To date recruiting update?

[Johnny Rock]

Does anyone have a list of the verbal commitments we have currently received?

It appears most of the good high school QB prospects have already commited so I hope we are seeking a JUCO QB or transfer QB of some sort. I also would like to see a few more JUCOs and transfers for other positions for the next recruiting class. This years' recruiting class will tell us a lot about Bennett's recruiting ability and the administration's commitment to competing/winning in Division 1-A.

Any comments are welcome.

[SoCal_Pony]

To elaborate on JRs post, l would like for our resident recruiting expert Stallion to assign a grade to Bennett’s first-year class as of signing date and as of today, the same for his second-year class and most importantly, what are realistic expectations for this years’ class.

I am expecting a moderate drop-off that can be placed squarely on our administration. Too bad because while some may question Bennett’s game-day coaching skills, nobody disputes his recruiting ability.

[The PonyGrad]

I see no need for a JC QB, maybe next year.

Perhaps some DL or LB especially depending on how the recovery of injured players looks.

[Scoops]

I would think we should go after JUCOs on both lines, and at LB. And perhaps a DB, if a good one's available to add instant depth. I agree, however, that with Eckert, Phillips and Romo coming back, there's not a need for a JUCO quarterback now. Sign a freshman, start to bring him along, and grab a JUCO quarterback next year, after Eckert and Romo are gone, to groom with this year's freshman behind Phillips.

[PonyFan]

Mitch Enright - OL - Southlake (Carroll), Texas
Todd Alexander - LB - Fort Worth (North Crowley), Texas
David Allison - OL - Humble, Texas
Josh Hickman - OL - Rowlett, Texas
Brad Lankford - DT - Waco, Texas

And, for our man BUS, those guys go about 285 (Enright), 295 (Allison), 285 (Hickman) and 290 (Lankford). So if you put them down as replacements for .... Matt Rushbrook (182), Trey Griffin (180), Wesley Medlock (174) and Zac Simmonds (211), then the Ponies already are a whole lot bigger!

[BUS]

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT

The HERD is forming.

I think we will get 4 to 7 more BIG MEN this season, maybe 10 more. I just HOPE that some can come from the JUCO ranks and help next year with depth.

GO MUSTANGS

[HFvictory]

290 (Lankford).

Don't kow about the other weights listed, but I know Lankford is not 290. At the end of the season he looked more like 260 (and hate to say it a slow 260). I think he weighed 270 at Nike camp over the summer and ran 5.38.

[Stallion]

he ran a 5.28 according to Rivals which is in the acceptable-not great-range.

[Pony Fan]

My guess is that he will be an OL.

[Ponymon]

I will take quickness, strength, and size over speed in the middle of the defensive line. We have had too many undersized linebackers playing defensive line for too many years and look where it has gotten us. Time for some beef in the middle to plug up the holes!

[Stallion]

no you've got it wrong. The reason we've had slight LBs is because the coaches realize its absolutely neccessary to have greater quickness at LB. Since we've failed to recruit the outstanding athletes at LB-except for the youngsters who deserve to grow-we've had to move DBs to fill those positions. That's what happens when you recruit the sleeper. He may be strong but slow or perhaps little and fast. When SMU can put athletes on the field who are both fast and have the proper size then we will get better play at LB. Check it out-you can see what a Linebacker really looks like and how fast they are by watching TV every Saturday.

[mrydel]

Success at linebacker is determined greatly by the defensive line. The defensive line's job is not only to stop the run up the middle, but to occupy the offensive lineman and keep them off of the linebackers. Thus the importance of quick and fast LBs that can pursue the ball. My most success as a linebacker in both high school and college was when I had the largest defensive line in front of me. I could easily lead the team in tackles because I would not be blocked. When I had small defensive lines that could be handled one to one by offensive lineman with no double teams, pursuing the ball carrier was much more difficult. A 260 lb pulling guard is no fun to have between you and the ball carrier. But a crashing nose tackle that ties up that pulling guard leaves the running back defenseless against a good linebacker. I think we have witnessed this from the wrong side for the past few years. When we get offensive linemen that can control the down linemen on defense and defensive linemen that can control the offensive linemen, you will appreciate the new found "skill" of our LBs. Bus knows this. This is why you need to recruit, redshirt, and strengthen the linemen on both sides of the ball. The other positions, although always desiring the best of the best, can be staffed with "good" rather than "great" for the time being if the linemen can do their job.