2002 Statistics

written by Adam Hargraves

The plan will be simple for Tony Samuel's Aggies: run, run and keep running. Like his mentor, Tom Osborne, Samuel incorporates an option style offense that has made New Mexico State one of the elite rushing offenses in the country. The Aggies have averaged at least 200 yards per game and have been ranked in the top 25 in the nation in rushing for five consecutive seasons.

With numerous players returning from last year's offensive unit, the Aggies will no doubt be gunning for the Sun Belt Conference Championship and a bowl bid. The Aggies have not been to a bowl since the 1960 Sun Bowl. To say the least, this team is hungry.

New Mexico State returns both quarterbacks, Buck Pierce and Paul Dombrowski. This tandem gives the Aggies the luxury of having two players who can run the option, thus giving opposing defenses two players to worry about. Dombrowski amassed 868 yards (school record) on the ground on 189 carries last year. While the Aggies don't pass often, Dombrowski and Pierce aren't slouches when they go to the air as both completed over 60 percent of their passes. Now a sophomore, Dombrowski could emerge as the full-time starter due to his above-average running ability.

At the I-back position, New Mexico St. returns starter Eric Higgins. Higgins is ready for a breakout season now that he is injury-free. Also returning is fullback Marcus Dixon, who will get the ball here and there (30 carries one the year) when the option goes straight up the middle. Dixon will mostly be relegated to blocking duties for Higgins. After another year of working together, increased chemistry between Higgins and Dixon could balloon the potency of this backfield. The Aggies boast some depth at the I-back position in senior Tony Bostic as well as sophomore Keith Moulton.

The tight end position also returns junior starter Alex Davis, who has started 32 consecutive games for the Aggies. Davis has good hands and could burn defenses, which will be stacked against the run.

New Mexico St. lost some beef on the offensive line including center B.J. Van Briesen, guard Shalimar Jackson and tackle Steve Mascorro. Even with the losses, the Aggies return a capable group who will be able to combine size and speed to help the option offense move the chains. Two returning starters, senior tackle Trevor Kine and guard Steve Subia will anchor the line. Also returning from is sophomore guard Nick Cole and senior center Andy Dale. Guard Matt Sanchez saw significant playing time early in the year before an injury slowed his progress.

If there is an area of concern for the Aggies, it is the receiving corps as New Mexico State lost its two top pass catchers. Luckily for the Aggies, just having someone lining up outside the box helps stretch out the defense for the run. New Mexico St. does have two players returning who have experience. Seniors Chris Lumpkin and Ronshay Jenkins will do a bulk of the pass catching. Through special teams and receiving, the speedy Jenkins (5-7 147) could be the vertical threat that the Aggies need. A tall, lanky redshirt freshman, Tim Tolbert, figures to make an impact in his first season.

OT Trevor Kine

written by Adam Hargraves

On defense, New Mexico St. has some holes to fill as the Aggies lost their entire starting secondary. On the positive side, however, the defensive line has more depth than any other Aggie team that Samuel has coached. All four starters on the defensive line started multiple games last year for New Mexico St. Nose tackle Joe Olivo anchors the line and is a solid run-stopper who has deceptive speed at the position. Lining up beside Olivo will be Lionel Apineru, who returns after starting eight games at defensive tackle. Traydell Bullock is the starter at left rush end for the Aggies. Bullock was a high-school running back and used his speed to his advantage, leading the team in tackles for a loss. Bullock could emerge into a speed rusher off the end as well as a run stopper. At the other end position is Greg Scaffidi, who started eight games last season. With 14 tackles in the final four games, the Aggies will benefit if Scaffidi can continue that same production. The versatile Tommy Laborin can play end, nose, as well as defensive tackle. The senior started five games last year, all at different positions and should provide the Aggies with much needed depth along the line.

The Aggie linebackers are solid, blending good cover skills with the ability to rush the passer and play the run. New Mexico St. returns three linebackers with starting experience. Jimmy Cottrell is the middle linebacker who has a good nose for the football. Having led the team in tackles as a redshirt freshman, it could be a breakout year for Cottrell. Richard Glover is undoubtedly the Aggies best cover linebacker. Glover has the speed to match up with running backs as well as tight ends. Tim Patrick is the Aggies' best pass rusher from the linebacking position; teams will have to pay attention to where he is. Not doing this will lead to Patrick having free shots at quarterbacks.

Any time a team loses an entire secondary, there will be a learning process for the newcomers. Hopefully the new starters will pick up the coverage schemes quickly, or it could be a long season for the Aggie secondary. Two sophomores, Cameron Wright and Chris Davis will be the starting corners for New Mexico St. Both players saw significant playing time as freshmen. Wright was considered one the best cover corners in the California area coming out of high school and will get a chance to show his stuff with a starting role this year.

The safety position has no set starters, but is highlighted by an in-house competition for playing time. Vying for playing time are returning redshirts Eric Carrie and Glenn McCrary. Also in the mix are sophomores Matt Griebel, Shukree Shabazz and junior Wuan Harris.

K Dario Aguiniga