SMU RB Camar Wheaton returns to practice, joins crowded backfield competition

UNIVERSITY PARK – SMU doesn’t have its full stable of running backs available this spring, but the Mustangs did add another horse on Tuesday.

SMU sophomore running back Camar Wheaton returned to practice after missing the first few weeks of spring practice. He and wide receiver Teddy Knox, who also returned on Tuesday, were both held out due to academic issues.

“I was excited to get him back,” SMU running backs coach Khenon Hall said on Tuesday. “I was excited to see him out here. He’s putting in the work and taking on the challenge as far as getting academically right. And that’s what he needs to do … he’s good to go.”

As for the initial thoughts on Wheaton’s return, Hall reminded that Tuesday was, after all, his first day back in pads since the end of last season.

“You can tell his wind is not all the way there yet, but he looked good as far as his football movements and traction and reading,” Hall said. “He looked good.”

Wheaton, a former five-star recruit from Garland Lakeview Centennial, also looked good at moments last season. SMU brought him along slowly after he injured his knee at Alabama the year before. He didn’t have a game with double-digit carries until Nov. 12, when he had 14 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns in a win at South Florida.

“To get him back fresh, I think you saw what he can do,” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said after the game.

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That ended up being the high point of Wheaton’s first season at SMU. He dealt with some lingering injuries the rest of the season. Still, he showed reason for optimism.

This season, the SMU backfield will likely be more crowded. SMU went in the transfer portal and added former Miami (FL) running back Jaylan Knighton and former Texas A&M running back L.J. Johnson. Both were top-10 running back recruits in the country in their respective classes, just like Wheaton. Both have also been working with the starters at SMU practice.

SMU also returns Brandon Epton Jr., Velton Gardner and last year’s leading rusher, Tyler Lavine, who is out this spring while he recovers from knee surgery.

There will be plenty of competition for carries. In Hall’s mind, Wheaton hasn’t shied away from it.

“I think a guy like that, he’s very competitive as is,” Hall said. “He’s very hard on himself, and he pushes himself anyways to strive to be the best. But the challenge is there for all of them. The competition, that’s what you want.

“With Camar, seeing [Knighton and Johnson] come in, I’ve liked how he’s responded. He’s not backing down. He’s trying to step it up and take it to another level.”

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