Why focus on Texas

[SMU SPE]

Reading numerous posts on recruiting I keep asking myself, why does SMU keep focusing on (and losing) HS players from Texas.

Why not recruit elsewhere. I understand the economies of recruiting trips to NY and California might be expensive, but there might be players that are right for the program that aren't tuned into the post death penalty problems.

[HFvictory]

The talent pool in Texas is huge, but now the competition is greater than ever for that talent. I agree that SMU needs to expand its recruiting territory. I think Bennett initially felt he could get all the talent he needed just from the metroplex and really narrowed the focus. That at least has changed, but it will take some time to make a major impact.

You would think tie-ins to LA Shreveport's Evangel would be a natural for SMU as would many of the big private schools in LA (and they have a lot of talent). Obviously, the Houston area is huge and the change of focus has reaped some benefit already in that region. I don't know if there is any major recruiting being done in West Texas or South Texas.

[EastStang]

I echo that sentiment. With Bennett's ties to the DISD, I think he felt that he could get pretty good with just those students. We did land a great legacy player from Georgia. And he did look at JUCO's all over the place. I think he will spend more efforts in Houston and certainly in the Cattle ranches of West Texas. However, Texas is the biggest football recruiting gold mine in the country.

[PonySnob]

Certainly when you are 4-27 in your time on the Hilltop, recruiting is much more difficult.

[Stampede]

and.... recruiting is made more difficult with PonySnub always bringing attention to whatever negatives (including record) he can find at SMU.... which, by the way, is our biggest negative.

Cavan did not leave (m)any players when he left. Nice people but not real great players.

"Get more athletes and they (W's) will come."

[Stallion]

there are about 10 Division 1A recruits in West Texas-there are about 130 in DFW. But in CUSA I do feel we should focus on Oklahoma and Louisiana. To Bennett's credit we got more DFW top players to take at least a quick look at us this year than just about any year I remember. He ain't closing any deals in DFW though at 4-27 and 0-12 and 1-18. First you have to crawl before you can walk and until we have a fairly competitive team we will struggle with top DFW talent.

[White Helmet]

I do know Bennett has spent time with a QB from West Texas by the name of Matt Phillips, from San Angelo Lake View. He was at the TCU game as a guest of both schools, perosnally I know the kid and think he doesnt belong here, just using this to prove the point that Bennett is looking in West Texas

[HFvictory]

there are about 10 Division 1A recruits in West Texas-there are about 130 in DFW. But in CUSA I do feel we should focus on Oklahoma and Louisiana. To Bennett's credit we got more DFW top players to take at least a quick look at us this year than just about any year I remember. He ain't closing any deals in DFW though at 4-27 and 0-12 and 1-18. First you have to crawl before you can walk and until we have a fairly competitive team we will struggle with top DFW talent.

About 10 kids in Midland alone. Some really poor recruits coming out of Midland/Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, El Paso, etc.

[MustangStealth]

Reading numerous posts on recruiting I keep asking myself, why does SMU keep focusing on (and losing) HS players from Texas.

Why not recruit elsewhere. I understand the economies of recruiting trips to NY and California might be expensive, but there might be players that are right for the program that aren't tuned into the post death penalty problems.

For a lot of kids playing near home is a big incentive. They want their friends and families to be able to see them. Also local players tend to have local fan followings. Did you see how many SMU fans were at the game Saturday wearing Moats high school jerseys? We are lucky to be in this area for football recruiting.

[MustangFan]

I do know Bennett has spent time with a QB from West Texas by the name of Matt Phillips, from San Angelo Lake View. He was at the TCU game as a guest of both schools, perosnally I know the kid and think he doesnt belong here, just using this to prove the point that Bennett is looking in West Texas

According to DC's Texas Football mag, Lakeview QB Matt Phillips (6-2, 210, 4.9) runs a shotgun offense. I don't know any what he's done this year, but last year he completed 133-of-269 passes for 1,492 yards with 11 TDs and 11 INTs. He also ran for 700 rushing yards last year.