Newcomers expected to make biggest impact for SMU Football

SMU Football welcomes plenty of newcomers to the team for the 2023 season, both from the high school ranks and transfer portal. The Mustangs brought in 25 scholarship transfers this offseason as well as 16 high school additions.

We highlight a few Mustangs who come in and are expected to make an impact right away. There will be more with the way Rhett Lashlee and his staff mined the portal, but these are some of the key additions.

RB Jaylan Knighton

Running back Jaylan Knighton enters the program with a chance to be the explosive back the Mustangs were missing in last year’s offense. Knighton comes from Miami, where he showed the ability to do it all. With Lashlee, Knighton totaled nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards and 11 scores. That type of production is what SMU’s hoping to rekindle this year. Knighton can catch passes, runs tough for his size and has a burst of speed SMU missed last year. There are high expectations entering 2023 for Knighton.

LB Ahmad Walker

Ahmad Walker steps in at middle linebacker after transferring in from Liberty, where he played a lot as a true freshman for defensive coordinator Scott Symons. SMU lost three starters at linebacker so Walker’s impact will be felt right away. He’s a leader already in that room and will be expected to make a big impact. He played right away for Symons with the Flames after coming in from Georgia powerhouse high school Warner Robins. Walker is a name that’s flying under the radar a bit with some other transfers, but he might be one of the biggest keys to this season.

DT Jordan Miller

Nose tackle Jordan Miller, a massive human, steps in at a position that’s been missing size for years now. He’ll allow the entire defense to make a move with how he’ll command double teams. Miller has one year of college football left and he’s ready for a fresh start in the middle of a defense that needed a true starting nose tackle. If he can stay healthy and play a good portion of snaps, he’ll have the chance to be a difference maker. He’s played in 47 college football games over his career. Last year, Miller notched 18 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack.

RT Hyrin White

Opposite of Marcus Bryant on the offensive line is Hyrin White and he’s a huge piece for the offensive line in 2023. After recovering from an injury in his final season at Missouri, White is poised to play his final season of college football in his hometown. White was a full-go in spring practice and is also a new father, which adds extra motivation for him I would imagine. He’s trying to put together a season that moves the needle for NFL teams. With his size and ability, he’s got a chance to do that.

CB Charles Woods

Another player returning to the DFW area is West Virginia transfer Charles Woods, who redshirted last year while injured. Now he’s back home where he starred for Kimball looking to be the shutdown corner SMU’s needed. He missed some time in the spring, but is 100 percent for fall camp. He was a preseason All-Big 12 preseason pick and if he reaches that potential, the secondary will get a big boost from Woods. He’s got the talent to be an All-AAC performer.

S Jonathan McGill

SMU brought in former Stanford captain and transfer safety Jonathan McGill to shore up the safety room. McGill started all 12 games, notching 51 tackles, seven pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, an interception and a sack. The former Coppell (Tex.) standout is an instant starter for the Mustangs and a true boost in leadership on the team for the 2023 season. He’s got two years of eligibility remaining, but expectations in Year 1 are high.