Photo via Jerome Miron, USA Today Sports

By: Melissa Triebwasser

August 30th, 2016

Chad Morris has been pretty transparent when it comes to his plan for rebuilding SMU: recruit Texas, and only Texas, well. So far, that strategy seems to be paying off, at least on paper, as the former Texas High School football coach has signed nothing but Lone Star studs in his first two years in University Park.

In 2016, Morris and the Ponies inked 25 players – all Texans – including 15 three stars. That followed a 2015 class of 24 that boasted 11 three stars. All 49 players signed played their high school ball in Texas. Morris has made no secret of his intention to stay loyal to the state and players that gave him his start, and that philosophy has earned him favor among the state’s top high school head coaches. It’s always important in recruiting to garner the respect of the guys that roam the sideline, who wield access and influence over their charges.

Not only is Morris signing Texas players, he’s putting them on the field. There are 14 Morris recruits listed on the two deep to this point in fall camp, with several expected to play significant roles this season. Let’s take a look at the five former Texas High School Football players that could make an impact this season for SMU.

Xavier Jones, RB

True sophomore Xavier Jones (Spring) is your likely starter, the most experienced of what is a young, but dynamic running back corp. Jones impressed as a true freshman last fall, setting the single season touchdown record for the Mustangs and pushing incumbent Prescott Line not only out of a job, but out of Dallas completely. The 5’10”, 193 boasts a sub 4.5 40 time, but still has the power to break tackles and run over would-be tacklers. He has a chance to have a thousand yard season, but will share carries with fellow sophomore Braedan West and freshman Jordan Carmouche, both of whom should play significant roles out of the backfield this fall.

James Proche, WR

Courtland Sutton is the star of the wideouts, and for good reason, but the Ponies will have solid depth behind him, and enough talent around the All-American candidate to make defenses pay for over-rotating. Lining up alongside Sutton will be a pair of young players, Xavier Castillo (Rockwall) and James Proche (DeSoto). Proche is an intriguing piece on multiple levels; a three star prospect, his ceiling is unknown, as he hasn’t taken a meaningful snap in two seasons. After sitting out his senior season due to medical issues, Proche redshirted in his first year on campus after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA. A top 100 recruit in the state, the 5’11” speedsters had 11 offers based off of his junior campaign. He could be a difference maker for Morris in his first year on the field.

Ken McLaurin, DT

Highly recruited out of Denton Ryan, McLaurin is likely to earn snaps early in his freshman campaign. With a college-ready body (6’2”, 320) and a senior year stat line that would make you blush, the first year player could make an impact immediately for the Mustangs in one of their biggest roster needs. For the Ponies to take a leap towards bowl eligibility, their defense will need to improve dramatically, and McLaurin could be one of the linchpins of success in the trenches that

Jordan Wyatt, DB

Wyatt, who worked his way onto the field as a true freshman at safety a season ago, will start the year on the outside as he transitions to the cornerback role. Having starred at CB for East in Wylie, TX, the one time district defensive MVP should immediately make the Mustangs defense better, as he has already displayed the chops (31 tackles, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble) of a big time player on the defensive side of the ball. Like McLaurin, Wyatt is a key piece in ensuring that the defense doesn’t keep the Ponies, and their explosive offense, from winning games.

Chad Pursley, LT

The Mansfield Legacy graduate doesn’t look like a sophomore, as his 6’4”, 272 pound frame belies a player who has spent more than two years on campus. After amassing nine starts in his freshman season, and notching snaps in all 12 games, the left tackle should lock down his side of the offensive line, and be an anchor of a veteran and experienced group overall. With one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the game behind him, and a stable of talented backs to carry the rock, the o line could be a make or break position for Morris. With Pursley carrying the load, the Mustangs should be just fine in the offensive trenches.