2005 class priorities

[PonyTales]

In addition to the seniors who will graduate this year, we have scholarships available that previously were allotted to Ricky Joe Meeks, Ervin McGee, C.D. Moss, Grant Eidson, and a few others. I've heard that we might even have a full class of scholarships in February. On the conservative side, let's say we have 20 to offer. With the departure of Eidson, Neal and Hargis, offensive line has to be priority No. 1, right? If I'm the coach (and you all can be thankful I'm not), here's how I'd like to see the breakdown:

OL: 5
DL: 4
LB: 3
S: 3
CB: 2
RB: 1
WR: 1
QB: 1

Only fluctuation there would be maybe another WR, in place of .... one of the S's? Anything I'm forgetting?

[Thumper]

I would agree with that list for the most part. On the defensive line, I think we need to focus on DEs. Yes, we're losing Allan Adami inside, but there's some talent there - Jones, Bonds, Mouton, DeLay, Denman, Karrington. We're a little light already at DE, and with Melvin Williams graduating, the loss of the Horton kid and the note I saw about Jamar Bey moving back to OLB, that just thins the ranks even more. (Although I really like the idea someone posted about bulking up Andrew McKinney and making him a big, FAST defensive end.)

And with Foy Munlin graduating and the other RBs unproven, maybe another RB for that list?

[BUS]

Just because a kid is recruited as playing a position in High School does not mean that is his position at SMU. I would like to see a couple more guys at DL. But get this..... Maybe a little lighter than normal and quicker. They can harden up with Faucette and become NICE LB's.

I knew a man that went to TT as a fullback, moved to O-tackle and then played 5 years for Da Bears. It happens all the time.

Secondly, I think you always take one QB and one running back.

[giacfsp]

Your reference to the guy at Tech sounds a lot like Jerry Ball - FB-to-DT.

I'd like to see an extra LB on that list, and I'd like to see more depth in the secondary with multiple cornerbacks and safeties. Coach Bennett's defensive philosophy thrives when he has superior DBs who he and Coach Gush can rotate in and out.

[JasonB]

Here is my list of 20, given the current roster:

QB: 1
RB: 1
WR: 3
TE: 1
OG: 2
C: 2
DE: 2
MLB: 1
OLB: 2
FS: 1
SS: 1
K: 1
P: 1
CB: 1


Additional scholarships will be used to pick up Offensive Tackle, More Corners, and more OLB.

This will move us towards 3 deep at every spot.

Kicker and Punter will be necessary because both are juniors this year, and you don't want true frosh to start there. The only guy we have on scholarship is Wolcott, who does not have a strong leg.

[Mike Damone]

We 100%, absolutely, MUST get a quarterback in this class.

[Pony4Life]

I see the logic in your list, except I'd like to see at least 2 offensive tackles, because of the lack of depth behind Johnson and Urbanus.

[JasonB]

By my count, we have DJ, Urbanus, Lobo, Poynter, Burley, Morton at DT. ALl underclassmen. It is not a position of need yet. Center is the most pressing need on the OL, and then guard.

[Stallion]

.....I seriously don't think that SMU is in position to turn down quality recruits at a single position. Now if we are talking about pickin' n' choosen' at a lower level of recruit then prorities may come into play. I think-and believe that it will become quite obvious in the next few weeks-that SMU really needs to address the receiver position. I think we got one and a whole lot of maybes.

[Mike Damone]

JasonB-

Not that I would be against signing one or two more, but isn't Mitch Enright a center, or at least projected as one in college?

[Pony Up]

By my count, we have DJ, Urbanus, Lobo, Poynter, Burley, Morton at DT. ALl underclassmen. It is not a position of need yet. Center is the most pressing need on the OL, and then guard.

Lobo is a true freshman and sounds like a good prospect, but is nobody's a sure thing. Poynter is being asked to play every OL position, which doesn't allow the time to perfect any single spot - which is vital at OT, especially if he's protecting the QB's blind side. Burley is a monster but still very raw. Morton's a third-year sophomore who not only hasn't played (maybe at all), he hasn't even earned a letter for contributing significantly. With all due respect, I'm not sure I want a guy with that résumé responsible for keeping Phillips alive and upright.

Translation: we need to sign at least 5 OLs.

[Pony Up]

And yes, Damone, the PF.com write-up on Enright said he's expecting to play center.

[DallasDiehard]

.... I would like to see a couple more guys at DL. But get this..... Maybe a little lighter than normal and quicker. They can harden up with Faucette and become NICE LB's....

You're on to something there, BUS. Stay tuned.

[Dark Horse]

The DMN said that the defensive line isn't exactly drawing rave reviews. With that in mind (and if we do get to offer a full class):

OL (still the top priority): 7 (David Allison, Mitch Enright, Josh Hickman plus four more)
DE: 2
DT: 2
WR: 3
LB: 3 (Todd Alexander plus two more)
QB: 1
RB: 1
S: 3 (Rivals seems to think Carl Sims of Corsicana is a possibility)
CB: 2
TE: 1

[GoRedGoBlue]

Better get two 6'3"+, 4.4 WR, one FRESH, one JUCO, or this offense won't do much going forward.

2005 is our competitive year, 2006 is our best shot as a team - but we need WRs