BIG MEN - What else

[LaTech77]

Stallion, I realize I am intruding on SMU's recruiting forum, but I would like to know something.

For the past few years I have read your rants about jucos and partial qualifiers, but I am unclear as to what your purpose is.

Do you believe SMU should be taking more chances on the same sort of athletes, or do you just believe that no school should be allowed to take that chance?

[Stallion]

I could care less what other schools do as long as its within both the letter and spirit of the NCAA rules Schools which have large numbers of non-qualifiers(Fresno 22+ a couple of years ago) or disproportionate numbers of JUCOs in comparison to the student body(Kansas St-42+ a few years ago) are not within the spirit of the NCAA rules. The reason I started pointing out these numbers is that for years fans have rather navely claimed that SMU's lack of success is the result of poor coaching. In fact, other schools that drum us in FB and BB and that includes basically the entire WAC have simply found legal ways to cut corners around SMU's standards and in some cases NCAA standards. I myself advocate SMU taking up to and including NCAA minimum standards for incoming freshmen, waiting on recruits to see if they can qualify late, taking 3-4 JUCOs in FB per year, and 1-2 JUCOs per year in BB. Because of SMU's educational stature I would never propose the admission of non-qualifiers and would support the admission of partial qualifiers in only the most unusal circumstances-the original intent of the rule. For example, I believe both Nebraska and UT have taken partial qualifiers who had severe documented learning disabilities. One kid couldn't hear and communicationed in sign. That would be allright. I have no problem with the policies of 75-80% of the schools out there but most importantly don't think SMU should be some martyr to college football. I fully support SMU advocating the creation of more stringent NCAA requirements as long as SMU is not the only school following it. The debate concerns how SMU can compete on an equal playing field with its competitors much more than it is a jab at other schools. But thos schools know who they are-and rationales in support of those policies equally make me want to vomit.

[LaTech77]

Thanks for the reply.

[SWC2010]

BIG MEN???

Go to the LaTech FB website & check the depth chart on "OL" (big, tall & nobody under 300LB)...

Go SMOOOOOOOOOO

[GoRedGoBlue]

It wouldn't kill us to hold one back every year for this exact reason rather than spend it on yet another all-district first teamer

[EastStang]

You know, somehow Ohio State has figured out how to get its borderline non-qualifiers into prep schools like Fork Union Military Academy. I just wonder if there is some rich Ohio State alum that at some point created a scholarship fund at Fork Union which goes to particularly gifted football players who seem to have been targets of Ohio State. Perhaps some of our rich alums might start a few similar funds at some of those prep schools like Oak Hill and Fork Union to give non-qualifiers leaning toward SMU some option. I can name about half a dozen military schools in Virginia that would love to have some steady pipeline of great players.

[BUS]

I addition to the Prep School idea, SMU should have a relationship or partner with a few Junior Colleges. That would mean working with the administration to accept classes form that school and focus a prospect to take those accepted classes.

I can not believe this is not already done. It may be. If not, let's get a farm system started.

[Johnny Rock]

Amen! Brother! It would greatly improve SMU's chances of getting JUCO players when the credits are accepted by SMU. Many transfers from Div. 1 schools and JUCO players consider SMU until they realize many of their credits will not be accepted by SMU. This is how schools such as TCU, N. Texas, La. Tech, Fresno St., San Jose St. and UTEP get these type of players that end up beating us on the field.

[stang_fan]

This reply goes to anyone that thinks the recruiting has been bad in the last two years. In more than one poll we have been listed as the 2nd best recruiting in the WAC for the past 2 years. We were second only to Fresno State the first year Bennett recruited. Last year, you are right, we were beaten by only Tulsa in the WAC. And that did hurt us because they like all other Southwest teams feed off of Dallas area recruits. BUT, we still managed to recruit better than Fresno, Hawaii, Boise State and Rice according to Athlon Sports and I believe at least one other magazine. We have missed on key players that may have turned this thing around faster, but recruiting second in the WAC is no easy task. You can talk about how bad Bennett's game day coaching is all you want, but do not talk bad about his recruiting skills. Everyone that meets Bennett sees one thing in him that I have seen also: he is a football coach. Now, the truth in that is yet to be seen, but that is the impression he gives off.

[HFvictory]

This reply goes to anyone that thinks the recruiting has been bad in the last two years. In more than one poll we have been listed as the 2nd best recruiting in the WAC for the past 2 years.

Instead of rankings you need to look at how the classes have performed. Last years class was ranked the lowest of the last three years, but I think it may turn out to be a much better class, but we shall see. From the 2002 class there was only 1 3 star (Barnett) and he isn't around. Several 3 stars from the 2003 class are gone (Meeks, McGee) and still some big questions on some others.

What is also missing seems to be the lower ranked kids that turn into something special. Martin may be one from last year along with some others, but to say recruiting has gone well does not tell the whole story.

[BUS]

No it does not tell the whole story but it does tell a

BETTER STORY.

We are getting better. Next step is better on the field, then better in the stands and check book.

It starts with recruiting and that is better.

[SoCal_Pony]

Bus,

I don’t think you’ll get much of an argument on this board about Bennett’s ability to recruit, the improved quality of our athletes or that we will get ‘better’. When you are the 117th worse program out of 120, it is hard to get worse.

I think the concern with many is that last years’ recruiting class wasn’t as good as the year before and I now suspect this year will not be as good as last years. If someone with greater knowledge on recruiting would offer their opinion on this I would appreciate it.

It just seems that this administration has taken the momentum from Bennett and that is a real shame.

[PK]

0-12 probably has more to do with any momentum shift than the Admin. I mean what has the Admin done this year that would make you think that they have done anything to affect the momentum? Besides, with a few more wins, that momentum could shift back up again. Let's not be counting the eggs, good or bad, until the basket is full.

[jtstang]

0-12 probably has more to do with any momentum shift than the Admin. I mean what has the Admin done this year that would make you think that they have done anything to affect the momentum? Besides, with a few more wins, that momentum could shift back up again. Let's not be counting the eggs, good or bad, until the basket is full.

You speak the truth about the record. Not sure what the gripe du jour is about the admin--is it Juco-transfer-friendly majors or just athlete friendly majors today? Even if we could get the majors fixed, it won't be in time to save this program. Only improving the record will help, and I don't see it happening this year. We are in a tailspin towards double secret attendance probation and/or a lower division and the ground is coming up fast--hope we don't break those eggs when we hit....

[Johnny Rock]

It is premature to judge SMU's recruiting classes with our WAC foes. Most, if not all, of our WAC foes add several JUCO and transfers every year to help their teams in addition to the high school players. The last several years SMU also has had trouble keeping recruits around for four or five years. It amazes me the lack of senior and junior production on this years team. I will be impressed if Bennett can keep most of his recruits in school for four years without them quitting or transferring. I sure hope SMU gets a few more JUCO players and transfers for next year. I believe Bennett said he did not give all of his scholarships last year due to many players expressing interest in transferring to SMU from other schools. We will see....