SMU’s defensive back group looks to reverse last year’s struggles

SMU’s first spring below new head coach Rhett Lashlee is within the books. What did we be taught from the preliminary glimpse at subsequent year’s Mustangs? It’s time for one more position-by-position look. Up subsequent: the defensive backs …

Defensive backs

Notable going: Trever Denbow (Graduated), T.Q. Jackson (Transfer), Jadarius Thursby (Transfer), Chevin Calloway, Cam’Ron Jones (Transfer)

Notable coming: Chris Adimora (Transfer – Texas), Kevaris Hall (Transfer – Tulane), Pierre Goree (Recruit – Duncanville), Ahmaad Moses (Recruit – Mansfield Summit), Anthony Davis (Recruit – Skyline), Jayden Lawton (Recruit – Lovejoy)

What we realized: The spring recreation for SMU wasn’t precisely a spring recreation. Still, it did give a take a look at a possible depth chart heading into summer time. Of course, the “starters” and “backups” from the ultimate spring showcase aren’t written in stone for a Week 1 projection, however the defensive back groupings may’ve been essentially the most fascinating we noticed. Specifically, the surface corners.

Ar’mani Johnson and Sam Westfall, two seniors, obtained the beginning nod, whereas Jahari Rogers and Bryce McMorris, the starters as freshmen a season in the past, ran with the second staff. This merely might be an ode to seniority by new SMU corners coach Rickey Hunley Jr., and an indication that beginning jobs should be earned, or it might be the way in which the brand new regime sees issues early on.

Considering last season, that may be fascinating. Rogers, a highly-touted switch from Florida, and McMorris, a real freshman enjoying nook for the primary time, obtained lots of expertise a season in the past as younger starters. There have been lots of studying classes, too. SMU’s passing protection ranked 124th within the nation a 12 months in the past, permitting a median of 278 yards per recreation and practically 14 yards per completion. It was the evident weak point for the Mustangs, and in losses towards Houston, Cincinnati and Memphis, it was uncovered.

But there might be long-term worth in these experiences. A possible leap from Year 1 to Year 2 was a storyline value following heading into spring. Rogers gave some credence to that concept with an enormous deal with within the spring recreation – the most important hit the complete evening. McMorris had some good moments, as effectively. It’ll be intriguing to see how the battle for the surface nook spots goes in summer time and fall.

As for the opposite defensive back spots, Isaiah Nwokobia – a breakout true freshman a season in the past – and Bryan Massey obtained the beginning at security, whereas Brandon Crossley obtained nearly all of first staff performs at nickel back. Massey confirmed his athleticism as a returner a season in the past, however wasn’t utilized that a lot as a security. I believe that can change with new safeties coach Craig Naivar. Massey additionally had a formidable interception and return within the 7on7 part of the ultimate spring showcase.

What we nonetheless want to be taught: The Mustangs used a heavy rotation last 12 months on protection. Will the brand new employees do this this season, contemplating the layers of competitors they’ve for beginning spots? Or will they determine starters early and experience with them?

Also, lots of newcomers are on their manner, together with former Texas security Chris Adimora, a former four-star recruit who recorded 61 tackles and defended seven passes in three seasons for the Longhorns. He ought to be candidate to crack the depth chart early, however can every other newcomers?

One phrase, plus evaluation: Catalyst

I used pivotal as a one-word evaluation for the defensive line largely due to the struggles of the secondary a season in the past. But what if the secondary doesn’t wrestle prefer it did a season in the past? That might be a catalyst for defensive success for the Mustangs in 2022.

Position outlooks

QB | RB | WR | OL | DL | LB | DB | More to come…

On Twitter: @JoeJHoyt