SMU took a giant hit earlier this week as elite four-star quarterback Keelon Russell flipped his dedication away from Mustangs over to the Crimson Tide of Alabama.
The transfer was one which was not a shock given the extent of curiosity Alabama has expressed to Russell up to now months and Russell’s openness that the Tide might very nicely be his eventual selection.
However now that Alabama has reeled him in, SMU has an open spot at quarterback within the 2025 class they had been hoping to not need to circle again on. I doubt they only elect to not deliver anybody in after Russell’s departure, so I’d anticipate they finally add somebody to the category. SMU has a budding future as a brand new energy 4 member in addition to a powerful NIL presence. So who’re some choices SMU can look to to fill their open spot? Let’s have a look.
My No. 1 choice for the spot
SMU misplaced the No. 1 ranked quarterback within the state of Texas, so why not go for No. 2 within the state? San Antonio (Texas) Johnson four-star Ty Hawkins has had an unimaginable offseason heading into his senior season after throwing for 4,260 passing yards and 54 touchdowns to simply 12 interceptions in two varsity seasons at quarterback.
Hawkins, an Elite 11 Finalist, has been dedicated to TCU for a full yr now, however SMU, who has a significant NIL backing, might have the assets to sway him away. Hawkins would nonetheless be enjoying among the many energy 4, and for arguably, a program with an brighter fast future than TCU.
Another excuse for SMU to pursue Hawkins could be the potential playmakers that would observe. There are broad receivers within the state of Texas which can be desirous about TCU merely due to the thought of enjoying with Hawkins. SMU, who already holds a dedication from four-star Daylon Singleton and three-star Xavier Johnson, might promote the thought of enjoying with a blue-chip arm expertise, simply as they had been doing with Russell.
Dallas based mostly choices
The SMU employees is trying to prioritize recruiting the Dallas-Fort Price space, as they need to be. When filling their class, they’re taking a look at Dallas first, then increasing out when wanted. There are few DFW prospects who SMU might take a look at.
Wisconsin commit Landyn Locke out of Rockwall has been dedicated to the Badgers for one yr, however there could possibly be some curiosity in staying nearer to dwelling. SMU has beforehand provided Locke, who measures in at 6-foot-4, 185-pounds. As a junior, he threw for 1,702 yards and 19 touchdowns to 4 interceptions, finishing 60-percent of his passes.
Dallas Christian quarterback Luke Carney is a decrease rated four-star prospect who dedicated to Syracuse earlier this yr. Extraordinarily achieved in his highschool profession, Carney has thrown for 8,160 yards and 91 touchdowns. As a junior, he accomplished a ridiculous 80-percent of his passes on 248 makes an attempt.
Desoto’s Kelden Ryan has been dedicated to Virginia Tech since final July, however simply the others which can be dedicated to packages in several components of the nation, staying dwelling may be interesting. The Mustangs already maintain commitments from a pair of Desoto prospects within the aforementioned Singleton and defensive again Sael Reyes. SMU was an early provide for Ryan again in 2021.
An alternative choice that could possibly be intriguing is Austin (Texas) Lake Travis three-star Chaston Ditta. He has had much less of a pattern measurement than the others with only one beginning season beneath his belt, however there’s a lot to love. He holds double digit provides from packages similar to UNLV, UNT, Arkansas State, and Marshall.
Exterior the field choices
If SMU shouldn’t be within the numerous choices within the Dallas space, they might look across the nation, each for uncommitted prospects or ones they really feel they might flip.
Severn (Md.) four-star quarterback Malik Washington is a giant, 6-foot-5, 200-pound prospect that continues to be uncommitted. He has taken a handful of official visits to Virginia Tech, UCF, Syracuse, and Maryland. He additionally has a go to forward for Maryland.
Warner Robins (Ga.) Houston County 4-star Antwann Hill was beforehand dedicated to Colorado however now has Florida and Memphis because the duo in main competition. One other massive prospect at 6-foot-4, 210-pounds.
A bit nearer to Texas is Edmond (Okla.) Memorial three-star David McComb. McComb is dedicated to Kansas, however the assets that SMU is putting in could possibly be interesting.
