Fresh after SMU's first scrimmage -- and its first open practice to fans and recruits -- here are a few names to watch who some may consider under-the-radar players.
WR Dylan Goffney
Head coach Sonny Dykes knew what he had in Goffney, a 2021 signee who has shown plenty of playmaker ability at wide receiver already. Goffney was effective during Saturday's scrimmage, and he's making a case for not only breaking the two-deep depth chart but also potentially finding a way into getting starter's minutes soon.
DB Bryce McMorris
Another true freshman and early enrollee on SMU roster, McMorris has been very good in the secondary, and he showed his ability to make plays Saturday. McMorris is listed as a safety but has true secondary skills to where he's a reliable coverage back. A starting safety spot is still wide open, and McMorris is in the running.
RB Orlando Jones
Here's a name we don't hear much when discussing SMU running backs, but also a player who refuses to go away when those discussions happen. A bowling ball in the backfield at 5-9, 240 pounds, Jones moves very well and has made a few highlight runs during spring practices. The highlights continued Saturday when he broke free for another long touchdown run.
LB Keke Burns
Burns has transitioned quite well from the offensive side -- where he was buried in the wide receiver depth chart -- to the defensive side -- where he is in the running for a starting spot at linebacker. At 6-3 and 202 pounds, Burns looks the part of an outside linebacker/safety hybrid.
WR Calvin Wiggins
SMU has a lot of speed at wide receivers, but Wiggins brings a different dynamic to the group. At 6-4, he is the tallest wide receiver on the roster. At nearly 200 pounds, he's a big target who also has a second gear to escape defenders. Could 2021 be Wiggins' breakout year?
WR Dylan Goffney
Head coach Sonny Dykes knew what he had in Goffney, a 2021 signee who has shown plenty of playmaker ability at wide receiver already. Goffney was effective during Saturday's scrimmage, and he's making a case for not only breaking the two-deep depth chart but also potentially finding a way into getting starter's minutes soon.
DB Bryce McMorris
Another true freshman and early enrollee on SMU roster, McMorris has been very good in the secondary, and he showed his ability to make plays Saturday. McMorris is listed as a safety but has true secondary skills to where he's a reliable coverage back. A starting safety spot is still wide open, and McMorris is in the running.
RB Orlando Jones
Here's a name we don't hear much when discussing SMU running backs, but also a player who refuses to go away when those discussions happen. A bowling ball in the backfield at 5-9, 240 pounds, Jones moves very well and has made a few highlight runs during spring practices. The highlights continued Saturday when he broke free for another long touchdown run.
LB Keke Burns
Burns has transitioned quite well from the offensive side -- where he was buried in the wide receiver depth chart -- to the defensive side -- where he is in the running for a starting spot at linebacker. At 6-3 and 202 pounds, Burns looks the part of an outside linebacker/safety hybrid.
WR Calvin Wiggins
SMU has a lot of speed at wide receivers, but Wiggins brings a different dynamic to the group. At 6-4, he is the tallest wide receiver on the roster. At nearly 200 pounds, he's a big target who also has a second gear to escape defenders. Could 2021 be Wiggins' breakout year?
