Head coach DeWayne Walker said the Aggies could have as many as four or five new players on its roster by the time fall practices roll around in early August.
Walker said the team will look to address its secondary — both at cornerback and at safety — as well as wide receiver, linebacker and possibly at running back.
“There's a good chance we'll add some guys,” Walker said.
•••
Some injury updates:
Quarterback Matt Christian injured his left collarbone — its his non-throwing shoulder — and has not been playing as often in recent practices. He did play briefly in last weekend's scrimmage. He should be 100 percent for the start of the season.
Also, Seth Smith said he will play on Saturday during the team's spring game. Smith injured his left shoulder during last weekend's scrimmage, but said it felt fine and he was ready to play. It's his left shoulder — not the same shoulder he separated last year during the second half of the season.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Running back position should be deep
Last year at this time, I wrote on this blog that the Aggies would be set at running back.
I wrote that because of Marquell Colston and Tonny Glynn. Little did I know that Seth Smith would emerge as well as a 1,000-year rusher in the backfield.
Moving on to 2010, and I expect NMSU to be strong once more in the backfield. Actually, I think they'll be stronger than last year from a numbers standpoint.
For starters, Smith returns as a proven runner. He's looked good this spring, showing the power and toughness that he displayed last year, but a year older. The only question with Seth is his health. He runs tough and runs hard. But if he stays on the field — which he did last year despite a separated shoulder which plagued him during the second half of the schedule — expect him to be productive once again.
Robert Clay was a little banged up the last week, but he looked good early on. The team will add Kenny Turner in the fall as well, who is expected to add a big-play element to the offense.
“It should be a strength for our team,” Walker said of the running backs. “We'll see if we have any gamebreakers. Robert Clay and Kenny Turner hopefully can fill that for us.”
The team also has some depth at fullback. Brandon Perez and Ronald Opetaia are both proven players who can gain yards on the ground here and there while opening holes in the running game. Donovan Roberts has also gotten snaps this spring.
“We want a tough minded group and we think we've got that,” Walker said.
•••
Some personnel moves:
Marquese Dunn will not be with the team this year to attend to family business back in Texas. Dunn was expected to vie for carries in the backfield this year.
Also, backup cornerback Lorenzo Caldwell will not be on the roster. He will look to transfer, possibly to Abilene Christian.
I wrote that because of Marquell Colston and Tonny Glynn. Little did I know that Seth Smith would emerge as well as a 1,000-year rusher in the backfield.
Moving on to 2010, and I expect NMSU to be strong once more in the backfield. Actually, I think they'll be stronger than last year from a numbers standpoint.
For starters, Smith returns as a proven runner. He's looked good this spring, showing the power and toughness that he displayed last year, but a year older. The only question with Seth is his health. He runs tough and runs hard. But if he stays on the field — which he did last year despite a separated shoulder which plagued him during the second half of the schedule — expect him to be productive once again.
Robert Clay was a little banged up the last week, but he looked good early on. The team will add Kenny Turner in the fall as well, who is expected to add a big-play element to the offense.
“It should be a strength for our team,” Walker said of the running backs. “We'll see if we have any gamebreakers. Robert Clay and Kenny Turner hopefully can fill that for us.”
The team also has some depth at fullback. Brandon Perez and Ronald Opetaia are both proven players who can gain yards on the ground here and there while opening holes in the running game. Donovan Roberts has also gotten snaps this spring.
“We want a tough minded group and we think we've got that,” Walker said.
•••
Some personnel moves:
Marquese Dunn will not be with the team this year to attend to family business back in Texas. Dunn was expected to vie for carries in the backfield this year.
Also, backup cornerback Lorenzo Caldwell will not be on the roster. He will look to transfer, possibly to Abilene Christian.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Fleming looks good during Saturday scrimmage
Quarterback Jeff Fleming looked good for the Aggies during Saturday's spring scrimmage, the team's second such scrimmage of the year.
The Aggies threw the ball downfield more often and utilized tight end Kyle Nelson in the offense. Fleming hit the senior a handful of times over the middle, with some completions going for big gains. He also hit Marcus Allen for a couple big gains, one of them being a 40-plus yard scoring strike.
Nelson scored two TDs as well, both coming from Fleming.
“I feel a lot more confident,” Fleming said following Saturday's session. “I understand the offense better and I believe in myself.”
Last year, the Aggies didn't throw the ball downfield enough. This spring they seem to be taking more shots deep.
“At times yes, at times no,” Fleming said. ‘When we have to, we do. Today we definitely did it more and I thought we did a good job.”
The junior quarterback also displayed his mobility, taking an option left and bringing it down to the Aggie 3-yard line for a pickup of over 10 yards.
“He has that athleticism,” Dunbar said. “He made plays running today and he made some plays with his arm. That's what we're looking for.”
Dunbar said all the quarterbacks have improved this spring.
“I think he's improved, I think all of them have gotten better,” he said. “That, to me, means the quarterback competition is going good.”
•••
Seth Smith ran hard and ripped off some nice runs before leaving practice with an injury. He was on the sidelines later in practice with a bag of ice taped to his shoulder.
•••
Defensively, linebacker B.J. Adolpho laid a couple big hits including one on Fleming on an option left. He also got in a nice lick on running back Victor Johnson along the sideline.
Davon House had an interception. Darrius Preston seemed to lose his footing and House went over him to make the pick in traffic.
Jonte Green also made a nice breakup on a deep pass intended for Preston along the sideline.
•••
Zach Diaz, Jordan Davenport and Kyle Hughes all took turns handling field goals on Saturday.
Special teams coach Keith Murphy said the unit went 10-of-12 on FG attempts on the day.
The Aggies threw the ball downfield more often and utilized tight end Kyle Nelson in the offense. Fleming hit the senior a handful of times over the middle, with some completions going for big gains. He also hit Marcus Allen for a couple big gains, one of them being a 40-plus yard scoring strike.
Nelson scored two TDs as well, both coming from Fleming.
“I feel a lot more confident,” Fleming said following Saturday's session. “I understand the offense better and I believe in myself.”
Last year, the Aggies didn't throw the ball downfield enough. This spring they seem to be taking more shots deep.
“At times yes, at times no,” Fleming said. ‘When we have to, we do. Today we definitely did it more and I thought we did a good job.”
The junior quarterback also displayed his mobility, taking an option left and bringing it down to the Aggie 3-yard line for a pickup of over 10 yards.
“He has that athleticism,” Dunbar said. “He made plays running today and he made some plays with his arm. That's what we're looking for.”
Dunbar said all the quarterbacks have improved this spring.
“I think he's improved, I think all of them have gotten better,” he said. “That, to me, means the quarterback competition is going good.”
•••
Seth Smith ran hard and ripped off some nice runs before leaving practice with an injury. He was on the sidelines later in practice with a bag of ice taped to his shoulder.
•••
Defensively, linebacker B.J. Adolpho laid a couple big hits including one on Fleming on an option left. He also got in a nice lick on running back Victor Johnson along the sideline.
Davon House had an interception. Darrius Preston seemed to lose his footing and House went over him to make the pick in traffic.
Jonte Green also made a nice breakup on a deep pass intended for Preston along the sideline.
•••
Zach Diaz, Jordan Davenport and Kyle Hughes all took turns handling field goals on Saturday.
Special teams coach Keith Murphy said the unit went 10-of-12 on FG attempts on the day.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Nelson comes through
Tight end Kyle Nelson made some tough grabs during Friday's Aggie spring football practice.
Nelson made three or four catches that stand out, two over the middle with the defender providing tight coverage. One of them went for a touchdown in the redzone.
The Aggie passing game needs a boost from its tight ends this season. Last year the team got just 17 catches from the position — consisting of Nelson, Kyle Hipp and Kenny Evora — for 137 yards and one touchdown. Nelson led the way with 13 grabs for 112 yards, but he suffered through drops and inconsistent play.
Physically — he stands at 6-foot-4, 221 pounds — Nelson fits the role. The team could line him up at the traditional tight end position or out wide as well, depending on matchups. He just needs to bring it to the field on Saturday's in the fall.
“He's got to do it during a game,” NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said. “That's his nemesis. He had a good spring last year too and we love what he's doing now. He's got the potential to do some things in coach Dunbar's offense.”
•••
The defensive backs unit could be the Aggies' strongest heading into the 2010 season.
Davon House looks more mature and people have spoken highly of Jonte Green this spring.
I spoke to Green last week and he said offseason conditioning with coach Gary Uribe was a key in his development, as he pushed himself in the weight room.
“Of course I'm shooting for All-WAC. I'm shooting for more than that too,” Green said. “I want to be the best cornerback in the nation. I'm playing hard and hoping it will fall into place.”
The one concern is at safety. Alfonso Powell returns, but Stephon Hatchett has sat out this spring to deal with academics.
Ben Bradley has stepped in this spring and could continue to see time in the fall if Hatchett can't get things turned around.
•••
Walker spoke about his defense following Friday's practice.
“The offense has gotten most of the attention so far, and rightfully so,” he said. “Don't overlook our defense though.”
The DBs were looking good on Friday, as was the defensive line.
Walker spoke about the linebacker corps and how he's liked the development there. NMSU's top three backers at the moment are Boyblue Aoelua in the middle, Frank Padilla at strongside and B.J. Adolpho at weakside.
“We're faster on defense and I think we have a better football IQ there,” Walker said.
My feelings: Health is going to be paramount, particularly at the linebacker position. There just isn't much depth there.
•••
Walker also spoke about the offense and what group will bring to the table.
“Our quarterbacks are better. They're playing better this year,” Walker said. “We've got (incoming recruits) Kenny Turner and Taveon Burke who we're hoping will come in and give us some juice.”
Walker called the offensive line's performance “steady” this spring. Tackles Dwayne Barton, Ruben Escargesa, guards Sioeli Fakalata and Mike Yocius and center Mike Grady have all taken snaps.
“It's always going to be a hard-charging unit under Jason (offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier),” he said.
•••
Looking ahead to fall practices, expect some newcomers to get an immediate chance to get out on the field.
Walker spoke last week about linebackers Anthony Joyner and Dylan Davis getting an opportunity for playing time as possible backups to start the season.
Defensive tackles Tommy Stuart and David Mahoney are going to take the field and be given a chance to perform.
Cornerback Darien Johnson, a true freshman, will get a look.
On the offensive line, look for tackle Aundre McGaskey to make an impact and guard Dylan Lusk to get some time as well.
Nelson made three or four catches that stand out, two over the middle with the defender providing tight coverage. One of them went for a touchdown in the redzone.
The Aggie passing game needs a boost from its tight ends this season. Last year the team got just 17 catches from the position — consisting of Nelson, Kyle Hipp and Kenny Evora — for 137 yards and one touchdown. Nelson led the way with 13 grabs for 112 yards, but he suffered through drops and inconsistent play.
Physically — he stands at 6-foot-4, 221 pounds — Nelson fits the role. The team could line him up at the traditional tight end position or out wide as well, depending on matchups. He just needs to bring it to the field on Saturday's in the fall.
“He's got to do it during a game,” NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said. “That's his nemesis. He had a good spring last year too and we love what he's doing now. He's got the potential to do some things in coach Dunbar's offense.”
•••
The defensive backs unit could be the Aggies' strongest heading into the 2010 season.
Davon House looks more mature and people have spoken highly of Jonte Green this spring.
I spoke to Green last week and he said offseason conditioning with coach Gary Uribe was a key in his development, as he pushed himself in the weight room.
“Of course I'm shooting for All-WAC. I'm shooting for more than that too,” Green said. “I want to be the best cornerback in the nation. I'm playing hard and hoping it will fall into place.”
The one concern is at safety. Alfonso Powell returns, but Stephon Hatchett has sat out this spring to deal with academics.
Ben Bradley has stepped in this spring and could continue to see time in the fall if Hatchett can't get things turned around.
•••
Walker spoke about his defense following Friday's practice.
“The offense has gotten most of the attention so far, and rightfully so,” he said. “Don't overlook our defense though.”
The DBs were looking good on Friday, as was the defensive line.
Walker spoke about the linebacker corps and how he's liked the development there. NMSU's top three backers at the moment are Boyblue Aoelua in the middle, Frank Padilla at strongside and B.J. Adolpho at weakside.
“We're faster on defense and I think we have a better football IQ there,” Walker said.
My feelings: Health is going to be paramount, particularly at the linebacker position. There just isn't much depth there.
•••
Walker also spoke about the offense and what group will bring to the table.
“Our quarterbacks are better. They're playing better this year,” Walker said. “We've got (incoming recruits) Kenny Turner and Taveon Burke who we're hoping will come in and give us some juice.”
Walker called the offensive line's performance “steady” this spring. Tackles Dwayne Barton, Ruben Escargesa, guards Sioeli Fakalata and Mike Yocius and center Mike Grady have all taken snaps.
“It's always going to be a hard-charging unit under Jason (offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier),” he said.
•••
Looking ahead to fall practices, expect some newcomers to get an immediate chance to get out on the field.
Walker spoke last week about linebackers Anthony Joyner and Dylan Davis getting an opportunity for playing time as possible backups to start the season.
Defensive tackles Tommy Stuart and David Mahoney are going to take the field and be given a chance to perform.
Cornerback Darien Johnson, a true freshman, will get a look.
On the offensive line, look for tackle Aundre McGaskey to make an impact and guard Dylan Lusk to get some time as well.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Quarterbacks....Other practice notes
Tanner Rust didn't take as many snaps with the first-team offense during Wednesday's Aggie spring football practice.
Instead, it was Jeff Fleming and Matt Christian getting most of the action at the quarterback position.
“He's sitting at third right now,” Walker said of Rust. “Fleming and Christian are battling it out. But (Rust) is still there. He's still in the mix.”
•••
Walker said, as of now, the team has 22 or 23 scholarships available, although he could use a handful of them before the 2010 season gets under way.
“Sure, I could get it down to 18, 19, 20 if I can get guys in that can help us win now,” Walker said of the team's scholarship count and how it could stack up following the season.
Walker also spoke about recruiting players from New Mexico. Walker said he would like many NM football players to come to NMSU, although attracting them to the school hasn't always been easy. He will continue to work at it, however.
“I want the best players in the state to come here,” he said. “History has shown otherwise. If I can get one, then that's a start. If I can get a bunch of them, that would be great.”
•••
From the receivers position, coach R. Todd Littlejohn said that Marcus Allen and Darrius Preston have made the most progress this spring.
Taveon Burke is expected to be in the top-four on the depth chart when the fall season rolls around, while tight end Kyle Nelson could see action split out wide.
Todd Lee, while battling a hamstring injury, is expected to take the field at some point this spring.
•••
Walker said the Aggies are looking at a couple possibilities at kickoff and punt returns this year.
At kickoffs, the team could go with Allen or Clay. Allen returned kicks last year for the Aggies.
On punts, Donyae Coleman and Lee will both get some looks.
In the kicking game, the team hopes junior college transfer Tyler Stampler can come in and handle the placekicking duties.
Kyle Hughes, who took over as the team's primary kicker and punter last season, should just take care of punts in 2010, which is a good thing. All-in-all, Hughes had a good year in 2010, but should be even better with a decreased work load.
Instead, it was Jeff Fleming and Matt Christian getting most of the action at the quarterback position.
“He's sitting at third right now,” Walker said of Rust. “Fleming and Christian are battling it out. But (Rust) is still there. He's still in the mix.”
•••
Walker said, as of now, the team has 22 or 23 scholarships available, although he could use a handful of them before the 2010 season gets under way.
“Sure, I could get it down to 18, 19, 20 if I can get guys in that can help us win now,” Walker said of the team's scholarship count and how it could stack up following the season.
Walker also spoke about recruiting players from New Mexico. Walker said he would like many NM football players to come to NMSU, although attracting them to the school hasn't always been easy. He will continue to work at it, however.
“I want the best players in the state to come here,” he said. “History has shown otherwise. If I can get one, then that's a start. If I can get a bunch of them, that would be great.”
•••
From the receivers position, coach R. Todd Littlejohn said that Marcus Allen and Darrius Preston have made the most progress this spring.
Taveon Burke is expected to be in the top-four on the depth chart when the fall season rolls around, while tight end Kyle Nelson could see action split out wide.
Todd Lee, while battling a hamstring injury, is expected to take the field at some point this spring.
•••
Walker said the Aggies are looking at a couple possibilities at kickoff and punt returns this year.
At kickoffs, the team could go with Allen or Clay. Allen returned kicks last year for the Aggies.
On punts, Donyae Coleman and Lee will both get some looks.
In the kicking game, the team hopes junior college transfer Tyler Stampler can come in and handle the placekicking duties.
Kyle Hughes, who took over as the team's primary kicker and punter last season, should just take care of punts in 2010, which is a good thing. All-in-all, Hughes had a good year in 2010, but should be even better with a decreased work load.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
James Hall Jr. to WR; Linebacker shuffle
James Hall Jr. has been moved to wide receiver this spring as the Aggies hope they can utilize him in the passing game.
Hall, a graduate of Las Cruces High School, redshirted last season as a running back. NMSU returns Seth Smith to the backfield, along with Robert Clay and greyshirt running back Marquese Dunn. The Aggies will also bring in Kenny Turner this fall who is expected to compete for playing time in the backfield.
Hall has been moved to WR, where Walker said he believes he will be a good fit.
"He's a high-IQ player who we need to get out on the field," Walker said. "We think he'll be a good fit there."
....
The Aggies also made a personnel move on the defensive side of the ball, moving Frank Padilla to strongside linebacker where he is expected to start.
Padilla, a senior transfer from College of the Sequoias, was backing up Boyblue Aoelua at middle linebacker at the outset of spring practice. He will now be moved above Kenny Evora and Bryan Bonilla on the depth chart at the Sam position.
B.J. Adolpho remains at the weakside spot.
Walker said that NMSU will give Dylan Davis and Anthony Joyner a chance to compete for a backup position with the team in the fall. Davis and Jordan are both true freshmen who will suit up for the Aggies in August training camp. Walker said it is not a given that either will redshirt.
Hall, a graduate of Las Cruces High School, redshirted last season as a running back. NMSU returns Seth Smith to the backfield, along with Robert Clay and greyshirt running back Marquese Dunn. The Aggies will also bring in Kenny Turner this fall who is expected to compete for playing time in the backfield.
Hall has been moved to WR, where Walker said he believes he will be a good fit.
"He's a high-IQ player who we need to get out on the field," Walker said. "We think he'll be a good fit there."
....
The Aggies also made a personnel move on the defensive side of the ball, moving Frank Padilla to strongside linebacker where he is expected to start.
Padilla, a senior transfer from College of the Sequoias, was backing up Boyblue Aoelua at middle linebacker at the outset of spring practice. He will now be moved above Kenny Evora and Bryan Bonilla on the depth chart at the Sam position.
B.J. Adolpho remains at the weakside spot.
Walker said that NMSU will give Dylan Davis and Anthony Joyner a chance to compete for a backup position with the team in the fall. Davis and Jordan are both true freshmen who will suit up for the Aggies in August training camp. Walker said it is not a given that either will redshirt.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday morning practice
The passing game has been on target the last two practices I have attended.
Wednesday the unit showed a spark and the play of Jeff Fleming and Tanner Rust stood out to me.
Fleming has thrown the ball better downfield this spring and it showed on Wednesday. He went up top to Marcus Allen for a 43-yard pickup along the right sideline. Allen beat Davon House up the field and got separation on the deep ball to haul it in. Nice play on both sides.
Fleming also dropped a ball in over the middle to Spencer Diaz, who made the grab between three defenders for a 15-20 yard gain. It was a good throw that was placed in traffic.
Rust could be the darkhorse to win the starting job. He threw some touchdown passes, hitting Julius Fleming from 25-plus yards out for a TD during 7-on-7 drills and then firing to the back of the endzone to Ronny Torres for a TD during redzone drills. The offense was fired up.
I think this is Rust's biggest attribute, is his leadership abilities. He's a feisty guy who will speak his mind and plays the game with toughness. NMSU needs that from the quarterback position just as much as anything else.
Last week, Rust got on Allen after the receiver was slow to get back to the huddle after an incompletion downfield. Wednesday, after hitting Torres, he was one of the first players in on the celebration, jumping on the tight end's back and slapping his helmet. Nice to see a little fire!
There were bumps in the road as well. While the offense played well during redzone work at the tail end of practice — Rust's TD to Torres, Allen caught a TD as well — it came against the second-string secondary. So we'll take it with a grain of salt.
The receiving corps had problems with drops during 7-on-7 but got better as practice wore on. Joe Cordova had a drop early, but came back and made two nice grabs to the delight of coach R. Todd Littlejohn. Allen also had a good practice, beating House up top and then catching a TD later. That came after he missed a scoring catch earlier in the day.
“It's expected,” head coach DeWayne Walker said of Allen. “He's a go-to guy for us and a returning player at that. He has to make plays if we want to go places.”
....
There's been a lot of talk this spring about junior cornerback Jonte Green, who started all 13 games last season for the Aggies.
“I'm telling you man, Jonte Green's coming on,” Walker said. “He's going to be a player for us.”
New secondary coach Will Martin spoke about Green as well, and also talked about incoming safety Shamar Gaines, a New Jersey native who's transferring in from College of the Sequoias in California.
“He's going to be a contributor. He's going to push guys back there,” Martin said.
Martin came to NMSU after being defensive coordinator last season at College of the Desert. He met Walker seven years ago, when the Aggie head coach held a defensive backs camp as an assistant with the Washington Redskins.
“I interned with the San Diego Chargers, I've coached at a lot of different places, so this is nothing new for me,” Martin said. “I am happy about being here though. It's a good opportunity.”
Walker said that Martin is adjusting to a reduced role in terms of responsibility. For four years he was defensive coordinator at College of the Desert, as well as the school's recruiting coordinator from 2006-08.
“It's long overdue to be perfectly honest with you,” Walker said of Martin's chance to coach Division I football. “He did a good job on the high school level, a good job on the junior college level and we think he can do a good job here.
“He remained patient,” Walker continued. “He went to clinics, he networked and he deserved the opportunity. Hopefully he will be able to continue from here and keep building on his career.”
....
Offensive lineman Patrick Blount was seen walking around practice with a cast on his right foot.
Walker said Blount has a broken foot. Last year, in his junior season, Blount played in just two games, hobbled by plantar fasciitis.
He was listed as a starter on the spring depth chart at right tackle.
“He's a big body that could help us,” Walker said. “We've got to figure out a way to keep him healthy though.”
Wednesday the unit showed a spark and the play of Jeff Fleming and Tanner Rust stood out to me.
Fleming has thrown the ball better downfield this spring and it showed on Wednesday. He went up top to Marcus Allen for a 43-yard pickup along the right sideline. Allen beat Davon House up the field and got separation on the deep ball to haul it in. Nice play on both sides.
Fleming also dropped a ball in over the middle to Spencer Diaz, who made the grab between three defenders for a 15-20 yard gain. It was a good throw that was placed in traffic.
Rust could be the darkhorse to win the starting job. He threw some touchdown passes, hitting Julius Fleming from 25-plus yards out for a TD during 7-on-7 drills and then firing to the back of the endzone to Ronny Torres for a TD during redzone drills. The offense was fired up.
I think this is Rust's biggest attribute, is his leadership abilities. He's a feisty guy who will speak his mind and plays the game with toughness. NMSU needs that from the quarterback position just as much as anything else.
Last week, Rust got on Allen after the receiver was slow to get back to the huddle after an incompletion downfield. Wednesday, after hitting Torres, he was one of the first players in on the celebration, jumping on the tight end's back and slapping his helmet. Nice to see a little fire!
There were bumps in the road as well. While the offense played well during redzone work at the tail end of practice — Rust's TD to Torres, Allen caught a TD as well — it came against the second-string secondary. So we'll take it with a grain of salt.
The receiving corps had problems with drops during 7-on-7 but got better as practice wore on. Joe Cordova had a drop early, but came back and made two nice grabs to the delight of coach R. Todd Littlejohn. Allen also had a good practice, beating House up top and then catching a TD later. That came after he missed a scoring catch earlier in the day.
“It's expected,” head coach DeWayne Walker said of Allen. “He's a go-to guy for us and a returning player at that. He has to make plays if we want to go places.”
....
There's been a lot of talk this spring about junior cornerback Jonte Green, who started all 13 games last season for the Aggies.
“I'm telling you man, Jonte Green's coming on,” Walker said. “He's going to be a player for us.”
New secondary coach Will Martin spoke about Green as well, and also talked about incoming safety Shamar Gaines, a New Jersey native who's transferring in from College of the Sequoias in California.
“He's going to be a contributor. He's going to push guys back there,” Martin said.
Martin came to NMSU after being defensive coordinator last season at College of the Desert. He met Walker seven years ago, when the Aggie head coach held a defensive backs camp as an assistant with the Washington Redskins.
“I interned with the San Diego Chargers, I've coached at a lot of different places, so this is nothing new for me,” Martin said. “I am happy about being here though. It's a good opportunity.”
Walker said that Martin is adjusting to a reduced role in terms of responsibility. For four years he was defensive coordinator at College of the Desert, as well as the school's recruiting coordinator from 2006-08.
“It's long overdue to be perfectly honest with you,” Walker said of Martin's chance to coach Division I football. “He did a good job on the high school level, a good job on the junior college level and we think he can do a good job here.
“He remained patient,” Walker continued. “He went to clinics, he networked and he deserved the opportunity. Hopefully he will be able to continue from here and keep building on his career.”
....
Offensive lineman Patrick Blount was seen walking around practice with a cast on his right foot.
Walker said Blount has a broken foot. Last year, in his junior season, Blount played in just two games, hobbled by plantar fasciitis.
He was listed as a starter on the spring depth chart at right tackle.
“He's a big body that could help us,” Walker said. “We've got to figure out a way to keep him healthy though.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
