Position Preview: SMU's future at cornerback

As summer nears its end and SMU gets set for fall camp the roster and depth chart are starting to come together. By utilizing the transfer portal and another strong recruiting class the Mustangs are putting themselves in position to compete in their first season in the ACC.

As Rhett Lashlee & Co. make their move into the power rankings, On The Pony Express provides an in-depth look at the roster with our Position Preview series. We now take a look at the future at cornerback.

In Year 2 at SMU

The Mustangs did not take a cornerback in their 2023 high school class, but did add a pair of key pieces no longer with the program in last year’s starters Charles Woods and Chris Megginson. Rickey Hunley Jr. also added some young transfer pieces in Jaelyn Davis-Robinson and Kyron Chambers, both coming off their first year of college football at the time. Chambers also has position versatility, spending time in camp at nickel.

The 2024 class

SMU went back into the high school ranks for cornerbacks this previous season adding a pair of local kids. William Nettles (Dallas Christian) and Alexander Rodgers (Cedar Hill) will provide depth and possible special teams play this season.

But both have plenty of upside down the road. Nettles is a three-time TAPPS state champion and two-time MVP while Rodgers helped Cedar Hill’s relays reach the state track meet.

SMU on the recruiting trail

The Mustangs have a pair of corner commits in 2026. Zay Gentry and Javion Holiday give the Mustangs a pair of high three-star commits as the No. 45 and 59 corners in the country, respectively. Holiday will be going for a third-straight title with Duncanville while Gentry will play his final season at Anna.

There have been flip rumors regarding Gentry, but as of now he is part of SMU’s class.