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, April 14, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Aggie passing game
I realize it's the third day of spring practice. Saying it's early would be a massive understatement.
Now that I pointed that out, I will continue by writing that the Aggie passing attack struggled today.
Three quarterbacks took snaps — Jeff Fleming, Matt Christian and Tanner Rust. None threw the ball particularly well. Fleming showed good mobility and ran for some big gains. Rust displayed leadership skills. Trevor Walls did not get any snaps, at least from what I saw.
None were very accurate throwing the ball during seven-on-seven passing drills and some receivers missed balls.
Again, it's early — very early. If this were fall practice, it would be one thing. In the spring, it's a time for growth and maturation as the team learns a new offensive system under a new coordinator.
Still, the passing attack cannot be as bad as it was last year or the Aggies won't win games. Growth and development is imperative this time of the year. I would say all three QBs I mentioned are legit contenders to win the starting job. But someone has to separate themselves when it comes to throwing the ball accurately downfield.
Head coach DeWayne Walker said following practice that the team needs its quarterback to be tough, mistake free and play hard. They don't have to be Dan Marino, they just need to be a football player. This was a similar message to the one delivered last year by Walker, and it's true. Across the board.
“We don't need turnovers, we don't need mistakes,” Walker said. “Look at the teams that were in the NCAA Tournament. Duke and Butler, they didn't have the best, most talented players. But they played together and as a team. That's what we need.”
The Aggies will have skill at running back. Seth Smith looks good and Marquese Dunn was seen running the ball and laying some hits carrying the ball at practice on Friday. As I said in my last post, Robert Clay is getting touches. And Kenny Turner will be arriving in May. Looks like the Aggies will have a nice mix back there in 2010.
Even at fullback, they have Brandon Perez and Ronald Opetaia and both can bang as tough, smart football players. They even have a little wiggle when they get the ball in the open field.
And the offensive line will be a hard-working unit that will be able to open the holes necessary up front and protect the quarterback enough.
But NMSU needs some sort of a passing game to complement their ground attack. Last year NMSU topped 100 yards passing just four times and 200 yards just twice. This year, I think they need to be average 250 passing yards a game if they want to improve upon their three-win total of a season ago. And while its just spring ball, that development starts now. We'll see how it progresses from now until the spring game on May 1.
Now that I pointed that out, I will continue by writing that the Aggie passing attack struggled today.
Three quarterbacks took snaps — Jeff Fleming, Matt Christian and Tanner Rust. None threw the ball particularly well. Fleming showed good mobility and ran for some big gains. Rust displayed leadership skills. Trevor Walls did not get any snaps, at least from what I saw.
None were very accurate throwing the ball during seven-on-seven passing drills and some receivers missed balls.
Again, it's early — very early. If this were fall practice, it would be one thing. In the spring, it's a time for growth and maturation as the team learns a new offensive system under a new coordinator.
Still, the passing attack cannot be as bad as it was last year or the Aggies won't win games. Growth and development is imperative this time of the year. I would say all three QBs I mentioned are legit contenders to win the starting job. But someone has to separate themselves when it comes to throwing the ball accurately downfield.
Head coach DeWayne Walker said following practice that the team needs its quarterback to be tough, mistake free and play hard. They don't have to be Dan Marino, they just need to be a football player. This was a similar message to the one delivered last year by Walker, and it's true. Across the board.
“We don't need turnovers, we don't need mistakes,” Walker said. “Look at the teams that were in the NCAA Tournament. Duke and Butler, they didn't have the best, most talented players. But they played together and as a team. That's what we need.”
The Aggies will have skill at running back. Seth Smith looks good and Marquese Dunn was seen running the ball and laying some hits carrying the ball at practice on Friday. As I said in my last post, Robert Clay is getting touches. And Kenny Turner will be arriving in May. Looks like the Aggies will have a nice mix back there in 2010.
Even at fullback, they have Brandon Perez and Ronald Opetaia and both can bang as tough, smart football players. They even have a little wiggle when they get the ball in the open field.
And the offensive line will be a hard-working unit that will be able to open the holes necessary up front and protect the quarterback enough.
But NMSU needs some sort of a passing game to complement their ground attack. Last year NMSU topped 100 yards passing just four times and 200 yards just twice. This year, I think they need to be average 250 passing yards a game if they want to improve upon their three-win total of a season ago. And while its just spring ball, that development starts now. We'll see how it progresses from now until the spring game on May 1.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Spring practice report, 4/7
The following players participated in line drills during Wednesday morning's Aggie spring football practice:
Defensive ends: Pierre Fils, Donte Savage, Chance Roberts, David Niumatalolo, Anthony Smith.
Defensive tackles: Branden Warner, Kawika Shook, John Finau.
Shook is playing defensive tackle during spring ball but is expected to shift back to end in the fall and into the season when the team adds tackles David Mahoney and Tommy Stuart to the roster.
Offensive tackles: Dwayne Barton, Matt Passwaters
Offensive guards: Sioeli Fakalata, Mike Yocius
Center: Mike Grady
...
The first string linebacker corps was Boyblue Aoelua in the middle, Kenny Evora on the strongside and B.J. Adolpho on the weakside.
Bryan Bonilla (Sam), Frank Padilla (Mike) and David Quiroga (Will) are the primary backups.
...
The Aggies will have a lot of depth at running back this year. Robert Clay can play, but will he get lost in the shuffle? He's been getting carries the first two days of the spring.
...
From what I saw — I attended the second half of practice on Wednesday morning — the best passing play of the day was when Jeff Fleming playfaked and threw over the middle, connecting with backup receiver Joe Cordova for a 20-yard gain. Nice throw, nice grab by Cordova, who was covered but went to his knees to make the catch.
Other than that, the quarterbacks struggled. NMSU had two picks for touchdowns late in practice, with Donyae Coleman intercepting a Tanner Rust pass and taking it to the house. Moments later, Josh Smith picked a ball off and returned it. Didn't see which QB threw the second pick. Trevor Walls nearly threw a third on the last play of the drill.
Wind could have certainly played a factor, as it was blowing 10-15 MPH.
Defensive ends: Pierre Fils, Donte Savage, Chance Roberts, David Niumatalolo, Anthony Smith.
Defensive tackles: Branden Warner, Kawika Shook, John Finau.
Shook is playing defensive tackle during spring ball but is expected to shift back to end in the fall and into the season when the team adds tackles David Mahoney and Tommy Stuart to the roster.
Offensive tackles: Dwayne Barton, Matt Passwaters
Offensive guards: Sioeli Fakalata, Mike Yocius
Center: Mike Grady
...
The first string linebacker corps was Boyblue Aoelua in the middle, Kenny Evora on the strongside and B.J. Adolpho on the weakside.
Bryan Bonilla (Sam), Frank Padilla (Mike) and David Quiroga (Will) are the primary backups.
...
The Aggies will have a lot of depth at running back this year. Robert Clay can play, but will he get lost in the shuffle? He's been getting carries the first two days of the spring.
...
From what I saw — I attended the second half of practice on Wednesday morning — the best passing play of the day was when Jeff Fleming playfaked and threw over the middle, connecting with backup receiver Joe Cordova for a 20-yard gain. Nice throw, nice grab by Cordova, who was covered but went to his knees to make the catch.
Other than that, the quarterbacks struggled. NMSU had two picks for touchdowns late in practice, with Donyae Coleman intercepting a Tanner Rust pass and taking it to the house. Moments later, Josh Smith picked a ball off and returned it. Didn't see which QB threw the second pick. Trevor Walls nearly threw a third on the last play of the drill.
Wind could have certainly played a factor, as it was blowing 10-15 MPH.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Stephon Hatchett
According to Aggie football head coach DeWayne Walker, safety Stephon Hatchett will not practice with the team the remainder of the spring to focus on academics.
Hatchett, the team's third leading tackler last year with 98 takedowns, began spring practices behind Ben Bradley on the depth chart. Walker mentioned last week that Hatchett had some academic problems during the offseason.
Obviously this is a good move for the Aggies. Does spring practice make a huge difference? Not for a player who started every game last season in the same defensive system that will be ran in 2010. And NMSU doesn't have the depth to lose any key players to academics. Hatchett needs to get his act in order, and this allows him opportunity.
Hatchett, the team's third leading tackler last year with 98 takedowns, began spring practices behind Ben Bradley on the depth chart. Walker mentioned last week that Hatchett had some academic problems during the offseason.
Obviously this is a good move for the Aggies. Does spring practice make a huge difference? Not for a player who started every game last season in the same defensive system that will be ran in 2010. And NMSU doesn't have the depth to lose any key players to academics. Hatchett needs to get his act in order, and this allows him opportunity.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Littlejohn effect
One thing stood out to me above all else at the first day of Aggie spring football practice: R. Todd Littlejohn and his coaching of the wide receivers.
I believe Littlejohn's presence within this unit will make a big difference. Here's why:
Last season, Littlejohn coached cornerbacks for NMSU and did a nice job. Davon House was named to the All-WAC team, recording 68 tackles, three interceptions, broke up 13 passes and recovered a fumble. House became a better tackler and took his game to the next level as an All-Conference player. Certainly the position coach deserves some credit in the player's performance.
Littlejohn also oversaw the development of first-year starter Jonte Green, who finished fourth on the team last season with 74 tackles and broke up eight balls. Littlejohn also coached two players — senior Chris Buckner and sophomore Donyae Coleman — who made transitions from wide receiver to cornerback and both held their own during the season. Buckner finished the season with 41 tackles, a sack and a pick while Coleman made the midseason switch from offense to defense, making seven tackles and recording a sack.
Littlejohn showed his fire early last season, as an intense coach on the field with a hands-on approach during practice. Constantly teaching, constantly encouraging. Sometimes he put his arm around a player, and sometimes he kicked them in the behind. And there was always energy and enthusiasm.
This offseason, NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker moved Littlejohn to wide receivers in hopes of jumpstarting a unit that never got going in 2009. The first day of spring practice showed that Littlejohn brought the same coaching style that he displayed last year to the offensive side of the ball.
When Darrius Preston fell down on a route, it was Littlejohn who told him to hustle back to the huddle. When Marcus Allen went downlow to make a tough grab over the middle, Littlejohn ran up to him and gave him five, fired up about a player making a hard catch. When tight end Ronny Torres caught a short ball and got bogged down in traffic, Littlejohn was shouting at him to get upfield after the play was blown dead. Jeremy Little's catch over the middle while being covered tightly by Michael Zant was welcomed by Littlejohn running 25 yards downfield to greet the receiver, applauding him for his concentration.
The point is that the Aggies need to play with a fire and with an overachieving mentality across to board. I believe Littlejohn can make that happen with a wide receivers unit that NMSU needs to produce. He's going to bring tenacity and fire. NMSU has two coaches like this on offense — Littlejohn and offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier.
From a production standpoint, I think the Aggie receivers will be better in 2010.
For what its worth: It's the first day of spring practice. But here were some things I saw:
• Tight end Kyle Nelson caught a deep ball over the middle. The tight end position needs to be a factor this year for the Aggies. It wasn't in 2009.
• Kenny Evora, who was moved from tight end to linebacker in the offseason, broke up one pass along the right side that picked off by Alfonso Powell. The next play, Evora recovered a fumble.
The 6-foot-4, 236 pound senior is penciled in as the starting strongside linebacker this spring.
I believe Littlejohn's presence within this unit will make a big difference. Here's why:
Last season, Littlejohn coached cornerbacks for NMSU and did a nice job. Davon House was named to the All-WAC team, recording 68 tackles, three interceptions, broke up 13 passes and recovered a fumble. House became a better tackler and took his game to the next level as an All-Conference player. Certainly the position coach deserves some credit in the player's performance.
Littlejohn also oversaw the development of first-year starter Jonte Green, who finished fourth on the team last season with 74 tackles and broke up eight balls. Littlejohn also coached two players — senior Chris Buckner and sophomore Donyae Coleman — who made transitions from wide receiver to cornerback and both held their own during the season. Buckner finished the season with 41 tackles, a sack and a pick while Coleman made the midseason switch from offense to defense, making seven tackles and recording a sack.
Littlejohn showed his fire early last season, as an intense coach on the field with a hands-on approach during practice. Constantly teaching, constantly encouraging. Sometimes he put his arm around a player, and sometimes he kicked them in the behind. And there was always energy and enthusiasm.
This offseason, NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker moved Littlejohn to wide receivers in hopes of jumpstarting a unit that never got going in 2009. The first day of spring practice showed that Littlejohn brought the same coaching style that he displayed last year to the offensive side of the ball.
When Darrius Preston fell down on a route, it was Littlejohn who told him to hustle back to the huddle. When Marcus Allen went downlow to make a tough grab over the middle, Littlejohn ran up to him and gave him five, fired up about a player making a hard catch. When tight end Ronny Torres caught a short ball and got bogged down in traffic, Littlejohn was shouting at him to get upfield after the play was blown dead. Jeremy Little's catch over the middle while being covered tightly by Michael Zant was welcomed by Littlejohn running 25 yards downfield to greet the receiver, applauding him for his concentration.
The point is that the Aggies need to play with a fire and with an overachieving mentality across to board. I believe Littlejohn can make that happen with a wide receivers unit that NMSU needs to produce. He's going to bring tenacity and fire. NMSU has two coaches like this on offense — Littlejohn and offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier.
From a production standpoint, I think the Aggie receivers will be better in 2010.
For what its worth: It's the first day of spring practice. But here were some things I saw:
• Tight end Kyle Nelson caught a deep ball over the middle. The tight end position needs to be a factor this year for the Aggies. It wasn't in 2009.
• Kenny Evora, who was moved from tight end to linebacker in the offseason, broke up one pass along the right side that picked off by Alfonso Powell. The next play, Evora recovered a fumble.
The 6-foot-4, 236 pound senior is penciled in as the starting strongside linebacker this spring.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Jahmar Young
Is there a problem with Jahmar Young declaring early entry into the NBA Draft? Absolutely not.
To me, this is a player who is serious about his future as far as basketball is concerned and wants to see what's out there in terms of pro possibilities.
Jonathan Gibson did the same thing last year. Did it effect his game? Not at all. Did it effect his commitment to NMSU? No. Jonathan had a great senior season upon his return, appearing in 34 games — 32 of which were starts — averaging 17.5 points per game, 2.79 assists, 1.38 steals while shooting 44 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point territory and 84 percent from the line. For the most part, these numbers were all jumps — in some cases, significant jumps — from the season prior for Gibson (31 games, 14.1 ppg, 2.09 apg,1.41 spg, 42% FG, 38% 3-FG, 68% FT).
Early draft entries contact NBA teams and schedule workouts with the respective clubs, where the players are ran through various drills. One could make the argument that the process helped Gibson last year. It certainly didn't hurt him or the Aggies.
"I'm just trying to test the waters," Gibson said when he made his decision for early entry last April. "It gives me a chance to get a better look, a better evaluation from the NBA teams. I'm just coming off my junior year. I've got nothing to lose."
How it's approached is the key. If Young goes in with that same mindset, that he has nothing to lose and keeps his options open in terms of returning to college ball, then I'm all for it.
He continues to improve as a player from year to year. Last season he averaged 20.3 points per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field. He shot 83 percent from the line. And he made clutch shots all year — game winner against Hawaii, game winner in WAC Tournament over Nevada, huge plays down the stretch at UTEP. Him and Gibson were the backbone of the team for much of the season.
I think Jahmar can make it at the next level because he does have that killer instinct on the court and he's not afraid to get the ball in crunch time. He's got some skills that make great players great.
With that being said, I don't see him getting drafted this year. I see him coming back to school next season. And the ultimate key for his future is the Aggies continuing to see success on the basketball court. If he can lead the team to some more wins, if he can lead the team back to the NCAA Tournament, those results speak for themselves. That's what I want on my team.
But there is also nothing wrong with him testing the draft waters and seeing what's out there. He's just going after his dream. That's fine.
To me, this is a player who is serious about his future as far as basketball is concerned and wants to see what's out there in terms of pro possibilities.
Jonathan Gibson did the same thing last year. Did it effect his game? Not at all. Did it effect his commitment to NMSU? No. Jonathan had a great senior season upon his return, appearing in 34 games — 32 of which were starts — averaging 17.5 points per game, 2.79 assists, 1.38 steals while shooting 44 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point territory and 84 percent from the line. For the most part, these numbers were all jumps — in some cases, significant jumps — from the season prior for Gibson (31 games, 14.1 ppg, 2.09 apg,1.41 spg, 42% FG, 38% 3-FG, 68% FT).
Early draft entries contact NBA teams and schedule workouts with the respective clubs, where the players are ran through various drills. One could make the argument that the process helped Gibson last year. It certainly didn't hurt him or the Aggies.
"I'm just trying to test the waters," Gibson said when he made his decision for early entry last April. "It gives me a chance to get a better look, a better evaluation from the NBA teams. I'm just coming off my junior year. I've got nothing to lose."
How it's approached is the key. If Young goes in with that same mindset, that he has nothing to lose and keeps his options open in terms of returning to college ball, then I'm all for it.
He continues to improve as a player from year to year. Last season he averaged 20.3 points per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field. He shot 83 percent from the line. And he made clutch shots all year — game winner against Hawaii, game winner in WAC Tournament over Nevada, huge plays down the stretch at UTEP. Him and Gibson were the backbone of the team for much of the season.
I think Jahmar can make it at the next level because he does have that killer instinct on the court and he's not afraid to get the ball in crunch time. He's got some skills that make great players great.
With that being said, I don't see him getting drafted this year. I see him coming back to school next season. And the ultimate key for his future is the Aggies continuing to see success on the basketball court. If he can lead the team to some more wins, if he can lead the team back to the NCAA Tournament, those results speak for themselves. That's what I want on my team.
But there is also nothing wrong with him testing the draft waters and seeing what's out there. He's just going after his dream. That's fine.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Spring football practice
Are you ready for some football?
Hopefully, you are, as the Aggies are set to kick off spring practice a week from Monday.
Here's what I'll have an eye on as spring ball gets under way in Las Cruces.
• Marquese Dunn: Yes, I am excited to see Dunn run the ball during spring practices. We heard a lot about Dunn from the coaching staff at the tail end of last season. The freshman greyshirted in 2009, although he is expected to be part of the backfield picture this season, even with the return of Seth Smith and the arrival of Kenny Turner.
The question I have is, where does Dunn fit in? From my understanding, he's similar to Smith, a hard-charging running back with power. Turner should play the role of backfield burner, a player who can get outside the tackles and make plays on the fringe of the defense. And after a 1,000-yard season last year for Smith, one would think he's still in line for 15-to-20 carries a game if his performance does not drop off from a year ago.
The backfield depth is good for a couple reasons. For starters, I believe if Smith was the lone horse, he would have gotten hurt eventually. Last year he took a pounding, especially after Marquell Colston was dismissed from the team midway through the year. Smith's does not shy away from contact — he really can't, as he's effective banging into the line and running with authority. He almost looks to lay the hit on the defender, not the other way around. Dunn could be another hammer out of the backfield. And Turner? Who knows, but if it works out according to plan, he can be a big-play threat this offense needs. Turner will not be in spring camp, however. Dunn and Smith will be. Looking forward to this.
• Mike Dunbar: What Aggie fan isn't going to be watching Dunbar and the offense this spring?
The new offensive coordinator comes to town and needs to get the Aggies on track. Last year, NMSU ranked last, No. 120 in the nation, in total offense (229.31 yards per game), scoring offense (11.46 points per game) and No. 118 in passing offense (87.77 yards per game). The Aggies were No. 66 in the country in rushing offense (141.54 yards per game). So, what it boils down to is that the Aggies couldn't throw the football, which put a halt on everything else.
Dunbar comes in with a track record of having offenses that could move the ball through the air. This could be the toughest job of his career.
The Aggies will go into the season with more options at quarterback. Tanner Rust was a redshirt last year, although he'll be thrown into the mix in 2010. The team will also bring back Jeff Fleming and Trevor Walls, who both started last year. Fresh recruits are junior college transfer Matt Christian and true freshman Andrew Manley. Both are expected to compete for playing time.
Wide receiver is still a question mark. The team lost Marcus Anderson in the offseason. Todd Lee returns. This unit needs to step up as does the tight end position, which gave the Aggies nothing last year. One thing that will help the wideouts: R. Todd Littlejohn will be coaching them this year. His fire and tenacity should give them a needed boost.
Can Dunbar turn it around? I do think the Aggies have something at running back and a solid offensive line. The passing game needs to get off the ground.
• Pierre Fils and Donte Savage: The defensive ends had good years in 2009, combining for 13 sacks, 103 tackles, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
They could use some backup help too, and I'll be watching their health closely during the season. In the spring, I'm just excited to see them play and see how they developed from a physical standpoint. Both are entering their juniors seasons.
• Davon House: Coming off a season where he made the All-WAC team, the senior cornerback should be walking around with a swagger.
House has improved every year with the Aggies and I would expect to see it continue going into his final year with the program. Just as much from a leadership standpoint, as House is recognized of the top cornerbacks in the WAC, not just among his conference mates, but within his own locker room as well.
Hopefully, you are, as the Aggies are set to kick off spring practice a week from Monday.
Here's what I'll have an eye on as spring ball gets under way in Las Cruces.
• Marquese Dunn: Yes, I am excited to see Dunn run the ball during spring practices. We heard a lot about Dunn from the coaching staff at the tail end of last season. The freshman greyshirted in 2009, although he is expected to be part of the backfield picture this season, even with the return of Seth Smith and the arrival of Kenny Turner.
The question I have is, where does Dunn fit in? From my understanding, he's similar to Smith, a hard-charging running back with power. Turner should play the role of backfield burner, a player who can get outside the tackles and make plays on the fringe of the defense. And after a 1,000-yard season last year for Smith, one would think he's still in line for 15-to-20 carries a game if his performance does not drop off from a year ago.
The backfield depth is good for a couple reasons. For starters, I believe if Smith was the lone horse, he would have gotten hurt eventually. Last year he took a pounding, especially after Marquell Colston was dismissed from the team midway through the year. Smith's does not shy away from contact — he really can't, as he's effective banging into the line and running with authority. He almost looks to lay the hit on the defender, not the other way around. Dunn could be another hammer out of the backfield. And Turner? Who knows, but if it works out according to plan, he can be a big-play threat this offense needs. Turner will not be in spring camp, however. Dunn and Smith will be. Looking forward to this.
• Mike Dunbar: What Aggie fan isn't going to be watching Dunbar and the offense this spring?
The new offensive coordinator comes to town and needs to get the Aggies on track. Last year, NMSU ranked last, No. 120 in the nation, in total offense (229.31 yards per game), scoring offense (11.46 points per game) and No. 118 in passing offense (87.77 yards per game). The Aggies were No. 66 in the country in rushing offense (141.54 yards per game). So, what it boils down to is that the Aggies couldn't throw the football, which put a halt on everything else.
Dunbar comes in with a track record of having offenses that could move the ball through the air. This could be the toughest job of his career.
The Aggies will go into the season with more options at quarterback. Tanner Rust was a redshirt last year, although he'll be thrown into the mix in 2010. The team will also bring back Jeff Fleming and Trevor Walls, who both started last year. Fresh recruits are junior college transfer Matt Christian and true freshman Andrew Manley. Both are expected to compete for playing time.
Wide receiver is still a question mark. The team lost Marcus Anderson in the offseason. Todd Lee returns. This unit needs to step up as does the tight end position, which gave the Aggies nothing last year. One thing that will help the wideouts: R. Todd Littlejohn will be coaching them this year. His fire and tenacity should give them a needed boost.
Can Dunbar turn it around? I do think the Aggies have something at running back and a solid offensive line. The passing game needs to get off the ground.
• Pierre Fils and Donte Savage: The defensive ends had good years in 2009, combining for 13 sacks, 103 tackles, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
They could use some backup help too, and I'll be watching their health closely during the season. In the spring, I'm just excited to see them play and see how they developed from a physical standpoint. Both are entering their juniors seasons.
• Davon House: Coming off a season where he made the All-WAC team, the senior cornerback should be walking around with a swagger.
House has improved every year with the Aggies and I would expect to see it continue going into his final year with the program. Just as much from a leadership standpoint, as House is recognized of the top cornerbacks in the WAC, not just among his conference mates, but within his own locker room as well.
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