One of the major question marks heading into the
2008 UNM
Football season is who will step up to replace standout receivers
Marcus Smith
and Travis Brown, both of whom have been lost to graduation. The
tandem
combined to catch 335 passes for 4,265 yards and 25 TDs throughout
their time
in the Cherry and Silver and carried the Lobo offense to some of its
most
impressive performances over the last two seasons. This spring a
new crop
of receivers are vying to succeed the All-MWC tandem and each brings a
different skill set and level of experience to the offense.
Sina Shabazz and Jerome Jenkins
The Lobos were once again in helmets and shoulder
pads only
or "shells" for today's workout. Within the confines of Rocky
Long Stadium the team focused on the passing game with the 'one on one'
drill
first; a route running and accuracy exercise involving the QB targeting
receivers that are each locked in man to man coverage. Several
UNM wideouts
stood out during this portion of the workout against the stellar
defensive
backfield lead by Senior CB's DeAndre Wright and Glover Quin.
5-10, 166
lb Jr. Roland Bruno flashed his impressive hands, precise route
running, and
willingness to tread across the middle of the field throughout the
day.
Also impressive in one on one drills were Sr. Jermaine McQueen, who has
been
much improved of late, and So. transfer Bryant Williams from
Coffeyville CC in Kansas. Each
made spectacular grabs including one
on a deep post by McQueen in which he separated from CB Jerome Jenkins
and
adjusted perfectly to the ball for what would have been a TD in a game
situation. Not to be outdone Bryant Williams showed spectacular
concentration and skill while ensnaring a well thrown ball by QB
Donovan Porterie in the endzone. Porterie placed the ball as far from the
defender as possible allowing only the outstretched arms of Williams to
have a
chance at the reception. Everyone was in on the action during
this portion
of Monday's drills with younger receivers Michael Scarlett (Fr-RS, Albuquerque) and Sina Shabazz (So, Las Cruces) also making great grabs over the
middle. S Frankie Soloman had a terrific pass breakup as
well that
served as a reminder of just how good UNM's defensive backfield is
heading into
the fall. Rest assured that the Lobo receivers are being tested
each day
by what is likely the best DB unit in the conference.
Joshua Taulalele
The Hitmen and front six of Rocky Long's defense
then joined
the battle for live scrimmaging for the remainder of the session.
The
live scrimmage focused on the passing game only as the players were not
equipped with full pads today. Changes in the first team
offensive line
were made as Jr. Erik Cook appeared at LG today with highly regarded
JUCO
transfer Ben Contreras playing C. Another transfer, Joshua
Taufalele,
worked with the first team at RG while Jr. Ivan Hernandez saw time at
RT as
Byron Bell was in a blue jersey indicating that he was injured for
today's
practice. Sr. Sylvester Hatten was the first team LT as he has
been for
much of spring practice to date.
Ben Contreras
A couple of other Lobo receivers shined in the
live
scrimmage including So. Chris Hernandez and Sr. TE Chris Mark.
Mark was
able to juggle and finally secure a pass on his way down to the turf
while
completely wrapped up by MLB Zach Arnett in one of the most impressive
plays of
the day. Perhaps the most striking play from scrimmage was a deep
corner
route in which Chris Hernandez beat DeAndre Wright and secured the ball
for a
touchdown. It should be a comfort to all Lobo fans to know that
our
inexperienced receiving corps is improving every day and turning in
solid
performances against such seasoned and talented opposition on the
defensive
side of the ball.
Offensive Player of the Practice:
QB
Donovan Porterie:
The Jr. QB continues to impress with his command of the
huddle, on the line of scrimmage, and of the offense as a whole.
Coach
Baldwin has rarely been heard correcting a call with Porterie under
center this
spring. This has allowed the two to focus more heavily on details
such as
hitting the proper drop, release point, etc. as opposed to the actual
nuts and
bolts of the offense as was the case last season. Porterie made
several
impressive plays with his arm today placing the ball perfectly for his
young,
talented receivers.
Defensive Player of the Practice:
S
Frankie Solomon. The Jr. from Dallas
had a great breakup in one on one drills and was
consistently in the proper position throughout the practice
session.
Perhaps most impressive of all were the words of encouragement that he
offered
to his WR opponent after every single play. Solomon praised good
plays by
the offense and also helped to motivate the receivers that happened to
drop a
pass of make a route running mistake. This exemplifies the "team
first" attitude and chemistry that propelled New
Mexico to a 9-4 record last season and is perhaps the team's
greatest
attribute.
505/575 Pride:
WR
Chris Hernandez. Las Cruces
Mayfield graduate Chris Hernandez has made several big plays this
spring and
today made one against the MWC's best CB in DeAndre Wright. He
has also
proven to be an able blocker and does not hesitate to do the dirty work
that
often goes unnoticed from WRs. Be on the lookout for him to
become the
next home grown success story at New Mexico.