Will SMU offer?

[Lotus]

A guy who someone has called "the best WR in Oklahoma" (based on his junior year) has expressed interest in SMU. But apparently, SMU (at least when this report from Insiders was written) hasn't offered (maybe because of his 40 time?)

Marquis Hamilton
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 210 40: 4.7
Position: WR
Edmond (North), Okla

Biography:
JR Stats: The top wide receiver prospect in the state of Oklahoma in 2004; 36 rec/602 yds/5 TDs; 17 tackles/2 FR/2 picks.

3.3/20 ACT/Feb retake--"I know I can do better."

Final SR (8-3) stats: 750 rec yds/4 TDs; 1 INT/2 FR

Scouting Report: Runs crisp routes and has good hands. Has the size coveted in a wide receiver, but must prove he has adequate speed to adjust to college football.

Coach's Comments: "There are a lot of receivers in high school that stand out mainly due to their ability to run the deep route," said Head Coach Bill Bays. "Marquis is a complete receiver that does everything on the field. I try not to tell him that to prevent him from getting a big head, but there is nothing that I can't ask him to do out there."

Hamilton: "I'm very physical, I have great hands and good routes and I think my size is one of my biggest strengths. The main thing I need to work on is my speed. I have a relaxed style--like Larry Fitzgerald. He makes it look so easy. I'm working with my speed coach (Marcus Bivens). He played at Oklahoma for a short time."

Schools of Interest:
Iowa State (High Interest - offer - 12/10/2004 visit)
Missouri (Medium Interest - no offer - no visit scheduled)
New Mexico (Medium Interest - offer - no visit scheduled)
SMU (Medium Interest - no offer - no visit scheduled)
Tulsa (Medium Interest - offer - 12/03/2004 visit)

[DallasDiehard]

If that 40 isn't quite up to snuff for a WR, how about bulking him up to make him a TE, OLB or even (if he can handle the weight) a DE?

[mrydel]

Good tall wideouts are hard to come by. IF we were able to get him I would prefer he remain as a wideout. What is interesting about wide receiver speed is not how fast can you run, but how fast can you run and still see and adjust to the ball. If you have never tried it you should. Running full speed down a field (forget about being bumped and jostled by a defensive back) and being able to focus on a football, especially at night with lights or daytime with a high sky is very difficult. That is something that makes great receivers great. Maximizing speed with the ability to focus on the ball. What impresses me most about the kid's statements is when he says his coach is working with him on his speed. I am sure that means he is helping him to be able to focus at a greater speed rather than just running faster. Receivers like Randy Moss and Jerry Rice have been able to conquer that maximum speed and focus and have been able to excel because of it. I saw that ability in the Renfro kid also. Although he is small and perhaps not the fastest in a straight dash, his ability to adjust and separate is very good and he will be a top notch receiver. Just a few thoughts. I sure would like some tall wideouts. Would not mind a few tall corners also. And a few big lineman offensive and defensive, and maybe some big fast running backs and linebackers.................etc.

[SWC2010]

Good points, MRYDEL. The '40' is a good measuring tool, but should not be the sole gage for recruiting receivers. A couple of Dallas guys, Drew Pearson & Michael Irvin would have never been heavily recruited on the '40' alone.

With the new offensive sets of "Inside Receivers", which are starting to look like small TE, I like the idea of a couple of large possession guys to go with "WR".

Plus, we should widen our net to include some guys from OK, LA, AR, NM, etc.

[DallasDiehard]

.... Plus, we should widen our net to include some guys from OK, LA, AR, NM, etc.

Perhaps the best sentence in this thread. We do need to expand the radius and start pulling more talent from neighboring states.