Position Preview: SMU’s future at running back

As summer nears its end and SMU gets set for fall camp the roster and depth chart are starting to come together. By utilizing the transfer portal and another strong recruiting class the Mustangs are putting themselves in position to compete in their first season in the ACC.

As Rhett Lashlee & Co. make their move into the power rankings, On The Pony Express provides an in-depth look at the roster with our Position Preview series. We now take a look at the future of the running back position.

In Year 2 at SMU

The Mustangs didn’t add a running back out of high school last offseason, but did get a couple of big transfer pickups. Jaylan Knighton and LJ Johnson Jr. combined to make 12 starts last season and rushed for 1,321 yards and 11 touchdowns, including five 100-yard games.

Knighton was a four-star recruit in 2019 and the No. 12 back in the country while Johnson was also a four-star, but the No. 5 back in the country in 2020. They will be the leaders of the room again this season.

The 2024 class

SMU brought in a pair of versatile backs at opposite ends of their careers. Brashard Smith comes from Miami for his final year of eligibility. He is a kick return specialist, being named a preseason All-American there, but is primarily a running back with some experience as a wide receiver.

From the high school ranks, the Mustangs signed Derrick McFall out of Tyler High. He caught 48 passes for 818 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior to go with 128 yards and two scores rushing and even threw a touchdown pass his senior year. SMU even lists him as WR/RB on the roster, although he projects more as a college running back.

SMU on the recruiting trail

The Mustangs already have one running back committed for 2025 and have their sights on another. Dramekco Green , out of Conroe High, announced his intent to attend SMU on June 19. He is the No. 44 running back in the country using the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 has him even higher as the No. 29 back in the nation.

SMU is also in the running for Michael Turner . He is the No. 7 running back by the On3 Industry Ranking and No. 5 by On3 out of North Richland Hills Richland High. His Top 6 includes the Mustangs, though he has not set a commitment date.

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