Chad Morris’ first class of recruits puts pen to paper on Feb. 4. Here’s a look at three of SMU’s most important players who are signing letters of intent on National Signing Day.

Running back Braeden West: West flipped his commitment from Houston to SMU in late January, and he is the home-run threat out of the backfield that SMU has lacked for so long. The Katy (Texas) Seven Lakes product should see his share of carries next fall, although at 166 pounds, is not ready for a feature back workload.

Wide receiver Kevin Thomas: The DeSoto (Texas) High School product is arguably the best of the five incoming receivers, a group that includes his high school teammate, James Proche. Thomas is a long-armed, physical receiver with a large catch radius, and he is as nasty a run-blocking receiver as there is.

Defensive end Michael Scott: From Nimitz High School in nearby Irving, Scott is a long and tall speed rusher. When he adds some weight, he will be an every-down player capable of approaching double-digit sacks.

Additional note: Quarterback Ben Hicks signed early, and is already enrolled and on campus. The freshman from Waco’s Midway High School should compete for the starting job next fall.