SMU suffered a serious blow earlier this week when elite four-star quarterback Keelon Russell flipped his dedication from the Mustangs to the Crimson Tide of Alabama.
The transfer did not come as a shock given the extent of curiosity Alabama has proven in Russell in current months and Russell’s openness that the Tide might very effectively be his remaining selection.
However now that Alabama has reeled him in, SMU has a emptiness at quarterback within the 2025 class that they hoped they would not should return. I doubt they simply determined to not deliver anybody in after Russell left, so I anticipate they’re going to add somebody to the category finally. SMU appears to be like ahead to the long run as a brand new full member in addition to the robust presence of NIL. So what choices can SMU flip to to fill its open spot? Let’s examine.
My #1 selection for the placement
SMU misplaced the No. 1-ranked quarterback within the state of Texas, so why not go together with the No. 2-ranked quarterback within the state? San Antonio (Texas) four-star Johnson Ty Hawkins had an unbelievable offseason heading into his senior season after throwing for 4,260 passing yards and 54 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions in two varsity seasons as a quarterback.
Hawkins, an Elite 11 finalist, has been dedicated to TCU all 12 months, however SMU, which has some critical NIL help, might have the sources to show him away. Hawkins will nonetheless be taking part in among the many energy 4 and presumably for a program with a brighter fast future than TCU.
One more reason for SMU to pursue Hawkins is the potential playmakers who might observe him. There are vast receivers within the state of Texas who’re fascinated by TCU merely due to the concept of taking part in with Hawkins. SMU, which already has commitments from four-star Daylon Singleton and three-star Xavier Johnson, might promote the concept of taking part in with blue-chip expertise like they did with Russell.
Choices based mostly on Dallas
The SMU employees is dedicated to prioritizing the Dallas-Fort Price space, correctly. When filling out their class, they give the impression of being to Dallas first after which increase if obligatory. There are a number of DFW prospects that SMU might take a look at.
Wisconsin’s Landin Locke of Rockwall has been dedicated to the Badgers for one 12 months, however might be fascinated by staying nearer to residence. SMU beforehand provided Locke, who’s 6-foot-4, 185 kilos. As a junior, he threw for 1,702 yards and 19 touchdowns to 4 interceptions whereas finishing 60 % of his passes.
Dallas Christian quarterback Luke Carney is an underrated four-star prospect who dedicated to Syracuse earlier this 12 months. Extraordinarily completed in his highschool profession, Carney threw for 8,160 yards and 91 touchdowns. As a junior, he accomplished a ridiculous 80 % of his passes on 248 makes an attempt.
Kelden Ryan of Desoto has been at Virginia Tech since final July, however solely these taking part in packages in several elements of the nation can keep residence. The Mustangs have already got commitments from a pair of Dessot prospects within the aforementioned Singleton and defensive again Sael Reyes. SMU was Ryan’s first supply in 2021.
An alternative choice that is likely to be intriguing is the three-star Chaston Ditta, Austin, TX on Lake Travis. He has a smaller pattern dimension than the others with only one beginning season, however there’s a lot to love. He has double-digit provides from packages like UNLV, UNT, Arkansas State and Marshall.
Non-standard choices
If SMU is not fascinated by completely different choices within the Dallas space, they may look across the nation, each for uncommitted prospects and people they really feel can flip.
Severn (Md.) four-star linebacker Malik Washington is an enormous 6-foot-5, 200-pound prospect who stays uncommitted. He took a number of official visits to Virginia Tech, UCF, Syracuse and Maryland. He additionally has a go to to Maryland developing.
Warner Robins (GA) 4-star Antwan Hill, Houston County, was beforehand dedicated to Colorado however is now the Florida-Memphis duo in main rivalry. One other large prospect is 6-foot-4, 210 kilos.
A bit of nearer to Texas is the three-star Edmond (Oklahoma) David McComb Memorial. McComb is dedicated to Kansas, however the sources SMU makes use of might be attractive.
