How SMU freshmen have fared in 2023

SMU signed a group of prospects in 2023 that’s seen a good bit of action this season. With four games to go, we look at where things stand for their redshirts and how they’ve performed.

QB Keldric Luster: Luster made his debut against Prairie View A&M in September. The McKinney (Tex.) product completed 1-of-2 passes in the game for three yards. He added a carry for 10 yards. Luster didn’t get to show too much, but showed he’s an absolute load in the run game on his carry.

OL Sean Scott: Scott also made his debut against Prairie View A&M, which is his only appearance of the year. Scott’s been banged up it appears as he’s been working off to the side with SMU trainers for the last few weeks. The California native will need to add a lot of mass this offseason after he’s done recovering.

OL Alex Woods: Early this fall camp, Woods was battling at center and guard to make the two-deep, but like many freshmen offensive linemen, he looks set to redshirt. The Sunshine State addition has a bright future from what it seems, but has only seen action against Prairie View A&M. He’s got size and strength that checks out right off the bat to be a force along the interior.

OL Reagan Gill: Gill’s the Lone Star State offensive lineman who was brought in with the signing class. He’s got a game under his belt, having played against Prairie View A&M. Gill might be the most versatile of the group with the ability to play on the outside and inside. He’s also going to need some time to add weight to his frame and continue to develop, which he has time to do.

TE Lonnie Johnson: Johnson’s first task when he made it to campus was to add weight and he’s on the right track. The former wideout turned tight end once he got to SMU’s campus has added plenty of size to his frame already, but hasn’t made it into game action. He’s got talent as a pass catcher and at some point, he’ll find a role in his future.

TE Tripp Riordan: Riordan is an impressive looking tight end physically who has a catch for 26 yards in his lone appearance of the season, which came against Prairie View A&M. Riordan’s got the athleticism to make an impact over the course of his career, but redshirting is the best move for him at this point.

TE Adam Moore: It’s timely this dropped this week as Moore had a big showing in the win over Tulsa. SMU also added Moore late and brought him in late this summer, but that hasn’t stopped him from playing in six games. He made his debut against Prairie View A&M and this past week showed how far he’s come with three receptions for 66 yards. Now, he’s listed as the co-backup to RJ Maryland with Nolan Matthews-Harris. Moore is looking like a future star in this offense.

WR Jamarion Carroll: In two games this year, Carroll has a reception for seven yards. The On3 four-star made his debut against PVAMU, but got into the game against Tulsa this past weekend. He’s needed to add strength to his frame and is in a busy receiver room this season. Next year, he’ll have a chance to break through.

WR Jaxson Lavender: Lavender was set to play a good bit on special teams, but an injury in fall camp derailed how things were going for the Lucas (Tex.) Lovejoy product. He played against PVAMU and Tulsa, but hasn’t caught a pass yet. Lavender is a sure-handed, shifty slot receiver who could step into the slot once Jake Bailey and Roderick Daniels depart.

DE Braeden Flowers: Defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux had Flowers with the team this spring and it looked like he might find his way into the rotation. Instead, Flowers got banged up in the spring and also was nicked up in fall camp. He’s played in two games, making two tackles.

DL Daemian Wimberly: SMU’s highest-rated prospect on the defensive side of the ball has played in just one game against Prairie View A&M. Thibodeaux continues to work with him on his consistency and developing his technique.

DL Kevin Allen: A late addition in SMU’s 2023 class, Allen has yet to see action this season on the field. He’s been a scout team contributor this year for Thibodeaux. Allen’s got some size to be a defensive tackle for the Mustangs and get into the rotation next year.

LB Brandon Miyazono: A consistent contributor on special teams now, Miyazono has played in six games. He’s made 10 tackles, including a half tackle for loss. One of two true freshmen linebackers for SMU, Miyazono plays with a physical edge and has gotten a good bit of playing time over the last two weeks.

LB Alex Kilgore: Game 1, the Katy (Tex.) Paetow standout started for SMU. Kilgore’s played with Kobe Wilson much of the season, not grabbing another start since then. That said, he’s been productive with 23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He was highly-touted coming to the Hilltop and played in every game so far. His future is extremely bright and he’s only just scratching the surface.

DB Abdul Muhammad: Like a few freshmen, Muhammad made his debut against Prairie View A&M. Since then, the South Oak Cliff product didn’t play, but did get back into action in the wins over Temple and Tulsa. He seems on his way to a redshirt as he’s amassed six tackles on the season so far.