The Mustangs saw a few of its graduates this year make their way into professional athletics. Three football players, two soccer players and agolfer.

Justin Rogers

Justin Rogers was the first SMU player to be taken in the NFL draft since 2003. Rogers was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round, being the 180th pick overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. Rogers was a fixture at the end of the defensive line during his time at SMU.

Rogers helped the Mustangs’ defense lead Conference USA in rushing defense, tackles-for-loss and sacks. Rogers contributed 15 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 being sacks.

Adrian Haywood

Adrian Haywood was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the draft. Anchoring the middle of the defensive line, Haywood was crucial to both the pass rush and the run defense. Haywood led the Mustangs with 16.5 tackles for loss and was third on the team with five sacks.

Bobby Chase

Bobby Chase, who transferred to SMU in 2004, Coming from Blinn Junior College, Chase made an immediate impact on the team. Chase’s size, 6-foot four, 205 pounds, made him a big target for the Mustangs. Chase’s career at SMU may best be known for his last second catch against the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 2006.

Chase signed a contract to play for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.

But as of the end of June neither Chase nor Haywood were listed on their respective teams’ roster.

Jay Needham

Jay Needham, tri-captain of the soccer team for two seasons, was selected by the DC United sixth in the third round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, the 32nd overall selection. Needham was a finalist for the 2006 M.A.C. Hermann Trophy, given to the best men’s collegiate soccer player, and was named to the 2006 first team NSCAA All-Midwest Region team.

Needham scored three goals and three assists, starting all 23 games during his senior year. Needham has begun the season on the United’s developmental teams.

Matt Wideman

Matt Wideman, former SMU goalkeeper was the most recent Mustang to be signed to a pro contract. Real Salt Lake of the MLS just signed Wideman to their developmental roster. Wideman is expected to be the third string keeper while one of Real Salt Lake’s goalkeepers is competing in the Fifa U-20 World Cup.

During his junior year Wideman was put into the starting line-up in the middle of the season and helped the Mustangs reach the College Cup in 2005. Keeping the job in his senior year, Wideman held onto the starting job, and led the Mustangs to a 17-1-4 regular season record and kept SMU in the No. 1 rank throughout the year.

Colt Knost

Golfer Colt Knost got a taste of professional life when he qualified for the 2007 Byron Nelson. Knost who earned numerous C-USA Golfer of the Week awards was also named the 2007 C-USA Golfer of the Year. Knost’s three-tournament wins earned him a place on the All-South Central Region Team and most recently Knost was named a third-team All-American.

At the Nelson, Knost became the first amateur to make the cut since 1993 and shot a record 64 during his second round. That score is the lowest ever shot by an amateur in a round at the Nelson.

Almost there…

Current SMU goalkeeper Steve Sandbo has been named to the U.S. U-20 men’s national team.

The U-20 World Cup will take place in Canada during the summer.

Sandbo will be a senior next season for the Mustangs.