While Phil Steele has SMU pegged number 6 on his most improved list, it’s hard to believe that the Mustangs will be much better at offense.  SMU averaged 170 yards rushing and 252 yards passing for a total of 422 total yards per game.  QB Justin Willis accounted for 3643 total yards, an average of 303.58 yards per game.  SMU had 31 turnovers in 2007, 19 INT’s and 12 fumbles.  Most of SMU’s major playmakers return including Willis, WR Emmanuel Sanders, RB James Mapps (550 yards rushing), RB DeMyron Martin (491 yards rushing), and WR Aldrick Robinson whom the new coaches are high on according Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.  With the arrival of June Jones, the offense should be a little more efficient, and the numbers will increase, especially the passing yardage.

Much of the attention in fall camp will be around who will start at QB.  While Willis is a returning 2 year starter, he was suspended in the spring for undisclosed reasons leaving SMU with one scholarship QB for spring drills, Logan Turner (Springtown, TX).  Turner should have an edge in knowing the offense when practices start in August.  Willis will return for the fall, and don’t count him out.  Joining those two will be freshmen QB’s Braden Smith (Rockwall, TX) and Bo Levi Mitchell (Katy, TX).  Mitchell was headed to Hawaii to play for Coach Jones before switching to SMU after Jones took its Head Coach position.

SMU returns WR Emmanuel Sanders and potential breakout player (see Texas Football) Aldrick Robinson.  The Mustangs also return experienced WR Zach Zimmerman.  The Mustangs will need the help of multiple receivers to operate out of the Run and Shoot Offense, so expect extensive play from several younger receivers.  Nevertheless, Sanders should cross the 1000 yard mark if he stays healthy as he had 889 yards a year ago.

If the Mustangs return the skill players to build the Run and Shoot system in Dallas, their biggest weakness would be the offensive line.  And, the O Line is critical if the Run and Shoot is to be effective.  Pass protection is a must.  One of the ways defenses defend the Run and Shoot is by getting to the QB and either making him hurry his passes or getting a sack.  SMU is slated to return 4 starters on the offesive line, however one was actually a Tight End last year.  If the line, who will be lead by Junior Mitch Enright (Southlake, TX) picks up the protections and gels as a unit, then SMU’s offense should be explosive by the end of the season.

I like to post top ten lists. However, I can’t come up with every top ten list, and I fail to qualify as an expert to post some top ten lists. Bruce Feldman, however, is qualified. He listed his Top Ten Workout Warriors. And, TCU’s Jason Phillips is on the list. Just listen to these eye popping stats where he says that Phillips

“. . .has a squat of 710 pounds, a power clean of 410 pounds and a bench press of 450 pounds.”

Phillips, a senior, is 6 foot 1 and 234 lbs from Waller, TX, and was a QB and LB in high school. Phillips has been named the state’s best Linebacker two years in a row by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. He is a preseason All American, and on the Watch List for the Bronko Nagurski Award which is awarded to the best defensive college football player. TCU will once again have a strong defense with guys like Jason Phillips who simply makes plays and is tough.

Let’s see if I can put everything together based on what I have learned.

Lindy’s Magazine is already out. (May 27)

Phil Steele is due out June 10.  Thanks to Adam at In the Bleachers for keeping us updated.

Athlon’s pre-season magazine will be on newsstands June 6.

Street & Smith’s will be out on June 24.

For all you Texas fans, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football will be on the shelf June 16.

I have received info regarding the release of a couple of other pre-season magazines. Athlon Sports will release their football annuals on June 6th. You can buy their magazines at your local bookstores or from their website. For those of you in Texas, the ultimate guide to Texas football is Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. I just received word that it will be out the week of June 16th. Texas Football will be available at your local bookstores.

Here is my question for everyone. In Texas we have Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine, in Arkansas there is Hooten’s, what magazine is the ultimate source for football in your state?