Position changes strengthen Mustangs (Photo by Austin Kilgore, The Daily Campus)
Welcome back Mustang fans to another Phillips’ football file. Last week’s spring practices weren’t our best but weren’t necessarily our worst either. If any of you know Coach Phil Bennett then you know that he expects the most out of his players and that’s why I say this.
The week started with Tuesday’s practice, which began slow but really picked up later. Not to bash the defense, but the offense shined this week. Our defense is a tough one, and it really makes it hard on the both of us because we practice against the same schemes and plays everyday.
Let’s get started with some of the players who stood out this week, beginning with Devin Lowery. Here’s a guy who comes to SMU as a wide receiver his first year, and has been moved to cornerback this year. The move was actually a good one because he’s my Co-Player of the week. He brought his A-game to both practices and to the scrimmage, making eye-opening interceptions all week. In the scrimmage he made a one-hander that made the whole field roar “ooooohhhh.”
Speaking of position changes, Tony Hawkins is getting better and better with his move from wide receiver to linebacker. And for that, the offensive players jokingly harass the defense for stealing a few of our best athletes. Hawkins has been exciting to watch and has grabbed my attention at linebacker.
At the running back position, Johnnie Fitzgerald is my other Co-Player of the week, and has been having one of his best springs. Fitzgerald had one rushing gain of more than 30 yards when he broke outside down the sideline. He had a very good scrimmage Saturday, so expect him to have an even better Spring Game. He is going to be a secret weapon for our backfield this year.
It’s no surprise that Bobby Chase has been making the plays he has. Chasecatches nearly every pass in practice. He’s the same Bobby Chase we remember at the UAB game because he’s making the same unbelievable catches. Our receivers are really coming along and are getting a grasp on things.
Saturday’s play of the day goes to Zack Sledge. Corey Slater threw a pass across the middle which was tipped at the line. The ball flew in the air about 15 yards down the field and Sledge made a terrific catch over Emerson Settle followed by a block by Jay’Mond Cleveland for about a 60 yard touchdown. It was another one of those UAB plays! Both sides of the ball competed and made progress this week.
As for me, I am still working to get better at tight end and am starting to pick up things a lot better than the first week. The spring is beginning to wind down so we all want to make this last week our best.
So be sure and to come out and support us at the Red & Blue Game on Saturday April 8th. There’s nothing more exciting for us than to see our fans pack Ford Stadium. If teams like Texas, Miami and Florida can do it to their stadiums then so can we. Go Mustangs!
