Here are a few notes we at The HillTopics were able to compile following SMU's first day of spring football practice.
Numbers game
Head coach Sonny Dykes said there were 123 players out for Day 1 of practice. That's a big deal, and it shows the team has plenty of depth at all the positions.
Obviously, SMU has tons of offensive linemen, and many of them will be competing for two-deep spots. But one position that seems to have a huge number is linebacker.
And speaking of linebacker ...
Same guy, new position
Keke Burns has been moved from wide receiver to outside linebacker. He's bulked up and now is pushing 205 pounds, and he could be a coverage backer/safety hybrid in SMU's defense.
Making tackles won't be new for Burns. In high schools, he had 57 tackles and an interception at Class 4A Pittsburg.
Quick update on Roberson, McDaniel
We've reported that wide receiver Reggie Roberson Jr. and running back TJ McDaniel won't participate in spring football this season. Roberson is still recovering from a knee injury, and McDaniel is still recovering from an ankle injury -- both occuring against Memphis last October.
The good news is that both Roberson and McDaniel are "progressing nicely" and should be ready to go in time for the summer.
Jersey wars?
True freshman quarterback Preston Stone expected to wear No. 2 upon his arrival to SMU. Walk-on quarterback Josh Stupin wore No. 2 last year.
Something had to give, right?
The result: Stone will keep No. 2, while Stupin will wear No. 14 this season.
Take that for whatever it's worth.
Numbers game
Head coach Sonny Dykes said there were 123 players out for Day 1 of practice. That's a big deal, and it shows the team has plenty of depth at all the positions.
Obviously, SMU has tons of offensive linemen, and many of them will be competing for two-deep spots. But one position that seems to have a huge number is linebacker.
And speaking of linebacker ...
Same guy, new position
Keke Burns has been moved from wide receiver to outside linebacker. He's bulked up and now is pushing 205 pounds, and he could be a coverage backer/safety hybrid in SMU's defense.
Making tackles won't be new for Burns. In high schools, he had 57 tackles and an interception at Class 4A Pittsburg.
Quick update on Roberson, McDaniel
We've reported that wide receiver Reggie Roberson Jr. and running back TJ McDaniel won't participate in spring football this season. Roberson is still recovering from a knee injury, and McDaniel is still recovering from an ankle injury -- both occuring against Memphis last October.
The good news is that both Roberson and McDaniel are "progressing nicely" and should be ready to go in time for the summer.
Jersey wars?
True freshman quarterback Preston Stone expected to wear No. 2 upon his arrival to SMU. Walk-on quarterback Josh Stupin wore No. 2 last year.
Something had to give, right?
The result: Stone will keep No. 2, while Stupin will wear No. 14 this season.
Take that for whatever it's worth.
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