Pony Up! A Look at the SMU Mustangs Quarterbacks

©SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK

The SMU Mustangs enter Atlantic Coast Conference play looking to make some noise, led by head coach Rhett Lashlee and quarterbacks coach D'Eriq King. King's influence on the Mustangs QBs has been on display in team practices and recent interviews.

King played collegiately for the Houston Cougars and Miami Hurricanes, then played for the DC Defenders in the XFL. When he was the Hurricanes' QB, Lashlee was the team's offensive coordinator. King is a rising star in the coaching ranks and was recently named to the 247Sports 30under30 List.

In a recent interview, King said, "I'm a little hands-on." He continued: "You've got a lot of coaches in this profession that haven't played, so I like going in there having fun with the guys, still doing drills. I'm still pretty young, so just kind of joking around, having fun, keeping things light. It's a game, we play a kid's game, and I want to have that mentality of 'Hey we're here for business and all that, but still have fun. So, I jump in there every now and then and kind of show them how it's done."

SMU Mustangs Starter Preston Stone

Preston Stone was the starter for the Mustangs last year. He started the first 12 games before going down with a season-ending injury in the final game of the regular season. Backup quarterback Kevin Jennings took over for Stone after the injury.

Stone spoke highly of King and his relationship with the coach: "We all have a great relationship with D'Eriq. He's been awesome," Stone said. "It makes practice really fun because it's not just a quarterback coach that's just preaching to you and giving you instructions. He's stepping into the drill and showing you how a former Heisman contender actually does it. Coach King makes practice really fun."

Stone was recently named to the prestigious Maxwell Award Watch List.

Here Comes Backup Kevin Jennings

A redshirt sophomore, Jennings started the first two games of his career in the American Athletic Conference championship game and the Fenway Bowl. He led the Mustangs to a victory over the Tulane Green Wave in the conference championship game. In 2023, he passed for 618 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Regardless of whether he is starting or playing the role of backup, Jennings maintains a consistent approach: "I wouldn't say anything is different last year and this year," said Jennings. "Prepare like you're the starter. Prepare like you're going to play all the time. Don't get scared to get thrown in the fire. Go out there and just play and do what you do."

Third String Keldric Luster

While Stone and Jennings are seasoned signal callers, Keldric Luster is developing into a promising SMU quarterback. He saw action in two games in 2023.

Lashlee praised Luster's offseason progress: "I'll tell you who really stood out and had a great spring, Keldric Luster can play," Lashlee said. "He got a lot of reps with the 2s today, not the 3s, by design. I just think he has a calm demeanor about him. Look, my first two years here we've had to play three quarterbacks both years. So it's nice to know that we've got three guys, three high school guys from Texas, from the Dallas area that came to SMU and are doing really well. Makes you feel good about coach King, assistant quarterbacks coach Sam Hullender and our development."

With the embarrassment of riches SMU has at the quarterback position, look for the Mustangs to make a run at the ACC title sooner rather than later.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the SMU Mustangs.