Sophomore-to-be Mason Gentry is moving inside to defensive tackle in the new SMU defense (photo by Patrick Kleineberg).

Every player on the SMU football team is learning a new system in preparation for the 2015 season. The offense is learning the system new head coach Chad Morris brought with him from Clemson, while the defense is adjusting to new defensive coordinator Van Malone’s scheme.

In addition, a handful of players are adjusting to new positions. One such player is sophomore-to-be Mason Gentry, who is shifting inside to a defensive tackle position after starting his college career last season at defensive end. PonyFans.com visited with Gentry last Saturday to discuss the his adjustment to the new defense and his new position:

What were your thoughts on practice?

Mason Gentry: It was a lot of fun. The offense was going slower because of the officials, so it was easier on the defense.

It seems like outside of the scrimmage, there are a lot more competitive drills now.

Gentry: Yeah, it is competing all the time. When we are doing conditioning, teams compete against each other.

What do you think of the new position coaches.

Gentry: Mine (defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt) is awesome. The drills are great. All of the other coaches I have worked with know what they are talking about. From where we were to what we have now is night and day.

How do you feel about playing inside instead of out on the edge?

Gentry: I never played it before, but I like it now — (it’s) a lot more physical. I put on weight.

Are you being asked to take guys on or get through guys.

Gentry: Last year we ran a lot of read. This year (Wyatt) wants me to attack a lot more; if I don’t he is on my ass.

Is the 4 set up so that one stays home and plugs (gaps) and another tries to get through?

Gentry: I play the shade and Zelt (Minor) plays the three. He has more plays where he is supposed to come through. (Wyatt) still wants me to get through, but I am double-teamed a lot — just depends on what is called.

Who has caught your eye on the OL?

Gentry: Under (offensive line) Coach (Dustin) Fry, they are all way better than last year. I’d say their inside guys, their double-teams are a lot more physical, a lot better at run-blocking. They were not good run-blocking last year; now they are a lot better.

Who is someone else on the d-line that I should keep my eye on?

Gentry: If you watch practice today, Justin Lawler did an awesome job. I think he had like three sacks. Big frame, quick, strong, he’s got it all.