As the SMU Mustangs prepare to embark on their inaugural season as a Power Four team in the ACC, their initial depth chart was released ahead of their opening matchup with the Nevada Wolf Pack in Reno this Saturday.
What are three takeaways from SMU’s depth chart for Week 0?
SMU Mustangs Depth Chart: 9 Returners and 6 Transfers Take Starter Positions
SMU’s Initial Depth Chart Offense Fortified by 6 Returning Starters
Following an 11-3 finish and a new dawn for the program in the ACC, SMU is bringing back several key contributors on an offense that averaged 38.7 points per game last year.
Six of those returners were named as clear-cut starters for the matchup with Nevada, headlined by quarterback Preston Stone.
Offensive returners named starters: QB Preston Stone, TE RJ Maryland, LT PJ Williams, LG Logan Parr, C Justin Osborne, and RG Jakai Clark.
Offensive transfers named starters: RB Brashard Smith (Miami) and RT Nate Anderson (OU).
Defense Even on Transfers and Returners
The defense has a good mix of returners and transfers on the first unit, with first-year transfers taking up a bulk of the Mustangs’ front seven.
Defensive transfers named starters: DT Jared Harrison-Hunte (Miami), NT Anthony Booker Jr. (Arkansas), and Bandit Jahfari Harvey (Miami).
Defensive returners named starters: DE Elijah Roberts, Nickel CJ Sanders, and CB Brandon Crossley.
6 Spots Still in Contention
The entire wide receiver first unit is up for grabs, with all three starting positions tagged with an “OR” designation. The same goes for both inside linebacker spots, along with one of the two starting cornerback spots.
For the two WR starters, Romello Brinson is battling Jordan Hudson, while Key’Shawn Smith is taking on Moochie Dixon. Jake Bailey and Roderick Daniels Jr. are fighting it out for slot receiver.
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Ahmad Walker and Alex Kilgore are in competition at weakside linebacker, while Kilgore is also in contention with Kobe Wilson for the strong side starting role. Jaelyn Davis-Robinson and AJ Davis are battling to be one of the two starting corners.
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