I'd throw in McElroy as well. Three starting caliber corners could go a long way in holding opponents under 900 yards/game.

Perhaps it's the ultimate football "chicken v. egg" situation, but until the pass rush picks up, the DBs are going to have a hell of a time of it back there. Given time the wideouts will always get open regardless of who you have covering them.

-CoS

[Buddha]

If you're going to include Rock on that list, I'd throw in McElroy as well.

Word is they really like Tim Crosby, too.