With much buzz from the fanbase, and National Signing Day right around the corner, lets discuss true freshmen and how much we can expect out of first-year players.
Lets take a look back at the last handful of years for Aggie football, and which true freshmen made positive impacts on the team.
The biggest, I can recall, was Davon House, who started the second half of the 2007 season at cornerback. He finished the season with 37 tackles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups and a memorable 100-plus yard touchdown return against the University of Idaho.
In 2008, defensive ends Pierre Fils and Dante Savage saw their playing time increase as the season went along.
In 2006, Joseph Palmer received playing time on the offensive line and Tonny Glynn started two games at running back after moving over from DB.
In 2005, wide receiver A.J. Harris made 39 grabs for 448 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensive end/linebacker Michael Brewer made 29 tackles in 2004.
It's not unusual for freshmen to be worked into the lineup slowly, gradually fed the playbook and, over time, grow into their role. Which of the recruiting class this year might be asked to step in and take the field fairly early on?
I think that two linebackers who have verbally committed — Anthony Joyner and Dylan Davis — will get a shot to play right off the bat. The linebacking unit is wide open and I would think fresh recruits would have an opportunity to make an impact.
What about at quarterback? I think this would also be a position with no real frontrunners to win the job and open competition taking place in camp. Jeff Fleming and Trevor Walls both played last year while Tanner Rust redshirted. That, and some first-year players are expected to be at camp as well — namely Andrew Manley. But who knows what new offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar likes in a quarterback? Again, I would expect an open competition at this position.
Pieces are expected to be added along the offensive line and some newcomers could get some looks. I'm not sure if that will include true freshman Davonte Wallace.
In the secondary, I would expect last year's starters to enter camp as the frontrunners, with prospects Charles Garrett and Darien Johnson being groomed for the future. There's depth at this position.
Johnson was a standout kick returner in high school. Special teams is an option for true freshmen to step in right away and flash their ability.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Will Martin
From what i hear, the Aggies are set to hire Will Martin as their new cornerbacks coach.
NMSU will make the announcement in the next day or so.
Martin is currently the defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator at College of the Desert. Here's a link to the coaches profiles from the school. You have to scroll down to find Martin.
The Aggies interviewed five for the position but will end up going with Martin. Although this is his first real crack at a D-I coaching job, I understand he is hungry for the opportunity and ready to roll.
On the offensive side of the ball, the team settled on moving R. Todd Littlejohn to wide receivers coach. It was originally thought that he would coach running backs, although that plan has shifted.
As far as the next running backs coach is concerned, it will not be announced until the team gets the nod from the higher ups at NMSU to fill the position. Have no fear — that time will almost certainly come. But, until then, it will be a wait-and-see type deal. I do understand that the Aggies have it down to a couple candidates to fill the post.
NMSU will make the announcement in the next day or so.
Martin is currently the defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator at College of the Desert. Here's a link to the coaches profiles from the school. You have to scroll down to find Martin.
The Aggies interviewed five for the position but will end up going with Martin. Although this is his first real crack at a D-I coaching job, I understand he is hungry for the opportunity and ready to roll.
On the offensive side of the ball, the team settled on moving R. Todd Littlejohn to wide receivers coach. It was originally thought that he would coach running backs, although that plan has shifted.
As far as the next running backs coach is concerned, it will not be announced until the team gets the nod from the higher ups at NMSU to fill the position. Have no fear — that time will almost certainly come. But, until then, it will be a wait-and-see type deal. I do understand that the Aggies have it down to a couple candidates to fill the post.
Monday, January 18, 2010
A look at NMSU recruiting
Has the Aggie football team done a nice job recruiting for the 2010 season? I think so.
The team is currently ranked in the middle of the Western Athletic Conference pack in recruiting rankings and could see an uptick before the Feb. 3 signing day.
NMSU has signed six three-star recruits, seven if you count Donyae Coleman, who played for the Aggies in 2009.
Lets weigh it across to board:
What we know
NMSU has bulked up in its secondary, a unit that I thought was relatively stable going into the ’10 season. Two three-star recruits have joined the party, in defensive backs Darien Johnson and Charles Garrett. This unit will have four senior starters returning and looks to have some prospects waiting in the wings.
I like what the team has at defensive end. Pierre Fils and Donte Savage proved they can be every down contributors last season, tallying 53 tackles apiece and combining for 13 sacks. They need reinforcements, however, and the hope is that some depth can develop behind them. Rob Williamson, a junior college transfer, might be the man for the job.
The offensive line, which battled last season, added some pieces this offseason and should continue to improve as well. Aundre McGaskey is a three-star prospect who played a season at Texas before transferring to the junior college ranks. He verbally committed to NMSU during the winter. Davonte Wallace is an El Paso high school player who looks to be coming to Las Cruces.
Up in the air
Two young linebackers are expected to come to NMSU in true freshmen Dylan Davis and Anthony Jordan. It's asking a lot for young players to contribute right off the bat, but the linebacker race is going to be wide open prior to the season. I think both will get an opportunity to show what they can do in fall practices. Four seniors — Jason Scott, Ross Conner, Sam King and Jamar Cotton — took the majority of snaps at the linebacker position last year. One player who will get a look in the spring and fall is sophomore B.J. Adolpho, who won Scout Team Player of the Year on defense last season.
Two quarterbacks look to be coming to New Mexico State — Matt Christian and Andrew Manley. From what I hear, Christian, a junior college transfar, is already on campus. Manley is highly touted coming out of Hawaii. NMSU currently has five quarterbacks on its roster, two of which played last year in Jeff Fleming and Trevor Walls. Christian and Manley, who aren't listed yet, will be in the mix and lets not forget about Tanner Rust, who redshirted last year as a freshman. Someone needs to emerge here under new coordinator Mike Dunbar.
We know there's a 1,000-yard rusher on this team in Seth Smith. If he could do it last year, on a team where he was one of the only threats, he can do it again. The coaching staff is also high on Marquise Dunn, a big back with power. He was a grey shirt last year, and could be a nice addition in 2010. What the team does need is a change-of-pace back to go along with the bruisers. Robert Clay showed ability during fall camp last year and James Hall Jr. had a good year as a redshirt freshman. Maybe one of them can fill the void. I actually feel pretty good about this position going into 2010, particularly when looking at the entire roster and what else needed to be addressed.
Areas that need help
Many are clamoring for a receiver — it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the Aggies need more production out of its passing game this year. Nothing's been done here yet, although the team is still in the mix for a few players. Hopefully, something is done by Feb. 3. NMSU received a verbal from tight end Jackson Kaka but, again, he's going to be a true freshman. More receptions from the tight ends this year will help. This still looks like a unit in transition.
The defensive tackle position remains a question mark for me. Dejuan Yates redshirted last year and should get a chance to produce. What happened to Branden Warner in 2009? He came in with a lot of fanfare but struggled with injuries and never made an impact. The team could use a lift from him in 2010. John Finau is the one returnee at this position who played extensively last year.
The team is currently ranked in the middle of the Western Athletic Conference pack in recruiting rankings and could see an uptick before the Feb. 3 signing day.
NMSU has signed six three-star recruits, seven if you count Donyae Coleman, who played for the Aggies in 2009.
Lets weigh it across to board:
What we know
NMSU has bulked up in its secondary, a unit that I thought was relatively stable going into the ’10 season. Two three-star recruits have joined the party, in defensive backs Darien Johnson and Charles Garrett. This unit will have four senior starters returning and looks to have some prospects waiting in the wings.
I like what the team has at defensive end. Pierre Fils and Donte Savage proved they can be every down contributors last season, tallying 53 tackles apiece and combining for 13 sacks. They need reinforcements, however, and the hope is that some depth can develop behind them. Rob Williamson, a junior college transfer, might be the man for the job.
The offensive line, which battled last season, added some pieces this offseason and should continue to improve as well. Aundre McGaskey is a three-star prospect who played a season at Texas before transferring to the junior college ranks. He verbally committed to NMSU during the winter. Davonte Wallace is an El Paso high school player who looks to be coming to Las Cruces.
Up in the air
Two young linebackers are expected to come to NMSU in true freshmen Dylan Davis and Anthony Jordan. It's asking a lot for young players to contribute right off the bat, but the linebacker race is going to be wide open prior to the season. I think both will get an opportunity to show what they can do in fall practices. Four seniors — Jason Scott, Ross Conner, Sam King and Jamar Cotton — took the majority of snaps at the linebacker position last year. One player who will get a look in the spring and fall is sophomore B.J. Adolpho, who won Scout Team Player of the Year on defense last season.
Two quarterbacks look to be coming to New Mexico State — Matt Christian and Andrew Manley. From what I hear, Christian, a junior college transfar, is already on campus. Manley is highly touted coming out of Hawaii. NMSU currently has five quarterbacks on its roster, two of which played last year in Jeff Fleming and Trevor Walls. Christian and Manley, who aren't listed yet, will be in the mix and lets not forget about Tanner Rust, who redshirted last year as a freshman. Someone needs to emerge here under new coordinator Mike Dunbar.
We know there's a 1,000-yard rusher on this team in Seth Smith. If he could do it last year, on a team where he was one of the only threats, he can do it again. The coaching staff is also high on Marquise Dunn, a big back with power. He was a grey shirt last year, and could be a nice addition in 2010. What the team does need is a change-of-pace back to go along with the bruisers. Robert Clay showed ability during fall camp last year and James Hall Jr. had a good year as a redshirt freshman. Maybe one of them can fill the void. I actually feel pretty good about this position going into 2010, particularly when looking at the entire roster and what else needed to be addressed.
Areas that need help
Many are clamoring for a receiver — it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the Aggies need more production out of its passing game this year. Nothing's been done here yet, although the team is still in the mix for a few players. Hopefully, something is done by Feb. 3. NMSU received a verbal from tight end Jackson Kaka but, again, he's going to be a true freshman. More receptions from the tight ends this year will help. This still looks like a unit in transition.
The defensive tackle position remains a question mark for me. Dejuan Yates redshirted last year and should get a chance to produce. What happened to Branden Warner in 2009? He came in with a lot of fanfare but struggled with injuries and never made an impact. The team could use a lift from him in 2010. John Finau is the one returnee at this position who played extensively last year.
ESPN confirms Johnson commitment
Yesterday I blogged about Darien Johnson's verbal commitment to the NMSU Aggie football team.
Here's a link from ESPN with a quote from Johnson.
The Aggies are getting some recognition this offseason. It's nice for a change.
Here's a link from ESPN with a quote from Johnson.
The Aggies are getting some recognition this offseason. It's nice for a change.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Aggies receive verbal from another 3-star DB
I hear the Aggies have received another verball commitment from another three-star defensive back, this one being Darien Johnson from Bishop Amat in California.
Here's a link for Johnson's rivals.com page.
Here's a link to ESPN recruiting page, which indicates that the University of New Mexico also had interest in the DB.
Johnson was on the radar of other WAC teams Fresno State, Boise State and Nevada, as well as some Pac 10 schools. NMSU is building depth in its secondary.
Here's a link for Johnson's rivals.com page.
Here's a link to ESPN recruiting page, which indicates that the University of New Mexico also had interest in the DB.
Johnson was on the radar of other WAC teams Fresno State, Boise State and Nevada, as well as some Pac 10 schools. NMSU is building depth in its secondary.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Coaching news....From La. Tech
Reports are that Derek Dooley, Louisiana Tech's head coach, could be moving to take over Tennessee.
Here's a link to the Monroe News-Star article.
For the record, Dooley is La. Tech's head football coach, and athletics director. Talk about a double-whammy.
Dooley has been at Tech for three seasons and is the son of legendary Georgia head coach Vince Dooley. He got LT on track in his first campaign and in Year 2 the Bulldogs went to the Independence Bowl, beating Northern Illinois in the process. I predicted they would finish second in the WAC last year and they did not, finishing the season with a 4-8 record, 3-5 in conference play. Still, I believe he's a good coach who has built the program to respectability. We'll see how this plays out.....
Here's a link to the Monroe News-Star article.
For the record, Dooley is La. Tech's head football coach, and athletics director. Talk about a double-whammy.
Dooley has been at Tech for three seasons and is the son of legendary Georgia head coach Vince Dooley. He got LT on track in his first campaign and in Year 2 the Bulldogs went to the Independence Bowl, beating Northern Illinois in the process. I predicted they would finish second in the WAC last year and they did not, finishing the season with a 4-8 record, 3-5 in conference play. Still, I believe he's a good coach who has built the program to respectability. We'll see how this plays out.....
Good news for Aggie football
In the wake of DeWayne Walker announcing that he will be back with the Aggie football team in 2010, I can't help but be happy.
Even if coach Walker did get an offer from the Seahawks and left, I wouldn't have had a hard time with it. Would it have been bad for Aggie football? I think so. But, and I've said it before, an NFL defensive coordinator job is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. And who knows where it would have led after that? If Walker did a standout job, he may have moved up the football ladder even further.
But that's neither here nor there. Walker will be back in 2010 and it will be a score for Aggie football. It looks like the Aggies will have a strong recruiting class coming in on Feb. 3. Walker staying ensures that the players will be here too and will buy into the program from the get-go.
Will he leave eventually? Most likely. But the hope is that he'll build the program to the point where he can take off. If the Aggies get to a bowl game and he leaves after that? Hey, he accomplished something that hasn't been done in a long time. He deserves to be rewarded for his efforts.
But lets just focus on the present day. He's here and the Aggie program will have a legitimate shot at growth. I'll make the argument that the recent reports with him and the NFL will help the program bring in better players. The perception out there is that coach has strong ties to the NFL level. And athletes follow that. It makes NMSU an attractive place to play football if the coach can make you a better player and possibly get you to the next level.
There will be renewed excitement in the program going into the 2010 season. I still think this team has a ways to go. But the optimism will continue to grow. Hey, it got me excited for the season. Spring ball is right around the corner.
Even if coach Walker did get an offer from the Seahawks and left, I wouldn't have had a hard time with it. Would it have been bad for Aggie football? I think so. But, and I've said it before, an NFL defensive coordinator job is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. And who knows where it would have led after that? If Walker did a standout job, he may have moved up the football ladder even further.
But that's neither here nor there. Walker will be back in 2010 and it will be a score for Aggie football. It looks like the Aggies will have a strong recruiting class coming in on Feb. 3. Walker staying ensures that the players will be here too and will buy into the program from the get-go.
Will he leave eventually? Most likely. But the hope is that he'll build the program to the point where he can take off. If the Aggies get to a bowl game and he leaves after that? Hey, he accomplished something that hasn't been done in a long time. He deserves to be rewarded for his efforts.
But lets just focus on the present day. He's here and the Aggie program will have a legitimate shot at growth. I'll make the argument that the recent reports with him and the NFL will help the program bring in better players. The perception out there is that coach has strong ties to the NFL level. And athletes follow that. It makes NMSU an attractive place to play football if the coach can make you a better player and possibly get you to the next level.
There will be renewed excitement in the program going into the 2010 season. I still think this team has a ways to go. But the optimism will continue to grow. Hey, it got me excited for the season. Spring ball is right around the corner.
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