SMU football wraps up final practice before Spring Game
SMU football hit the Pettus practice field Thursday morning, for their final day of practice before their spring game. On the Pony Express was able to attend the practice, and here are some of our takeaways from today.
Coaches preaching technique
On a day where there was hardly any contact between the offense and defense, Rhett Lashlee and his staff emphasized the importance of strong, consistent technique to their players.
Cornerbacks coach, Rickey Hunley, was seen giving some praise to senior defensive back, Ar’mani Johnson, after he corrected his own mistake during a tackling drill early in practice.
Johnson, entering his sixth season on the Hilltop, has made a very strong impression on the new coaching staff. After practice, defensive coordinator Scott Symons said, “I think there are a lot of guys who have performed at a very high level this spring, that might not have performed at that level, or not gotten the opportunity. Ar’mani (Johnson) is a guy who has played a ton of snaps here, and he is one guy who has had an awesome spring. He was a guy that I thought didn’t get enough burn last year for whatever reason, but he’s a guy who has been playing at a very high level for us.”
Offense continues to put it together
Although the Mustangs were missing Tanner Mordecai for the last half of practice, due to a unusually late start time. The SMU offense was able to get in the groove while their starting signal caller from last year, was in the classroom.
Quarterbacks coach, Jonathan Brewer, seemed very pleased with his group’s performance on the day. In particular, when RS freshman Preston Stone hit the correct target in the net, three consecutive times, as the Mustangs were working on their screen passes.
Offensive coordinator, Casey Woods, was very impressed with the play of North Carolina transfer, Beau Corrales. When speaking to the media following practice, Woods said, “I’m really excited for Beau. He spent two years injured and he’s just a guy that really loves football. He’s been a guy who has done a ton of extra work and really invested himself in this game. To see him in a place where is relatively healthy and do a good job of always being super competitive, is really exciting to see. He’s big and he can really run, and I’m just really excited about what he can bring to our team.”
Spring game tomorrow
The Mustang faithful will have their first opportunity to see the new era of SMU football, as the Mustangs host their spring game inside Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Gates will open to the public at 6:30 P.M. and fans are encouraged to enter through Gate 3, with the practice officially kicking off at 7:00 P.M
Food will be served by Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe and Frios Pops, and they will be set up in the south end zone and concessions will be available. Fans can also enjoy the Peruna’s Pals Kids Zone.
If you are unable to make it, On the Pony Express will be on the scene, and have interviews and a recap to fill you in. The current weather forecast is 66 degrees and sunny, so it should be a great night of football on the Hilltop.
