2024 SMU Mustangs Football Depth Chart: Unveiling the Complexities of the Upcoming Season
Introduction
The 2024 SMU Mustangs football season is poised to be one of great promise and intrigue. While the team returns a number of key players from last year’s successful campaign, there are several question marks that need to be answered before the Mustangs can be considered a legitimate contender in the American Athletic Conference.
One of the biggest questions facing SMU is the quarterback position. With the departure of Shane Buechele to the NFL, the Mustangs will be looking for a new signal-caller to lead their offense. Sophomore Tanner Mordecai is the frontrunner for the job, but he will need to prove that he can handle the pressure of being a starting quarterback in a Power Five conference.
The running back position is another area of concern. With the graduation of leading rusher Xavier Jones, SMU will need to find a new workhorse to carry the ball. Junior Ke’Mon Freeman is the most experienced running back on the roster, but he has yet to prove that he can be a consistent producer.
The wide receiver position is one of the deepest on the team. Senior Reggie Roberson is a proven playmaker, and he will be joined by a talented group of young receivers, including sophomore Rashee Rice and freshman Roderick Daniels.
The offensive line is another area of strength for SMU. Led by senior tackle Hayden Howerton, the Mustangs have one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country. This unit will be responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the running backs.
The defensive line is a major question mark for SMU. The Mustangs lost several key players from last year’s team, including sacks leader Patrick Nelson. Sophomore DeVere Levelston is the most experienced player on the defensive line, but he will need to step up and become a leader for this unit.
The linebackers are a solid group, led by senior Richard McBryde. McBryde is a tackling machine, and he will be counted on to be the leader of the defense.
The secondary is another area of concern for SMU. The Mustangs lost several key players from last year’s team, including cornerback Artrell Hawkins. Junior Brandon Stephens is the most experienced player in the secondary, but he will need to improve his playmaking ability.
Key Additions and Departures
The Mustangs made several key additions and departures during the offseason. The most notable additions were quarterback Tanner Mordecai, running back Ke’Mon Freeman, and wide receiver Roderick Daniels. Mordecai is a talented quarterback who has the potential to be a star, while Freeman is a solid running back who can provide a spark for the offense. Daniels is a highly touted recruit who could make an immediate impact in the passing game.
The Mustangs also lost several key players to the NFL, including quarterback Shane Buechele, running back Xavier Jones, and cornerback Artrell Hawkins. Buechele was the heart and soul of the offense, while Jones was the team’s leading rusher. Hawkins was a playmaker in the secondary, and his loss will be felt.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Mustangs have several strengths on their team, including their offensive line, wide receivers, and linebackers. The offensive line is one of the most experienced in the country, and it will be responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the running backs. The wide receivers are a talented group, led by senior Reggie Roberson. Roberson is a proven playmaker, and he will be joined by a talented group of young receivers, including sophomore Rashee Rice and freshman Roderick Daniels. The linebackers are a solid group, led by senior Richard McBryde. McBryde is a tackling machine, and he will be counted on to be the leader of the defense.
The Mustangs also have several weaknesses on their team, including their quarterback position, running back position, and defensive line. The quarterback position is a major question mark, as there is no clear-cut starter at the moment. The running back position is another area of concern, as the Mustangs lost their leading rusher from last year. The defensive line is also a question mark, as the Mustangs lost several key players from last year’s team.
Outlook for the 2024 Season
The Mustangs have the potential to be a good team in 2024, but they will need to answer some questions before they can be considered a legitimate contender in the American Athletic Conference. The quarterback position is the biggest question mark, and the Mustangs will need to find a reliable signal-caller to lead their offense. The running back position is another area of concern, and the Mustangs will need to find a new workhorse to carry the ball. The defensive line is also a major question mark, and the Mustangs will need to find some players who can step up and make plays.
If the Mustangs can answer these questions, they have the potential to be a surprise team in the American Athletic Conference. They have a talented offense, led by a strong offensive line and a talented group of wide receivers. The defense has some question marks, but they have a solid group of linebackers who can make plays.
Conclusion
The 2024 SMU Mustangs football season is poised to be one of great promise and intrigue. While the team returns a number of key players from last year’s successful campaign, there are several question marks that need to be answered before the Mustangs can be considered a legitimate contender in the American Athletic Conference. The quarterback position is the biggest question mark, but the Mustangs also have some concerns at the running back position and on the defensive line. If the Mustangs can answer these questions, they have the potential to be a surprise team in the American Athletic Conference.
