2002 Statistics

written by Tim Chapman

New Mexico's offense was much like the family station wagon - it wasn't pretty but it got the job done. Returning all 11 starters can only improve productivity in 2003. Soph RB DonTrell Moore (1134 yards, 13 TDs) burst on the scene in his first season and has given the Lobos reason to smile for the next few years. He has the bulk to move defenders, and the burst to run by them. After a bit of a slow start (stepped in for the injured Quincy Wright, Moore went on to turn in one of the finest rushing season in Lobo history, earning MWC Freshman of the Year honors.

A stable offensive line anchors all great running teams, and the Lobos bring just that. They will be looked upon as the cog that makes this offense tick. Junior OG Claude Terrell and senior OT Jason Lenzmeier lead these agile hogs. The O-line, boasting players ranging from 320-340 pounds, was a big key to 2002's late success, allowing only 17 sacks. That efficiency will need to be continued (or even bettered) for the Lobos to achieve higher marks in '03.

The Lobos need to throw the ball more often and effectively. With opponents placing an emphasis on stopping the running game, a successful passing game would be likely to make this offense soar. Senior Casey Kelly returns for his third season as the triggerman. While he doesn't possess a big arm, he is accurate and tough - exactly what this offense requires. Any improvement is Kelly's to make. He needs to bring the success that Graham Leigh brought to Albuquerque in '97, the last time UNM challenged for a conference title (lost in the WAC championship game).

A strong group of receivers come back, but none pose a deep threat. Senior Dwight Counter comes close, but this offense needs some more explosives on the outside. Fellow senior Adrian Boyd will get the nod, but he needs to find the endzone after no TDs in 2002. When finding a seam, senior TE Bryan Penley is a reliable channel for Kelly to hit.

OT Jason Lenzmeier

written by Tim Chapman

The Lobo LBs were a force last season (283 tackles, 33 TFL and 11 sacks), and, despite losing their leader Charles Moss, should return to where they were at 2002's end. Senior OLB Billy Strother and junior OLB Nick Speegle are two of the best at their position in Mountain West Conference. They are great athletes who have the speed that allows them to run with backs and receivers, and the strength that makes them sure-tacklers. New MLB Daniel Gawronski will adjust quickly. He is one of the strongest players on the team, and is said to be a smart player with a good grasp of the defense. This group will only make other areas of the defense better.

The front three return both ends. Senior Daniel Kegler is creator on the front line and disrupts the backfield on a constant basis. As one of the most athletic defensive lineman in the conference, constantly necessitating double-teams disrupts the balance of an offensive line and allows his teammates to clean up. His compliment is senior D.J Renteria (13 TFL). Renteria is a big body with a strong motor. He is a force, yet agile. His lateral abilities allow him to take away the outside lanes to force backs inside, or stretch it way outside where said linebackers crackdown. They will form an experienced group along with senior NT Guillermo Morrison. All together, this defense accounted for 38 sacks a year ago, tops in the MWC, while bringing the second best rush defense (114 ypg).

The secondary returns almost in tact, but there are a few questions that lie within this unit. First is the insertion of two new corners. Senior Corey Brown played often enough so that this isn't too much of a concern, but nothing is certain. Experience will be a BIG boost to this group, though - the Lobos start four seniors in the back five. All-MWC SAF Brandon Ratcliff has a nose for the ball. And there is depth, too.

The big concern will be how quick this crew can get accustomed to new defensive coordinator Osia Lewis. Lewis, who came over from Illinois, might switch over to a 4-3-4 defense, which could take a little time to implement. They will face some potent offenses right off the bat and (the secondary especially) will be tested almost immediately.

DE Daniel Kegler