SMU’s early playing time key in recruiting 2025 linebackers

There’s little question the future is bright at SMU at the linebacker position with Alex Kilgore and Brandon Miyazono poised to take full control of the room come 2025.

That said, there’s also plenty of opportunity to contribute in Maurice Crum’s linebacker room for 2025 signees. The Mustangs welcomed Brandon Booker and Zach Smith to campus as 2024 additions, but nothing’s a given just yet with those two local additions.

With Houston (Tex.) Cy Falls linebacker Kaleb Burns and Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne linebacker Mark Iheanachor set to announce commitments in the near future, SMU is awaiting word on if they’ll add more talent to Crum’s room.

What’s not up for debate is whether the pair will have opportunity to contribute in front of them. Crum offered an opportunity to compete to his room this spring and that’s what they continued to do after the 2023 season.

Temple transfer Kobe Wilson came in late and worked his way into being a key starter. Kilgore started the season opener and played plenty. Miyazono worked his way from special teamer to getting defensive snaps late in the year. This spring, the competition was stiff.

Crum’s mantra is creating an environment for fair opportunity for the group. When 2025 rolls around, if SMU can beat out Baylor, Texas Tech and others for Burns and/or Oklahoma for Iheanachor, it’ll add competition to the room.

Burns ranks on On3 as the No. 34 overall linebacker in America, on the cusp of four-star status. Iheanachor is the No. 51 linebacker nationally, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

They’ll be expected to be ready and snaps will be available. Crum’s proven to be one of the coaches most-ready to play players early, if it’s deserved.

As Crum came into the staff last spring, he took some new faces and made them a strength for defensive coordinator Scott Symons’ defense.

With the linebacker targets closing in on decisions, he has a chance to solidify the room for years.

His room that’s built on competing and earning your opportunities, which is what every player has a chance to do in 2025 when this class arrives.

Now, the wait is in the final days to see who are the future pieces Crum will have to coach up.

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favors SMU for both Burns and Iheanachor.

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