SMU Football Post-Spring Outlook: Cornerbacks

If there is a biggest question mark when it comes to the 2024 SMU football team it is at cornerback and spring didn’t fully provide an answer.

The Mustangs graduated both starters from a year ago, but have some players who could step into those roles if they step up. That hasn’t necessarily been the case through spring and it’s a battle that will continue into fall camp.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

One of the biggest takeaways from the entire team this spring, and one of the bigger surprises, was the play of AJ Davis. The 2022 signee has earned playing time the last two years, but wasn’t one of the expected players to battle for the starting job this offseason. Now Davis might just be the frontrunner after the spring he put together.

Deuce Harman got better as spring went on. The early practices seemed like a little bit of a culture shock for the transfer, but you could tell he got more comfortable. Another player with starts under his belt is Jahari Rogers. While Rogers has been good, he still needs to take that next step to be a viable starter for this team.

Jaelyn Davis-Robinson was slowed by an injury that took him out of practices before the break and limited him some after. His athleticism continues to be a strength when fully healthy.

SMU moved Teddy Knox to corner this offseason. He was a standout on special teams last year and showed flashes of ability at the new position. Unfortunately, his status for the season is unknown following reports that Dallas Police has issued an arrest warrant for his involvement in the racing and resulting accidents.

It’s not that Kyron Chambers didn’t have a good spring, but he was somewhat under the radar until making one of the plays of the spring game. He tracked down Camar Wheaton and forced the fumble that gave the Black team a chance to score late.

TRANSFER NEED?

Corner has to be a priority in the next portal window, along with the offensive line.

The Mustangs went through spring with only five scholarship corners, plus Knox. It will be up to defensive coordinator Scott Symons and corners coach Rickey Hunley to decide if it needs to be a possible starter or a depth pice.

SMU adds two more in William Nettles and Alexander Rodgers from the 2024 class, but not likely to have too much of an impact this fall.

QUESTION FOR FALL CAMP

Who are the starters?

Davis took a big step this fall, but Harmon and Rogers have the experience and starts under their belt. You still can’t count out Davis-Robinson, who if healthy, has a chance to be really good with his speed and athleticism. Add in Chambers and there are options, but the cream has to rise to the top.

POST-SPRING STARTING PREDICTIONS

Before the spring it seemed like Rogers and Harmon were the frontrunners with their combined 24 starts, but that doesn’t seem to be the case at the moment.

Davis is the most likely starter out of spring while it is a three-horse race between Rogers, Harmon and Davis-Robinson — or a newcomer — for the other spot. And nothing is guaranteed for Davis who will have to keep up his high level through the summer and fall camp.

The post SMU Football Post-Spring Outlook: Cornerbacks appeared first on On3.