National signing day is coming fast, and we’ll be looking at each FBS team’s needs as the end of the 2018 recruiting season arrives. Next up: SMUBiggest need: Linebackers Depth at the second level of the defense was an issue all season for the Mustangs, who gave up 4.95 yards a carry in 2017, 101st nationally. The depth chart behind Kyran Mitchell and Anthony Rhone, who combined for 140 tackles, struggled. And when a defense faces 72 plays a game like SMU's did in 2017, having a thin rotation hurts even more. Rhone is gone now, too, and Sonny Dykes' defense, which has yet to install a new coordinator, has to fill that void. The departures of receivers Courtland Sutton and Trey Quinn will earn the most offseason ink around The Boulevard, but finding more quality depth at linebacker will have just as much, if not more impact on the Mustangs' bottom line in Year 1 under Dykes. How it's being addressed: Perhaps the coaching transition is to blame, but the Mustangs signed just seven of their 18 committed prospects during the early signing period. Two of the seven are three-star linebackers, including juco transfer Trevor Denbow, the nation's No. 12 juco outside linebacker who'll likely be called upon to immediately contribute. Preston Ellison of Odessa Permian also signed, but the Mustangs have another commitment from Jimmy Phillips of Mesquite Poteet, as well as Dylan Horton from Frisco, a 6-foot-4, 202-pound safety who has the size to play a hybrid position closer to the line of scrimmage. More recruiting needs:
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