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In-state RB Eddie Kelly, Jr. commits to SMU: 'It felt like home'

On3 imageby:Billy Embody•10 hours ago•

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Eddie Kelly.

SMU has landed a commitment from 2026 Houston (Tex.) Klein running back Edward Kelly, Jr. after his official visit this weekend. The Mustangs offered earlier this month after he camped.

“It just felt like family,” Kelly told On3. “It feels like home there.”

Kelly performed well enough in front of running backs coach Kyle Cooper and assistant running backs coach Tyler Foster to earn the scholarship. Back in the spring, Cooper attended his spring game and told him he can see him earning an offer.

“It meant a lot,” Kelly said. “Coach Coop told me he believes I can get one, but because I didn’t play running back at my spring game (played quarterback), I’d have to come camp and make sure to show everything was still real. He (Cooper) is a great coach and everyone works and makes everyone laugh. He (Foster) is the same way, just both great coaches.”

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee was a key as well. The fit on offense and Lashlee’s personality all impressed. 

“It was easier to talk to coach Lashlee than a normal head coach,” Kelly said. “He’s just normal and down to earth. He just talks to everybody on the same level. I’d say it’s a great fit for me because it’s great for my play style because I play receiver sometimes. I’m a downhill running back and I can go outside, too.”

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Cooper and Foster impressed the 5-10, 185-pound running back who is one of the fastest backs in the state.

“It was pretty good,” he said. “Lots to do, great campus and facilities. It was great all-around. Really how the coaches that are gonna coach me are like family and act like family.”

He also took an official visit to Washington State last weekend. Kelly also holds offers from UTEP, Pitt, Colorado State, UTSA and others. He compiled over 2,100 all-purpose yards last year and 25 touchdowns.

In Kelly, the Mustangs landed its second back in the class to complement four-star running back Christian Rhodes.

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