DALLAS, Texas — SMU Football wrapped up their first week of fall camp today. Visitors have been able to see what the players are working on for this upcoming season and seeing new players out on the field. When we talked to Head Coach Sonny Dykes, he said this new group of guys are a very mature Freshmen class and they have approached the practices very well.
Dykes also talked about how transfers are going to make some big moves this season, especially Texas transfer quarterback Shane Buechele, “You can tell he [Buechele] has done this before. That’s what drew us to him at the very beginning just with his experience and he’s a pretty calm cool customer…and that’s the most important thing with a quarterback,” stated Dykes.
There are also some new faces on the Hilltop with Ra’Shadd Samples being hired on as an assistant coach. When Dykes was evaluating the coaching staff, he believed Samples would help with that missing aspect and will be a great part of the recruiting process.
“Ra’Shadd brings energy everyday and has the ability to communicate with players and coaches. He is like the Freshmen class, he’s a young guy but mature and polished. Exactly what you want from a young coach.”
Coming into this 2019 season, senior wide receiver James Proche has already started to rack up the awards. Proche was recently named to the Paul Hornung , Blietnikoff, and the Maxwell Award Watch List. The Mustangs didn’t end last years season on a high note, but Proche said they are starting this season on a clean slate and with a new team.
The Mustangs have also been practicing in the new SMU Indoor Performance Center when the weather has not been good for practice. Senior defensive tackle Pono Davis said he loved practicing in there. Davis hopes they get to practice in there often, but knows how important it is to also practice in the heat. Dykes also said he likes the split practices to get the guys out of the heat. “We had a three hour practice earlier in the week and we got a lot of work done, because we made a transition over to the field house. Our guys were fresh and we were able to finish practice really strong. It has been really important of what we are trying to get done,” stated Dykes.
Mustang fans are invited to the Football Fan Day on Saturday August 17 at the SMU football practice field. Fans are able to watch practice with many other activities. Events will begin at 7 p.m.
Photo Courtesy: SMU Football
