Monday (3/25/13) practice report

[PonyPride]

The Mustangs opened spring workouts Monday morning, with the offense inside Ford Stadium and the defense spending much of the morning on the Pettus practice field, although the defense did come in to Ford for some simulated live action.

• Two players in new positions: as has been rumored before the open of spring workouts, Ronnell Sims is working at running back, and former CB Rodney Hubert is now a receiver.

• DE Beau Barnes did not work out, and said he won't take part in any practices this spring. Barnes had shoulder surgery after the Mustangs' rout of Fresno State in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, and is sitting out of spring workouts to be cautious. "It feels good," he said. "I could practice, but we're just being careful. I'm going to work out and continue my rehab, but I'll be out here, too, for learning purposes."

• New faces at practice include CB Ty Law, outside WR Nate Halverson, RB Traylon Shead, QB Austin Kent, slot WR Deion Sanders and offensive assistant coach/passing game coordinator Hal Mumme, who roamed around between different position groups and offered his input, suggestions, etc.

• OL William Barns, a 2013 signee from Highland Park High School, was in attendance at practice.

• The skeleton (no defense) passing drills that are a staple at SMU practices look a lot different this spring. During the fall, because of an injury that cost QB Garrett Krstich most of the 2012 season, graduate assistant Timmy Chang often stepped in so that the team would have four passers to throw to four receivers running simultaneous routes. Krstich is now back, joining 2012 starter Garrett Gilbert, Conner Preston, Neal Burcham and JUCO transfer Austin Kent.

• The team released what was identified as a "pre-spring" depth chart last week, with the understanding that there is some fluidity and that the pecking order at certain positions will change, which was evident during the first practice. Among those not listed on the pre-spring two-deep were OLs Sam Rice and Stavion Lowe.

• WR Arrius Holleman looks visibly thinner and faster, getting behind DBs on several deep passes.

• With Wes Suan moving to offensive line coach, graduate assistant Timmy Chang will serve as the Mustangs' running backs coach, although he and Suan will work together a lot, as the running backs and offensive line spend a lot of time together at practice in the SMU offense. Head coach June Jones has said since his arrival at SMU that the first priority for running backs on his team is always going to be understanding and executing in the protection.

• It was a little weird seeing QB Austin Kent at practice. The transfer from Laney (Calif.) College is listed on the SMU roster as No. 18, but wore No. 2 in practice.

[PonyKai]

So Suan to OL, Chang to RB, and Mumme to "coordinate."

[Alaric]

WR Arrius Holleman looks visibly thinner and faster, getting behind DBs on several deep passes.

Big, strong, fast kid with possibly the worst hands of all time. So much physical talent. Some people just don't have hands - hope he finds some. Maybe he'd work at safety.

[ponyboy]

Know who I would have long ago moved to receiver? Greenbauer.

[Casey]

Know who I would have long ago moved to receiver? Greenbauer.

I'd be OK with that, but only after the safety position is solidified. There are players there, but until we know who can play, I'd be hesitant to move someone out of that position (plus, there are loads of WRs on the roster). Even before his awesome TD return against Fresno, Greenbauer was playing really well when he took over the starting position.

[SMU2007]

Do graduate assistants usually just fill in anywhere? Does it make sense Timmy Chang is working with the RBs? Is that how it typically works?

[PonyPride]

It certainly isn't unusual. Many coaches start as GAs, rather than full-time coaches, and they often get assigned to a specific position group. In this case, it seems to make sense, because Chang, of course, has a solid understanding of the offense, and at SMU practices, the running backs and offensive line spend a large amount of time together, so he has Wes Suan nearby for much of the time if he needs guidance, etc.