Preseason picks: The MVPs, other superlatives for SMU

SMU Football is gearing up for the 2024 season to begin this week against Nevada. Before the season begins, we make picks for MVPs and other superlatives for the Mustangs.

The Team MVP: DE Elijah Roberts – SMU’s star defender will help his NFL Draft stock immensely by getting this opportunity in the ACC again. In his return, he’s a different player physically and mentally than he was at Miami. With Cam Robertson taking some snaps off his plate, that’ll also help Roberts be more productive. If his impressive play in the AAC translates to the ACC, he’ll have a monster year, helping the defense have another Top 25 year.

Offensive MVP: WR Jordan Hudson – Could this be a touch bold? Maybe, but Hudson’s had a strong offseason. Media wasn’t allowed too much in practice, but reports are that he’s been a grown man in camp. If that play is backed up in games, he should have an all-conference type showing. If Hudson goes for 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns, he’s likely the offensive MVP, giving the quarterbacks a big target to go-to. That statistical marker is achievable for Hudson, if his game comes together like it looks like it has in fall camp.

Defensive MVP: S Jonathan McGill – A consummate professional, McGill ends his college career in his hometown and even more comfortable in Year 2 at SMU. McGill is steady as can be on the backend. With his ability to play multiple safety spots, that’ll help as well. His leadership is impressive and he was named a captain by his teammates. SMU got a lot out of McGill in 2023 and this year, looks like he’ll be just as big of a contributor.

Most Improved Offensive Player: OL Jakai Clark – Between Romello Brinson and Clark, I could’ve gone with either one. That said, Clark lost a ton of weight and is now locked in as a starting lineman. Clark’s played a ton of football so it’s been more about him getting back on track as a player. He’s done that and will be a strong point of this offensive line, in particular in the run game.

Most Improved Defensive Player: Bandit Isaiah Smith – Smith added a good bit of weight to be able to play every down now. He and Jahfari Harvey will hold down SMU’s Bandit spot. Smith’s impressive pass rushing skill was on display in the AAC Championship, but this year Smith is poised to be more of an every down player. We expect him to be a good one as well.

Offensive Newcomer of the Year: RB Brashard Smith – Between what Smith can do in the return game and his explosive potential in the run game, SMU could hit big on the Miami transfer. He’ll still have to show he can be a reliable back despite not playing it in college before, but SMU seems to think he’ll do just that. There aren’t too many newcomers to pick from, but we like what we’ve seen from Smith.

Defensive Newcomer of the Year: DT Jonathan Jefferson – The stats might not stack up, but Jefferson has a chance to be this year’s breakout defensive lineman. On top of that, he has two years of eligibility remaining. Defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux is betting on Jefferson to step up at nose tackle. Since arriving from Georgia, he’s taken some major steps forward. He looks like he’ll have a chance to help control the line of scrimmage in a big way.

Breakout Offensive Player of the Year: WR Romello Brinson – Brinson’s put a lot of work in to get to this point where there are high expectations for him. We saw some flashes from him last year, but he’s now got a chance to build on that. He strengthened his body, adding 10 pounds this offseason. He’s a bouncy athlete who should be a reliable option for SMU’s quarterback.

Breakout Defensive Player of the Year: LB Alex Kilgore – In 2023, you could argue Kobe Wilson was the breakout player of the year. Once again, I’m rolling with a linebacker to make a big jump. Kilgore’s mature and has a full year now in Scott Symons’ system. There’s expected to be a big jump in his game and he could emerge as a true star this year.

Freshman of the Year: LB Brandon Booker – There were a couple players who could’ve landed this, but Booker’s been garnering plenty of attention in camp. He’s made plays on the ball and looks like he’ll play on SMU’s special teams. From there, he could land some defensive snaps as well. We expect him to make an impact on this team in Year 1 and emerge as a big contributor in Year 2.

Mr. Award Winner: OL Justin Osborne – Elijah Roberts could nab this as well, but Osborne is one to watch on awards. Between the Outland Trophy, Rimington Trophy and All-ACC honors, we could see Osborne making a move, if he hits at center. He’s on the watch lists already while Roberts was a touch slept on. If Osborne directs the offensive line the way we think, he could be a star on the award front.

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