SMU Practices for Final Time Before Opener
Aug 29 | Football
Dallas, Texas -- The SMU Mustangs worked out for 90 minutes on Thursday afternoon at the Pettus Practice Fields as they closed preparations for their season-opener against Navy on Saturday night.
"We had a very focused workout today," said SMU head coach Phil Bennett. "We only get a chance to make a first impression once and I have stressed that to the players. We are very excited about Saturday."
Bennett said that he has yet to decided on a starting placekicker as Chris McMurtray and Trent Stephenson are competing for the job. He did say that Jarrian James will start at weakside linebacker ahead of D.D. Johnson and Steve Reindl will open at center in front of Thornton Chandler.
"Both the guys at linebacker will see a lot of action," Bennett said. "Thornton's ankle is still bothering him some, so we will go with Steve. He played a lot last year and I have confidence in him."
Saturday's season-opener will kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
In other Mustang football news, SMU learned today that the NCAA has denied an appeal by the school to restore the eligibility of senior defensive end Markus Pratt. The appeal was heard by an NCAA Academic Eligibility Cabinet sub-committee.
"We are very disappointed our appeal was denied," said Bennett. "It is a shame that he won't be on the field with us this fall. His academic record has improved tremendously and he is on track to graduate this spring, which will be a great accomplishment. We are going to keep him on scholarship and have him help out as a student coach. Markus has been very loyal to SMU and we want him involved in the program."
Pratt, who was ineligible last year, recorded 54 tackles, 14 for loss, and six sacks as a junior in 2000. He finished his career with 97 tackles, 24 for loss, and 12 sacks.
