Players address transfer speculation

Post by **PonyPride** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:30 pm

When former SMU offensive line coach headed to UCLA, there was some speculation about whether some of the California players Klemm had helped recruit to SMU might follow him. So we caught up with a few of them after practice to find out if there was any fire behind the smoke.

• OT Taylor Reich: "Coach Klemm is my friend, and he was my position coach, but we (players) understand coaching is a business. I'm not going anywhere - I'm staying at SMU."

• QB Conner Preston: "I'm happy for him, getting a chance to get back to L.A. That (moving) is part of the coaching business, but I'm staying at SMU, and I'm looking forward to spring ball and next season."

• OL Ben Gottschalk: "I thought about (transferring). I think that's natural when the guy who recruits you and coaches you leaves. When he went to UCLA, I thought maybe it would be nice to go with him, because (UCLA) is ... 20 or 30 minutes from home. Besides, I grew up a (USC) Trojan fan - there's no way I could play for UCLA. But there are a lot of reasons to stay at SMU - on the field, academically, and the networking for jobs after graduation. I thought about it a lot over the break, and I realized, for sure, it's the best thing for me to stay at SMU."

03Mustang · Post by **03Mustang** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:32 pm

Cooler heads prevail....good to hear.

Curious about Levingston, though...

Post by **PonyPride** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:38 pm

Levingston and the rest of the injured players (Zach Line, etc.), have not been at pre-bowl practices.

HorseSense · Post by **HorseSense** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:40 pm

It is good to see young men thinking about their futures beyond college ball. Thank you for being true Mustangs. Go Ponies!

SMUer · Post by **SMUer** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:49 pm

Wish they would have said "No way! I love SMU" but yes, at least they realize that changes do occur.

Eddie P · Post by **Eddie P** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 4:20 pm

I disagree. If they just spouted that line, I might have trouble believing it
I'm pleased they were candid with thei[img][img][img][/img][/img][/img]r answers.

that's great raplh · Post by **that's great raplh** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 11:38 pm

Cities

Sasser Rules · Post by **Sasser Rules** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 1:50 pm

This is great news. Thanks for tracking them down, Pride. All three of those guys factor heavily into our future.

MiracleOnMockingbird · Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:13 am

Hmm, firsthand information is the enemy of message board trolls everywhere.

Dutch · Post by **Dutch** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:17 am

Great news.

whitwiki · Post by **whitwiki** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:40 am

Love the line about jobs after graduation.

lwjr · Post by **lwjr** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:08 pm

Great to hear! Thinking long term.