The SMU Mustangs kicked off their first fall practice Aug. 7, just a month shy of their season opener in Lubbock, Texas against Texas Tech September 5th. Players completed the annual 220-yard sprint conditioning tests, based on specific time restraints according to positions.
Players who participated in voluntary workouts over the summer only had to complete six sprints, while others did 10.
Players had to complete their annual conditioning test — the 220s, which required players to complete 220-yard sprints depending on their positions. Only few players fell short and were unable to finish.
The Mustangs have remained in the media spotlight, since their Bowl Game Championship and a Conference USA Western Division Co-Championship in 2009. News outlets such as Fox Sports, USA Today and several others have payed special attention to the team, ranking the Mustangs in their Top 25 polls.
“Physically, we’ve really improved our looks,” Jones said. “We look like a football team. A lot of guys have matured…I think defensively we are in better shape than we are offensively,” said June Jones.
Jones said the team is still thin on the D-Line and there is better depth on defense.
Jones said he feels like Padron is one of his better players.
“He’s one of the most committed kids to being good. He’s stayed all summer and worked his rear-end off.”
Padron, a sophomore, was named the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl MVP for SMU and to ESPN.com’s Non-AQ All-Bowl team last season.
Jones plans to get the Mustangs to another bowl game, with hard work and commitment from the team.
The Mustangs continue to receive media attention from Fox Sports and the Orlando Sentinel ranked SMU No. 24 in its top 25 preseason.
June Jones has completely changed the perception of what is possible at SMU, helping a once-proud program recover from some of the harshest sanctions in the history of the NCAA,” said Sentinel columnist Iliana Limón.
Practices are open to the public until August 23.
Season tickets are available for purchase through the SMU Ticket Sales representatives. The Mustang 2010 season consists of 6 home games, including the ESPN televised, annual State Farm Battle for the Iron Skillet, on September 24 at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
