SMU rolls out red carpet for DT
One of five official visitors in this weekend to SMU was Garland (Texas) Lakeview Centennial three-star defensive tackle James McClinton. For the 6-foot-1, 289-pound McClinton, this was his second visit. So how did SMU compare to Kansas, which he visited back in October.
“Both are very good schools and teams,” McClinton, ranked as the nation’s No. 25 defensive tackle, said. “But compared to KU, the academics are so much better at SMU. That means a lot to me, because I want to play at a place that I’m going to get a great education at.
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“But on the other side of things, Kansas has better facilities, lockers and equipment. That’s also something I’m thinking a lot about, too.”
McClinton said he was told by the SMU coaches that he could come in and quickly make an impact for the Ponies.
“Coach Bennett talked about playing time that I would get there, and how I could make a difference,” he said. “My family would like me to get a great education and stay close to come, so SMU would be a great option for that. But they’re also not going to be upset if I go far away, too.”
McClinton is set up to visit Houston next weekend, followed by a December 19 visit to Iowa. All of the teams have offered him a scholarship. If he does decide to take a fifth visit, then Iowa State would be in line for the final trip.
The Ponies also played host to quarterback Jared Romo of Antelope Valley (Calif.) Community College, David Haynes of McGregor, Texas, Devin Lowery, a re-signee from 2003 and Bobby Chase, a tight end from Blinn (Texas) College.