Midweek SMU football practice notebook, takeaways
SMU‘s had a busy week of fall camp with the ACC Network stopping by for its Football Kickoff Road Trip. How’ve the Mustangs looked so far this week before an off day on Thursday?
We got in-depth unloading our notes and takeaways from practices.
*** SMU’s quarterbacks are coming off two strong practices this week. The group pushed the ball down the field well in practice with players like Jordan Hudson, Key’Shawn Smith and others making plays. Preston Stone and Kevin Jennings both hit deep shots during practice on Wednesday, we’re told.
*** Wide receiver Romello Brinson is sharpening his craft when it comes to catching the intermediate balls that he’ll take contact on. With his added strength, this is an area that we could see some improvement from him.
*** Freshman safety Jaylen Moses was practicing well today during the safety indy drills. Defensive coordinator Scott Symons was happy with Moses’ man coverage ability.
*** SMU wideout Jordan Hudson led off the tempo drill with a catch for what would’ve been a first down. Hudson was also getting the fundamentals right in the indy drills, watching the ball all the way in, until he secured the catch.
*** Tight end RJ Maryland was making all the catches expected of him, and he was doing a nice job blocking on the screen passes as the wide receivers and tight ends worked out together today. Matthew Hibner continues to show the added pass catching threat that he’ll bring as well.
*** Quarterbacks Preston Stone and Kevin Jennings looked sharp today. In recent press conferences, the coaching staff spoke about the progress the quarterbacks were making and today’s tempo drill was in line with what the coaches preached. Stone and Jennings went a combined 5-for-5, finding Jordan Hudson, Jamarion Carroll (x2), Randy Reece, and Moochie Dixon.
*** During SMU’s tempo drill, Isaiah Smith and Cam Robertson collapsed the pocket from each side for a sack on Kevin Jennings.
*** Running back Brashard Smith did his thing during the special teams periods. On one of his returns, Smith followed his blockers up the middle and was off to the races. Smith also bounced a return to the outside, beating everyone down the sideline untouched.
*** Offensive lineman Nate Anderson took first-team reps at right tackle today during the tempo period. Anderson looked solid in this position, picking up his assignments on pass blocks and doing his part when running the football.
*** Building off the Anderson notes, he’s got an edge to him that’s complemented the edge that PJ Williams has played with in practice in fall camp so far. The defense brings some of its own physicality, but Anderson and Williams have shown well in regards to bringing the physicality.
*** Wide receiver Ashton Cozart and safety Jaden Milliner-Jones worked off to the side during practice so their status will be something to watch. Edge rushers coach Sam Dunnam revealed on Wednesday that Bandit Jahfari Harvey dealt with a groin strain earlier in fall camp, but he was seen Tuesday getting extra work after practice.
*** Speaking of extra work, SMU’s started elevating its conditioning over the last few practices. To cap practice, the coaching staff leads the team through more serious short sprints to finish. During the course of them, the team has found an extra gear, cheering for each other and clapping, hoping to show the coaches they’re finishing strong and supporting each other. We’ll add that center Justin Osborne did them with pads on, pushing himself through the heat. The team is allowed to ditch the pads during this as it’s toward the end of a hot practice.
On The Pony Express’ Dean Ralsky contributed to this report.
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