SMU adds strong recruiting class

DALLAS (SMU) - On the heels of its school-record fourth consecutive bowl berth, SMU today announced a strong recruiting class of 19 student-athletes and four January enrollees, bringing another talented crop of recruits to the Hilltop.

With their move to the BIG EAST, SMU went toe-to-toe with other BCS programs for prospects, edging, among others, Arizona State, Cal, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa, Ole Miss, Memphis, Mississippi State, N.C. State, Oregon State, Purdue, Syracuse, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Washington State, for certain recruits.

Running back Traylon Shead, quarterback Kolney Cassel, tight end Jeremiah Gaines and defensive end Zelt Minor are among the highest-rated recruits by Rivals.com, but SMU also added three players with NFL bloodlines, bringing in Spencer Hollie (Doug Hollie (SMU alum)), Jesse Montgomery (Alton Montgomery) and Deion Sanders, Jr. (Deion Sanders, Sr.).

"We think as coaches this is our best-looking class physically, along with our best athletically at all positions, since coming to SMU," said SMU Coach June Jones. "With our move to the BIG EAST, we will be playing a step up in talent and I feel this group will be able to compete as we make our move to our new home. This class will allow us to play the game at the highest level possible."

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