Fall Camp Depth Chart buzz: SMU Offense
SMU Football is rolling in fall camp toward the season opener against Nevada. As fall camp continues, we’ll review the depth chart for the Mustangs. On Thursday, we look at the offensive depth chart.
QB1 Preston Stone, QB2 Kevin Jennings
QB Buzz: We have said we expect Stone to start Game 1 vs. Nevada, but both Stone and Jennings have had their moments in fall camp that’ve been impressive. They’ve also dealt with plenty of pressure with the strong play of SMU’s defensive line. For fall camp, it’s hard to tell the offensive potential because of that pressure, but both are capable quarterbacks for the Mustangs. The ceiling for Rhett Lashlee’s 2024 team will lie with these two signal callers.
RB1 LJ Johnson, RB2 Jaylan Knighton
RB Buzz: Johnson’s the most well-rounded of the group. He’s physical and has size to be an every-down back. That said, Knighton is explosive and even Miami transfer Brashard Smith will factor in with his explosiveness. Camar Wheaton is sitting out with an injury so it’ll be something to monitor, but for now, we expect the same 1-2 punch to take the lion’s share of the carries. Their contributions will be key for new running backs coach Kyle Cooper and how their development is viewed. Freshman Derrick McFall is explosive, but he needs continued development.
WR1: Romello Brinson, WR2: Jordan Hudson
WR1 Key’Shawn Smith, WR2: Moochie Dixon
Slot1: Jake Bailey, Slot2: Roderick Daniels
WR Buzz: The wide receiver room is interesting. Sources say it’s a group that’s elevated their game, but does that mean there will be a wideout or two that emerges? That’s still to be seen. What we know is there are six capable pass catchers. Consider the group above as the co-starters as a safe bet, but wide receivers coach Rob Likens and Lashlee would love to see someone grab a star role. In the offseason, there’s been enough buzz around Brinson that we believe he starts. Hudson will play a ton, Smith had a strong offseason and Dixon is healthy and fast as all get out. Bailey and Daniels continue to be strong options in the slot.
TE1 RJ Maryland, TE2 Matthew Hibner
TE Buzz: Maryland has a chance for stardom this season, but Hibner has the body and athleticism to make a lot of noise. Sophomore Adam Moore has a bright future as well. The pecking order is straight-forward, but it’s a group that is considered deep for SMU.
LT1 PJ Williams LT2 Caleb Johnson
LG1 Logan Parr, LG2 Nate Anderson
C1 Justin Osborne, C2 Jakai Clark/Graham Uter
RG1 Jakai Clark, RG2 Ben Sparks
RT1 Andrew Chamblee, RT2 Savion Byrd
OL Buzz: SMU’s offensive line will get a boost soon enough when Parr is back. When he’s back to full participation is coming, but the question is when? Nonetheless, SMU will start him at left guard barring something crazy. With Arkansas transfer Andrew Chamblee sitting out with an injury, there’s been some shuffling, but right tackle will be Savion Byrd, if he’s not fully healthy. Justin Osborne is an Outland Trophy Watch List pick and he’s got a bright future wherever he plays on the offensive line this fall. That said, we expect him as the starting center. If he can’t fulfill that job at any point, Clark will likely slide over, but Graham Uter will have that role at some point in the future. With Nate Anderson, Ben Sparks and Alex Woods, the Mustangs have terrific depth at guard. Overall, the offensive line has a lot of changes, but has talent and depth across the board.
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