Spring Break
UNT, SMU football after similar styles, recruits
Sean Ryan
Issue date: 7/10/08 Section: SPORTS
The recruiting battle has only just begun between UNT and Southern Methodist University. As second-year coach Todd Dodge begins to recruit for the coming seasons, he may find himself competing with SMU's new head coach, June Jones, for top offensive athletic prospects.
Both Dodge and Jones run a similar wide-open style of offense known for its effective movement down the field.
This summer, wide receiver prospect Daniel Mayberry committed to play for the Mean Green after he graduates high school in 2009, becoming UNT's first commitment of the year. SMU also showed interested in Mayberry's athleticism and ability to play multiple positions.
UNT and the University of Texas at El Paso both made formal offers to Mayberry before he decided to play for Dodge. So far, Mayberry is the only 2009 recruit to commit to UNT this summer. SMU has 11 commitments.
Mayberry, who spent a large portion of his high school career as quarterback, was ready to make the switch to wide receiver full time at Spruce High School in Dallas for his senior season. However, the Dallas Independent School District recently decided to restructure Spruce because of low standardized test scores. This move includes the removal of varsity athletics for Mayberry's senior year. He will be forced to transfer within the DISD to play football in the fall.
Rivals.com also reported recently that another wide receiver prospect, Missouri City's Darius Johnson, committed to SMU after receiving a formal offer from the Mean Green. Johnson, who runs a 4.4 second 40-yard dash, averaged 14.5 yards per catch with seven touchdowns last season at Hightower High School and added another touchdown on a punt return.
SMU's hiring of Jones, who gained notoriety as an offensive guru while at the University of Hawaii, is meant to boost the popularity of Mustang football. UNT can look to Dodge to bring similar results to Denton. He does not have the same national popularity as his Dallas counterpart, but his high school resume will continue to attract local athletes to Denton.
Both Dodge and Jones run a similar wide-open style of offense known for its effective movement down the field.
This summer, wide receiver prospect Daniel Mayberry committed to play for the Mean Green after he graduates high school in 2009, becoming UNT's first commitment of the year. SMU also showed interested in Mayberry's athleticism and ability to play multiple positions.
UNT and the University of Texas at El Paso both made formal offers to Mayberry before he decided to play for Dodge. So far, Mayberry is the only 2009 recruit to commit to UNT this summer. SMU has 11 commitments.
Mayberry, who spent a large portion of his high school career as quarterback, was ready to make the switch to wide receiver full time at Spruce High School in Dallas for his senior season. However, the Dallas Independent School District recently decided to restructure Spruce because of low standardized test scores. This move includes the removal of varsity athletics for Mayberry's senior year. He will be forced to transfer within the DISD to play football in the fall.
Rivals.com also reported recently that another wide receiver prospect, Missouri City's Darius Johnson, committed to SMU after receiving a formal offer from the Mean Green. Johnson, who runs a 4.4 second 40-yard dash, averaged 14.5 yards per catch with seven touchdowns last season at Hightower High School and added another touchdown on a punt return.
SMU's hiring of Jones, who gained notoriety as an offensive guru while at the University of Hawaii, is meant to boost the popularity of Mustang football. UNT can look to Dodge to bring similar results to Denton. He does not have the same national popularity as his Dallas counterpart, but his high school resume will continue to attract local athletes to Denton.
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