Projecting SMU’s offensive depth chart
SMU Football is just two weeks away from its opening game against Louisiana Tech, a perfect time to project the offensive depth chart for the Mustangs.
SMU quarterbacks
Preston Stone has done a good job of moving the offense in fall camp despite going against a much-improved defense. Stone’s seen the defense grab a few interceptions in camp, but he hasn’t generally made bad decisions. His ability to create and extend plays will go a long way once games begin, which is tough to see in practice. The former four-star prospect has command of what the Mustangs want to do offensively and SMU’s team rallies around him. He’s the unquestioned starter entering 2023 and with the weapons around him, it’s time to shine. Kevin Jennings continued to develop physically this offseason and has a stronger arm in part because of that. Jennings showed the ability to make some big-time throws, but has to work on cutting down on mistakes as he enters Year 2 with the program. Still, the quarterback position is in a terrific spot for the Mustangs entering the season.
QB1 Preston Stone, QB2 Kevin Jennings
SMU running backs
Jaylan Knighton’s been used in fall camp for sure, but the staff has been careful with him as well. He’s showed his dynamic ability to catch the ball and is expected to be a star for the Mustangs this fall. LJ Johnson built off his strong finish to spring practice and had an impressive fall camp with still one more scrimmage to shine. Johnson’s displayed the burst you don’t expect from a bigger guy. He’s capable of carrying the load and he’s pushed Knighton hard in practice. Tyler Lavine is back and looks completely healthy, giving SMU another capable ball carrier after his strong 2022 season (on a partially torn patella tendon). Overall, the running back room truly goes four deep with Velton Gardner in the mix as well. Camar Wheaton’s been nicked up, but came into camp in better shape than 2022 and could be good for five solid touches a game with the current pecking order.
RB1 Jaylan Knighton, RB2 LJ Johnson, Tyler Lavine
SMU wide receivers
After losing Rashee Rice to the NFL, SMU is looking for a new face to step up as WR1. The best bet is Jordan Kerley, who’s laser focused entering his final season of college football. He’s got the speed and added mass this offseason to his frame that should help him stay healthy. In the slot, SMU’s got plenty of talent with Jake Bailey back from injury after he only played in four games last year. He was dynamic against TCU when healthy, showing signs of what he can do in the offense. With him is Roderick Daniels, who impressed late in the season in a versatile role for the Mustangs. With that pair, you’re looking at co-starters, basically, both of which who can make plays. The other starting wideout is a battle that’ll go into the season. Key’Shawn Smith looks like a good bet, but Moochie Dixon has had a terrific camp as well. Honestly, this one could go either way. Former five-star prospect and TCU transfer Jordan Hudson’s knocking on the door for more snaps as well and should see a good number of snaps behind the starters.
WR1: Jordan Kerley, Key’Shawn Smith
WR2: Moochie Dixon, Jordan Hudson
Slot1: Jake Bailey, Slot2: Roderick Daniels
SMU tight ends
Last year, RJ Maryland broke out as a freshman tight end who needed to add weight. This offseason, he did just that, which will allow him to stay on the field more and be a factor blocking. His game though is rooted in the passing game, which makes him a mismatch issue. Nolan Matthews-Harris had a strong spring and followed that up with a good fall camp. If he stays healthy, it looks like he’ll be the No. 2 over Texas State transfer Micah Hilts. An X-factor of sorts is Elijah Chatman, the defensive lineman who is playing some H-back this year to help the run game take the next step.
TE1 RJ Maryland, TE2 Nolan Matthews
SMU offensive line
The starting tackles are no-brainers for the Mustangs. Marcus Bryant and Hyrin White will man the left and right tackle spots, respectively. They should pair one of, if not the best, tackle tandem in the AAC. Justin Osborne made a full recovery from his back injury and looks the part of SMU’s best offensive lineman. At center, Branson Hickman has held off the competition to tighten his grip on that spot. The question mark is left guard, which we expect to be manned by Texas transfer Logan Parr. Parr’s surprised with his strength and ability to move in fall camp. He’s looking like the likely starter at left guard. Behind him, Miami transfer Jakai Clark is who we’d expect to be first off the bench, but Dalton Perdue is also there. Clark needs to continue to get in better shape and has done that as camp has rolled on, but still has a ways to go. He moves well for a guy who’s playing at a weight much higher than he did at Miami. Ben Sparks is there as well, but has been nicked up in camp. Cam Ervin suffered a camp injury and will be out into the season.
A wildcard though for the guard spot would be PJ Williams, the former Top 100 prospect who saw some duty at the position here and there. He’s the future left tackle for the Mustangs, backing up Bryant. Notre Dame transfer and former four-star prospect Caleb Johnson is the backup right tackle.
LT1 Marcus Bryant, LT2 PJ Williams
LG1 Logan Parr, Dalton Perdue
C1 Branson Hickman, C2 Jakai Clark
RG1 Justin Osborne, RG2 Ben Sparks
RT1 Hyrin White, RT2 Caleb Johnson
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