Mouton the Real Deal?

[ponyboy]

I was glad to hear that we got Mouton and have been reading with some interest the debate going on about his abilities. As usual, the conversation runs the gamut from "this guy is all world" to "we're his only Division I scholarship offer." I took Stallion's challenge and did an internet search for the guy and, he's right, there's not a lot out there.

Let me throw this out there as a question. Assuming for a second that he was in fact offered by eleven of the twelve Big 12 schools as a senior to be in late 2001, early 2002, is it not possible that a player of that caliber might have dropped off the radars of the recruiting services simply because he didn't play his senior year in 2002? As a non-player in '02 -- not sure when the eligibility hearing was -- he probably would not have even made one of those "next years prospects" lists.

I did, by the way, see that he was a participant in the 2003 Coca Cola Texas High School All Star game http://texasfootball.com/03high_0122.html As a non-player his senior year, that does say *something* about his abilities.

[Stallion]

Let me clarify that I'm not saying he's a bad prospects-in fact with the troubles we have in recruiting big, quick defensive lineman it sounds like he was definitely worth the gamble-I'm just saying I am skeptical that he was offered by all the schools mentioned in the article. He might very well have been recruited by most of them.

[No Cal Pony]

Most likely he was recruited by all the bigger boys. Even as likely he was offered, but given his situation, who knows how that actually panned out. As we know, even ut, a$m, and the like don't mind snapping up some of the lesser talented just to fill gaps, and to keep them tied up just in case they do end up playing better than they might have been noticed for.

I just hope he is ready to hit, and make a hit.

Go Ponies!

[Charleston Pony]

Having not played in two years, nobody should expect Mouton to come right in and earn a spot on the two-deep. If he does, then this coaching staff made a great decision given the fact Mouton has 4 years of eligibility remaining.

With Adami playing his final season as a Mustang, this looks to be an important addition. Jones and Bonds showed last year that they will be good interior players and it sounds like randy Denman might be ready to contribute.

I'd love to see more 300 lb guys in the middle so we could move guys like Karrington and DeLay to DE positions... but the bottom line in all of this is that Mouton, whether this year or next year when we start CUSA play, will add much needed depth to the DL. Things are definitely looking up as far as I'm concerned.

[ponyboy]

Here's the release from smumustangs.com

Bennett Adds Defensive Tackle
SMU Signs Mouton

For Immediate Release
Monday, August 9, 2004

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU football team got a big addition this weekend as 6-3, 305-pound defensive tackle Kendall Mouton joined the Mustang squad.

Mouton, a graduate of Arlington Lamar, comes to SMU after a redshirt season a year ago at Kilgore College and will have four years of eligibility. Mouton’s step-brother, Fred Turner is currently a wide receiver for SMU.

In 2002, as a senior at Lamar High School in Arlington, Mouton was declared ineligible due to Texas high schools’ "four-year rule." While living in Louisiana, Mouton played with his school's ninth-grade team as an eighth grader, so he already had played four years of high school football when he entered his senior year.

As a junior, Mouton was recruited by all the Big 12 schools except for Texas along with several ACC and SEC schools. Despite having not played in two seasons, Mouton still had offers from Missouri and New Mexico over the summer.

"He's the kind of player we want to recruit,” said SMU Head Coach Phil Bennett. “He's very active for a big guy. It's not going to happen overnight, but he has all the qualities you want, and he has the right make-up. Time will tell how good he becomes, but he's the type of guy we need."

Mouton, who will wear number 54 this fall, is currently practicing with the team.

[Stallion]

I'll buy that.

[Ikus]

Here's the release from smumustangs.com

Bennett Adds Defensive Tackle
SMU Signs Mouton

For Immediate Release
Monday, August 9, 2004

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU football team got a big addition this weekend as 6-3, 305-pound defensive tackle Kendall Mouton joined the Mustang squad.

Mouton, a graduate of Arlington Lamar, comes to SMU after a redshirt season a year ago at Kilgore College and will have four years of eligibility. Mouton’s step-brother, Fred Turner is currently a wide receiver for SMU.

In 2002, as a senior at Lamar High School in Arlington, Mouton was declared ineligible due to Texas high schools’ "four-year rule." While living in Louisiana, Mouton played with his school's ninth-grade team as an eighth grader, so he already had played four years of high school football when he entered his senior year.

As a junior, Mouton was recruited by all the Big 12 schools except for Texas along with several ACC and SEC schools. Despite having not played in two seasons, Mouton still had offers from Missouri and New Mexico over the summer.

"He's the kind of player we want to recruit,” said SMU Head Coach Phil Bennett. “He's very active for a big guy. It's not going to happen overnight, but he has all the qualities you want, and he has the right make-up. Time will tell how good he becomes, but he's the type of guy we need."

Mouton, who will wear number 54 this fall, is currently practicing with the team.

Is it just me, or does that sound like the story on PonyFans? Did PF.com run the story before the school released it?

[ClassOf81]

I saw some of practice over the weekend. That new guy certainly looks the part. He's big, but he looks athletic, too. They'll need to knock off some rust and dust, but he sure does command your attention when you watch him.

[PK]

Is it just me, or does that sound like the story on PonyFans? Did PF.com run the story before the school released it?

Yes.

[ponyboy]

The important difference between the two stories being the words "recruited by" versus "offered by"...