2004 Statistics

Quarterback
Although Kole McKamey started 11 of 12 games last year as a sophomore, his job is far from safe. Their 119.1 passing yards per game ranked 114th out of 117 Division I teams. While that's not purely McKamey's fault, he completed just 49% of his tries and passed the Lobos to a measly 59 first downs by air. Most important, NM's efficiency ranking didn't surpass its overall passing ranking, showing how Kole genuinely needs help himself - it's not really the system. What the bulky McKamey does bring to the offense is great athleticism in this run-first offense, so his speed (4.45-sec 40) is a dimension needed. McKamey was shaky enough; however, that JUCO-experienced Chris Nelson was recruited, as was Donovan Porterie. Both have been promised a chance at the starting job. Although bigger than McKamey, Nelson is the same type of dual threat. But super strong-AND-quick (455lb. squat and 4.6 speed) sophomore Tye Butler has the inside track, listed second on the two-deep. His potential to command the offense is much greater than McKamey's, and Butler's work with the scout team will assure him real-game reps. This can be a deep unit if shuffled, but McKamey cannot be allowed to again make poor decisions that cost NM wins.

Running Back
The running game is New Mexico's strength (ranked 30th). It's a major question mark this year, though. Senior DonTrell Moore, the young MWC's all-time leading rusher, needs only 188 to also become the same for the Lobo's. He also is constantly catching the rock, coming in second on the team in snarls. But he tore his ACL (Emerald Bowl). He's progressing faster than expected and should be ready by the fall, but ACL injuries offer no guarantees, so his ability to again shoulder half the team's carries is doubtful. Moore ranks second for all top returners in the country. Freshman Rodney Ferguson goes north-south more, bursting strongly through teeny holes. No matter who runs the ball, they'll do it behind third-year starting FB Adrian Byrd. Byrd is a knockdown specialist who sees about a carry per game, though fewer throws. Depth at both backfield slots is strong, so this dimension will again thrive as it gets the ball two-thirds of the time.

Receiver
Will somebody other than Hank Baskett catch the ball? The answer to that question could very well determine how the offense produces this season. Other than Baskett (54 catches for 908 yards), none of the other receivers had played Division I football before last year, and it showed, as only Baskett had more than seven passes. Everybody is back, and the potential will be reached with the right QB in place. Baskett, a senior, has great size and is a tremendous athlete (he's a conference champion in the high jump). Seniors Anthony Carter and Chris Brawley should emerge, as both were state track champions (Carter in the 3A 100 meters (AZ), and Brawley at 200 and 400 meters down in 'bama). Both offer a huge target, so it seems criminal if they both fail to register at least 20 catches each. Converted-TB Marcus Smith, also well-sized and speedy, represents the decent depth that is here, though the full potential of this unit is rarely tapped.

Tight End
New Mexico doesn't throw to its tight ends often, but the QBs have a great target when they do. Logan Hall started three games with his great hands, makes big plays after the catch, and holds his ground when going deep over the middle. Hall is also a solid (run) blocker. Behind Hall, there is very little experience, although sure-handed former walk-on Curtis Pino (also a deep snapper) will assure LBs cannot ignore his potential, too.

Offensive Line
Ryan Cook originally came to New Mexico as a walk-on. Now, he's one of the country's best centers, a three-year starter, and two-time first-team all-conference selection. Few centers possess his combination of size, strength (benches 425+ pounds), and agility. Even better, Cook has some pretty good talent around him. Hulkish Robert Turner returns to guard, where he proves he is the Lobo's most physical lineman after starting his entire career here (22 games). Terrance Pennington started at left tackle, but will move to the right "quick" side since coaches feel he needs more time until being that trusted again. That means the entire left side of the line has to be replaced. Junior Patrick Hodges has experience at all line positions (including deep snapper), and will be given the chance to win the left tackle spot. JUCO-transfer Bo Greer is expected to man the left guard spot. Behind the starting five, there is very little experienced depth.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The Lobo offense ranked as one of the worst in the country last year. Only eight teams gained fewer yards per game (298.0) and only 16 scored fewer points (20.3). The Lobos can't depend on the defense again to guarantee wins. If McKamey retains his starting spot, he must improve his decision-making, which he can by putting confidence in someone other than Baskett. With McKamey and the receivers all having a year of experience behind them, the passing game will make tremendous strides. A move to backup QB Tye Butler should not be delayed if/when McKamey struggles. The real question is whether RB Moore can return to full strength. His injury has helped DC Dunn examine the depth's potential as Moore sits out spring practice, but New Mexico needs him in the fall for this offense to get out of the conference cellar. Suspect is their 34% third-down conversion rate, but optimistic is their redzone conversion rate (87.5%) over the past 33 games, 78% of which have been TDs. The key word is 'balance' - NM just needs to rank in the upper half somewhere in passing efficiency for this offense to really take off.

Defensive Line
This is the unquestioned strength of the defense. NT Marcus Parker is all-Mountain West. In addition to occupying two hats on most plays and still making/affecting the play (35% of his career tackles have been for loss), Parker has a nose for quarterbacks (seven sacks). His improved strength and added weight will make this three-man front even more formidable. Sophomore converted-LB Mike Tuohy will supply what is lost as Coulter is gone. His huge spring means he bumps back and now starts here, on the outside. Tuohy (pronounced TWO-ee) switches with Evroy Thompson, who will still be a floating line presence, able to drop back as he is being tainted a LB after spring. Adam Garday returns the left side. He began last year as the right side starter, but lost his job to Thompson in midseason. Garday floored while a Scottsdale C.C. Artichoke (10 sacks), so his upside has to come soon…or else, guys like 275-pound state wrestling champ Billy Brittain, who can roam the line (though listed as a NT), will take over. Brittain, a junior, gives the Lobos size that can be added when needed. Thompson will still be employed here, as there is little experience behind the starters. NM was one of 11 teams that held foes all season to under three per carry, so we will just see if this 17th-ranked run-stopping unit can come close to these numbers. These stats will likely rise a bit, and inversely, this unit has its work cut out to even get close to 2004's 42 sacks and 92 QB-hurries.

Linebacker
Mike Mohoric is the only return. Combining great speed, strength and intensity, the former walk-on has great pass-rushing ability (seven sacks, 17 hurries) and was third in tackles. Aside from Mohoric, New Mexico's corps is younger and more inexperienced than they've been in several years. Within the 3-4 they employ, this unit's developments will be accelerated by the solid line that won't need much help. Every one of the projected starters has played, but none has ever started, so the potential (and/or) talent is known, just unfulfilled. Cody Kase is an excellent coverage LB, and his size issues are offset by Kase's progress in the weight room, as was proven through his eye-opening efforts this spring. Quincy Black gives the Lobos more size on the outside. After excelling on special teams, senior Joe Selander - a former WR/SS to further attest to his speed - finally gets the starting nod inside. Evroy Thompson is mentioned above, so there is some other experience to build upon here. The prowess of this corps is why the Lobos usually have a strong overall defense - they provide the balance needed so no weaknesses show/surface for long. But with only two true LBs coming in the last two classes, this position has to stay healthy.

Defensive Back
This was the weak spot. NM was 61st in pass defense, but they were 34th in the more important efficiency category. Third-team NC.net all-American CB Gabriel Fulbright is a lock-down corner. Unbeknownst to holder Lucy, safety Charles Brown can plug the run as well as he roams the secondary. These two senior DBs call the shots now. Jerrell Malone takes over the other CB spot, and has the experience to make us believe he will step up well. He's sure to get picked on early, but Malone makes plays when given the chance. Tyson Ditmore gets the chance to start after a solid freshman campaign. Ditmore uses his vision and smarts well, making up for his average DB speed. Again, not to overstate, but this unit, too, has little experience in its depth. Under the guise of playing together as a true 'team', the revampings here can be seamless. Injuries to Fulbright and/or Brown would impact all of the DB's effectiveness.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
In switching to a 3-4 set for the first time in '04, the Lobos made a rather smooth transition. Defense is still what gets the Lobos anywhere. They led the Mountain West in scoring defense (18th nationally), against the run (while 9th for I-A) and in total defense (24th). Several key playmakers from that unit are gone. With the offense expected to improve, that should take (some) pressure off the defense. The back-eight will still struggle early, though the CBs should do their jobs well from the start. This allows NM to force plays into the middle, where Mohoric can clean up. The Lobos need to stem their foes' scoring trends - the difference between first-half scoring (138) and second half scoring (86) shows that adjustments work, but take too long. With a run-oriented attack themselves, falling behind will again be a recipe that guarantees losses. A more positive sign is the redzone numbers - NM allowed just a 46% TD conversion rate and had 13 TOs in 105 total tries over a span of their last 31 games.