By Tony Thomas
The 2023 American Athletic Conference champs, the SMU Mustangs move to the Atlantic Coast Conference this season. The Mustangs started off last season with a 2-2 record, then reeled off nine consecutive victories on their way to hoisting the AAC hardware.
Head Coach Rhett Lashlee had SMU running wild, scoring 38 points per game on offense (they scored 50+ on four different occasions). On defense, they allowed just 17 points per contest and pitched two shutouts in the process. The Mustangs protected their house, going undefeated at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
SMU returns experience up and down the roster, at wide receiver and their top three running backs, who combined for over 1,700 rushing yards and 16 TDs. On defense, DE Elijah Roberts (12 TFLs and 10 sacks) returns, along with linebackers Ahmad Walker and Kobe Wilson (a combined 145 tackles), and their top three defenders in the secondary (a combined 135 tackles and six INTs).
QB Preston Stone also returns, albeit coming off an injury (broken leg) that ended his 2023 season with two games left on the slate. Stone passed for 3,197 yards, 28 touchdowns and six INTs, and he completed 60% of his passes. It is reported that Stone is on pace, or maybe ahead of it, for a full recovery. However, do not expect to see much of Stone in spring practice. No need to rush him back. Give him more time to fully heal so he will be 100% ready for fall practice.
Coach Lashlee took advantage of the transfer portal and found talented players to fill positions of need and create depth. Listed below are three of those transfers who will make a positive impact on the Mustangs this season.
WR Brashard Smith
Previous School: Miami Hurricanes
5’10”, 196 lbs.
A 2nd Team All-ACC selection as an all-purpose player in 2023, Brashard Smith gained almost 1,000 all purpose yards last season. Smith scored two receiving touchdowns, one rushing TD, and returned a kickoff 98-yards for a touchdown. For his collegiate career, Smith has recorded 1,946 all-purpose yards.
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CB Deuce Harmon
Previous School: Texas A&M Aggies
5’10”, 190 lbs.
In 2023, Deuce Harmon recorded 18 tackles, broke up seven passes and intercepted a pass. Harmon has 46 career tackles, along with eight pass breakups, and two INTs. A member of the 2021 class of high school recruits, Harmon was a rated a 4-star prospect and top 20 recruit out of Denton Guyer. Look for Harmon to earn playing time in that experienced secondary come game day. He has two years of college ball left to play.
DL Jahfari Harvey
Previous School: Miami Hurricanes
6’4”, 252 lbs.
In 2023, Jahfari Harvey recorded 23 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. Against Virginia, Harvey recorded a season-high nine tackles in 29-26 win over the Cavaliers. Harvey has 99 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks in his collegiate career, and will make a good partner opposite Roberts on the Mustangs defensive line.
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With the experience returning at the offensive skill positions, and the returning starters and contributors of the defensive side of the ball, Coach Lashlee will field another top-notch SMU football team in 2024. Barring injuries and any attrition during the spring transfer window, do not be surprised if the Mustangs are one of the top teams in the ACC this season, as another 10-win season is achievable.
