Here are some notes from SMU's open practice on Saturday:
-- JuCo quarterback transfer D.J. Gillins had a strong practice. He has a rocket of an arm. You can see his lack of chemistry with receivers only because his targets are not prepared for how quickly the ball gets to them out of Gillins' hand. He still needs to learn the offense, but the arm strength is definitely there.
-- Ben Hicks said that his 15-pound weight loss dropped him three pant sizes from a 36 to a 33. He had to buy some new pants to go with his new physique.