2003 Statistics

Quarterback
Though Casey Kelly leaves as the school's all-time leader in wins, the cupboard is not bare, by any means. Replacements Kole McKamey and Tali Ena actually have far better tools than their predecessor. McKamey, an in-state product who runs a sub-4.5 forty, saw action at QB, and is even athletic enough to have played at WR last season, too. Ena is a transfer from Washington State (who's been at UNM for the last two years), where he backed up Cougar great Jason Gesser. He possesses the better arm of the two, and coaches claim, "there isn't a throw he can't make". McKamey will have the inside track, given Dan Dodd's preference in mobile QBs, but needs work on his touch throws and his reads at the line of scrimmage and in real-time. Both QBs give a little something different, which will play into Dodd's favor as the season goes along. Neither is that far ahead of his competitor, so we think a two-QB system could work.

Running Back
The Lobo offense has been piggybacking DonTrell Moore the last two years. With the success that's come of it, there's no reason to believe they'll change that now. Now a junior, Moore is a two-time Mountain West first-teamer, who finished as the nation's 15th leading rusher. He has that unteachable ability to stop flat and shift while in mid-sprint, turning a respectable gain into an extraordinary one. Fans love him, opponents fear him. Either way, he ranks as one of the premier backs in the country. Backup D.D. Cox will give you fits, too. Averaging 5 yards a clip, Cox works well as the anti-Moore, running downhill with unaltered decisiveness. UNM is set at FB with the tandem of Landrick "L-Train" Brody and Adrian Byrd. Both are skilled as runners and blockers. This is a healthy rotation of backs to throw at opponents that, barring injury, will be one the best in country!

Receiver
Graduation took its toll in this area, and leaves early questions in the passing game. Hank Baskett is the only (notable) holdover, and must step up to become their main playmaker downfield. A two-time all-MWC high jumper and hurdles champ, Baskett leaves no doubt about his athletic ability. To become the complete receiver, though, he needs to become more physical and deal with the double-teaming he'll soon face. Curtis Flakes, a three-year CB, has emerged this spring to earn a starting spot opposite Baskett. Opposing defenses will likely stack against the run to prevent proportional gains. To keep them honest, the Lobos will counter by putting the ball in Flakes' hands on screens, reverses, and fly-motion sweeps. JUCO-transfer Chris Brawley has beneficial size and is tough to tackle, though he'll need time to adjust to the speed and strength of I-A play. Nothing spectacular will come from this group, nor will it be expected.

Tight End and Offensive Line
New Mexico plans to get more out of their tight ends this year. Starter Mike Augustyniak is solid, but coaches are real high on junior college-transfer Logan Hall. He saw more than his expected share of passes this spring and brings great athleticism to the position. The benefit of having a quality backfield means the TEs will have easier pass-catching opportunities from play-action passing.

The offensive line laid the foundation for an outstanding run game (16th nationally), but did less to protect their QB, giving up 26 sacks. To easily break in the new starter, that number will come down. Terrell and Cook were MWC first-teamers last year and will renew those accolades. Terrell moves to tackle, and freshmen all-American guard Robert Turner moves to Terrell's side. The "quick" side of the line breaks in two capable starters, both having received bountiful praise from the coaching staff. Dubbed, "the Hitmen", this group hunts you down and punishes you. They'll be one of the MWC's, and the country's, best units.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
This is basically a ball-control offense, relying on a steady rush attack and a sound, low-risk passing game. They run the ball 66 percent of the time, so they don't put a whole lot of emphasis on throwing it, especially early with new QBs. They're going to beat you helmet-to-helmet with speed up the middle and around the corners. Expect Moore's numbers to go up, yet again (from 1450 yards, 19 TDs, 5.3 YPC), as the new offensive line is even quicker than last year's and just as big. He and his running cohorts will prove effective enough to facilitate a UNM passing game. By the time opposing teams learn to stop Moore and company, the QBs will have had enough time to get adjusted to big-time exposure and effectively run the offense. In addition, rotating them will ultimately impede defensive game-plan strategies and keep this offense moving.

Defensive Line
The Lobos have been stripped to the bone on defensive line. The front that wreaked such havoc (39 TFLs, 16.5 sacks) has graduated and the Lobos now check the stock to find nothing but bare shelves. Defensive coordinator Osia Lewis has high hopes for NT Marcus Parker. He makes the switch from DE, and with continued development, he should be an all-conference talent. Aside from Parker, though, there isn't much familiarity. Injuries (this spring) to the experienced players have left folks worried about how effective their virgin replacements will be. Rocky Long and staff brought in a handful of JUCO-transfers to help them out, but nothing materialized in spring practice - nothing that makes us believe this group will be solid come September.

Linebacker
Luckily, the Lobos play a four-linebacker set on defense, so that should help compensate for the relatively weak front. It all starts with Nick Speegle. He won't tantalize you with flash or awe you with gaudy numbers. What he will do is get the job done. A three-year starter, Speegle is a sound tackler, as well as a major disturbance to any passing game. Fellow seniors Chrishone Harris and Fola Fashola are more of the intimidating types. Both are fierce hitters with a knack for finding the football and popping its carrier hard. These four (LBs) are the most active players on the 'D' and will be counted on to provide most of the heat on opposing QBs. They'll be the strength of this defense, so if they falter (injury), it will be a down year in Albuquerque.

Defensive Back
The Lobos gave up 248 yards per game through the air, but that was a result of foe's dedicated passing efforts stemming from their lack of success with the run (5th in run stopping, 89th in pass defense). UNM was 51st in pass efficiency defense, showing the quality of this group and their ability to keep the play in front of them (such that they had the 39th-ranked scoring 'D'). They return both corners, which are the keystones of the secondary in such an aggressive, blitzing defense. Gabriel Fulbright really advanced as the season drew on, earning second team all-conference honors. He leads a group of three CBs with ample playing time under their belt. Their experience will allow the linebackers to stunt more and take more risks in the pass rush. Senior safeties Josh Bazinet and Kevin Walton will be solid, as well. Bazinet is a hard-worker with great open-field tackling skills, evidenced by his success on special teams. A couple of JUCO0-transfers were brought in to help aid the inexperience down the depth chart. This group will need to be counted on, especially with the run defense down a few notches.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
New Mexico is one of only five schools to finish in the top 30 in total defense in each of the last four years (Tennessee, K-State, Texas, and Oklahoma are the others). They've also finished tops in the conference in sacks during that time. So why do we think this defense could fall from such graces? We don't! Contrary to even what their coaches believe, this defense will compete weekly and keep the Lobos in the thick of things. Though smaller and less experienced, they have solid coaching and recruited a good amount of talent. Lewis is known for his stunting defenses, which put offenses in binds as far as blocking assignments go. However, with the youth and inexperience, things will have to be simpler to start. As they progress, then we'll see more stunts and tricks. They're reloading, not rebuilding, so this group won't drop too far with UNM's tough legacy here.