E S P N On S M U - Spring Answers/fall Questions

MeanGreen61 · May 10, 2007

ESPN on OC opponent Smoooooooo

Spring answers:

1. DeMyron Martin returns strong at running back: Slowed by a foot injury for much of last season, Martin showed glimpses of his 2005 form this spring. He rushed for 35 yards on seven carries in the spring game, scoring on an 8-yard dash. "DeMyron had a much better spring," coach Phil Bennett said. Martin earned Conference USA All-Freshman team honors after posting four 100-yard rushing games in 2005.

2. Bryce Hudman emerges at safety: SMU will struggle to replace four-year starter Joe Sturdivant, but Hudman stepped up this spring. He started the final four games of last season at free safety and did nothing to lose the spot this spring. "[Hudman] has all the tools," Bennett said. "His knowledge showed this spring."

3. Line dance pays off: Bennett called Ben Poynter's shift from center to left tackle "a really positive move for us." Poynter, a second-team all-league selection who started all 12 games at center last season, has been SMU's top lineman for years and should be able to protect Justin Willis' blind side. Poynter's move bumped up Mitch Enright to the starting center spot. Enright improved as the spring progressed.

Fall questions:

1. Decision time on the defensive line: After losing three starters, the defensive front is SMU's shakiest area. Cory Muse is a force on the end, but Bennett must find answers at defensive tackle. He has "a lot of possibilities" with Chris Parham, Zac Thomas, Ryan Leonard, Kyle DeGroat and Mickey Dollens competing for playing time. Bennett was impressed by the spring performance of end Justin Smart, a converted linebacker.

2. Jessie Henderson recovers from bad wheel: SMU eagerly awaits the return of Henderson, a dangerous return man who missed the second half of 2006 with a foot injury and sat out spring practice. Henderson, expected to be 100 percent by training camp, led the nation in kickoff return average (36.9 yards) before getting hurt against Marshall. He ranked 13th nationally in kickoff return average in 2005 (27.6).

3. Safety squeeze: Bennett expects junior college transfer Rock Dennis and converted cornerback David Haynes to compete for the starting free safety spot this summer. Dennis transitioned well this spring and brings playmaking skills to the secondary. Haynes played in every contest last season and had an interception in the spring game.

LINK TO CUSA TEAMS SPRING ANSWERS/FALL QUESTIONS

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2865460