Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is counting down the 50 most important players in the state of Texas, and we’ve reached the top 10.
Most important doesn’t always mean the most talented. Talent is a factor, but we’re weighing it against depth at the position, production and how much losing this player would impact a team’s trajectory.
The No. 10 most important player in the state is a Group of Five player tasked with replacing two wide receivers that will play on Sundays. SMU's offense will be built around this game-breaking talent.
Check back over the next several days as we count down the rest of the top 10.
The History
SMU has produced some elite wide receivers over the past several seasons. Courtland Sutton became a second round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft after catching 144 passes for 2,331 yards and 22 touchdowns in two seasons. Trey Quinn added 1,236 yards and 13 touchdowns after transferring from LSU.
There’s plenty of reason to believe James Proche can be the next elite wide receiver at SMU. Proche was a solid recruit after playing at DeSoto, Prime Prep and Red Oak. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football rated him the No. 8 receiver in the state. Proche held offers from multiple Power 5 schools. However, he saw opportunity with Chad Morris at SMU and quickly jumped aboard.
In two seasons at SMU, Proche caught 97 passes for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns. With Sonny Dykes bringing his air raid system to University Park, Proche will have even more opportunity to post crazy numbers.
The Skillset
Proche is the whole package at wide receiver. His 5-foot-11 frame is big enough to beat defenders, but his elite athleticism is what makes him a nightmare. When given the opportunity, Proche has proven he can create big plays.
Against TCU’s elite defense, Proche caught 3 passes for 93 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown. He added 7 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown against undefeated UCF. Proche posted at least 50 yards in 7 games last season despite being the No. 3 wide receiver. He cleared 100 yards three times.
Expert Insight
“The former DeSoto standout proved he could be a reliable receiver in his sophomore season, but more than that showed he can spark big moments for the team with his breakaway speed and shifty moves. With Courtland Sutton and Trey Quinn now in the NFL, much of the pressure shifts to Proche to provide a reliable option for quarterback Ben Hicks.” -- Former SMU beat writer Adam Grosbard
The Impact
Quinn and Sutton are both gone to the NFL. Now, all the pressure of SMU’s receiving game rests on Proche’s shoulders. The Mustangs’ second-leading returning receiver, Myron Gailliard, posted just 169 yards last season.
Quarterback Ben Hicks has shown flashes of brilliance while at SMU, but he’s used to having a safety blanket. Proche, a receiver who has yet to post a 1,000-yard season, has to transform into that role immediately in 2018, and with a new coach.
The Mustangs are bringing in receivers Treveon Johnson and Jared Miles as part of the 2018 recruiting class. Both have a chance to play next season. However, the success of the passing game will depend on whether Proche can consistently win his side of the field.
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