DALLAS — SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee delivered a simple message after the Mustangs completed their first preseason practice: enthusiasm is welcome, but expectations must still be earned.
“It was good to get out there and have our first practice,” Lashlee said. “There was a lot of urgency from the guys and a lot of excitement, but we’ve literally done nothing yet. We’ve got a lot to prove.”
Before discussing practice, Lashlee announced several roster updates.
Keith Doty is stepping away from football and will no longer be part of the program as he pursues his degree elsewhere. Lashlee thanked Doty for his contributions and wished him well. He also announced that Isaiah Robertson is no longer with the team following what he described as a mutual decision, adding that the program will continue supporting Robertson moving forward.
Samu did not participate in the opening workout because of a family matter. Lashlee said he expects him to return by Sunday.
Lashlee also addressed the status of Ahmad Walker, who is participating with the program while awaiting an eligibility decision.
Walker has not been cleared to play, but Lashlee said the university continues working through the process. He explained that Walker’s NFL opportunities changed after learning during the scouting process that he needed neck surgery, a procedure expected to sideline him for several months.
“If it gives him an opportunity to come back, play a healthy season and then get drafted like he probably should, I think it’s great,” Lashlee said. “We’re in this business of trying to do what’s best for the student-athletes.”
Another newcomer drawing attention early in camp is Jordan Adams, the former first-round Major League Baseball draft pick who has returned to football after spending eight seasons in professional baseball.
Lashlee said Adams’ athletic ability has been evident since summer workouts began, while acknowledging there is an adjustment period after nearly a decade away from the sport.
“You can see his natural ability,” Lashlee said. “He can track the ball. He’s athletic.” He added that Adams has already shown significant improvement since arriving on campus and believes he has an opportunity to become an important contributor as he continues developing.
Although the opening practice featured only helmets, Lashlee liked the approach his players brought to the field.
“I think it’s a mature group,” he said. “They’re about their business. They know when it’s time to work.”
As camp progresses, Lashlee said several position battles remain unsettled.
He expressed confidence in the team’s experience at quarterback and believes the receiving corps has the depth to allow multiple players to contribute. Along the offensive line, he identified left guard and overall depth as key competitions that will play out during camp.
Defensively, Lashlee believes one of the team’s strengths could be its overall depth.
Rather than relying on a handful of standout players, he said the Mustangs have enough competition throughout the secondary and defensive front that numerous players could earn meaningful snaps as preseason practices continue.
Lashlee also praised the growth of several veteran players, pointing to increased maturity, accountability and leadership throughout the roster. He said players who have learned from mistakes earlier in their careers are now helping guide younger teammates, strengthening the culture within the program.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings echoed his coach’s message, saying the Mustangs understand the importance of preparing with urgency while embracing the expectations that come with leading the offense.
“I look at it as a privilege,” Jennings said. “To have pressure, you’ve got to be doing something right.”
Jennings also praised the team’s chemistry, saying veterans and newcomers have built strong relationships throughout the offseason and that competition across the roster has created an energetic atmosphere as camp continues.
With the first practice complete, Lashlee said the focus now shifts to daily improvement. While he appreciated the enthusiasm displayed on the opening day of camp, he emphasized that the coming weeks will determine how the Mustangs develop before the season begins.
“We’ve got a lot to prove,” Lashlee said.
