SMU football looking to build off successful 2021 offseason
By Andrew Tineo
Defense hopes to catch up to offense
Although the offense could hold its own in 2020, the defense was not the smoothest area. The Mustangs made a change in the offseason, firing Kevin Kane. SMU made a new approach and brought in veteran Jim Leavitt.
Leavitt was previously with Florida Atlantic, after being an analyst at Florida State. Florida Atlantic was considered one of the best defenses in the Group of Five, finishing 10th nationally in points allowed per game and 16th in passing yards allowed.
Those are two areas that SMU struggled in mightily last year. In fact, it was 75th and 77th in those categories, respectfully.
Senior linebacker Delano Robinson leads the charge in the front-seven and is the returning tackle leader from last year with 77. Defensive end Junior Aho broke out in 2020 and finished with four sacks, leading the Mustangs in that category.
The most coveted area of the unit is the secondary. Lead by SEC transfer Chevin Calloway and two-year starter Ar’Mani Johnson, this unit should be much better in 2021. Calloway is a former four-star, who spent his first two seasons in Fayetteville as a reserve for Arkansas. Sophomore cornerback Brandon Crossley had four interceptions a year ago and should be a great partner alongside Johnson.
Within Leavitt’s defense, it should be interesting how the defense presents itself in 2021. It’s expected to be a base 4-3 defense.
However, with Leavitt being in the college coaching ranks since 1980, he’s got some tricks up his sleeve with progression and schematically — what the Mustangs want to do.