College football spring practice can be tough to evaluate.
In my opinion, it’s over hyped. Teams don’t go to bowl games in the spring. They try to install concepts on both sides of the ball, get players acclimated into football shape all while trying to avoid the injury bug.
This spring’s practice sessions at NMSU was noteworthy for a few reasons:
• The team had a brand new offensive coaching staff in place, with Mike Dunbar taking over as coordinator, R. Todd Littlejohn moving over to coach the wide receivers, Keith Murphy shifting over to tight ends and Shaun Johnson taking over at running backs.
Will the offense be better in 2010 as opposed to 2009, where it was one of the nation’s worst in many major statistical categories? Right now, it’s impossible to tell. The real proof will come on Sept. 11, when the team opens the season against San Diego State, and moving forward throughout the course of the year.
The spring session simply gave the staff a chance to lay the ground work and give it an idea on its personnel before August training camp hits.
Still, there was some noteworthy observations made during April.
At quarterback, Jeff Fleming looked better this spring and junior college transfer Matt Christian had a strong performance in the team’s Crimson and White game last Saturday. While Fleming threw the ball more aggressively downfield, Christian showed a strong arm and a quick release. The quarterbacks also developed a chemistry with some of their receivers - Marcus Allen got better as spring practices unfolded and Kyle Nelson looked like a solid target at tight end.
The offense needs to throw more 15-to-20 yard pass patterns into the mix this season. Last year, it just didn’t happen. The team completed just four passes of 20 yards or more in 2009, with the long going to Allen for 34 yards, followed by a 30-yard grab from Todd Lee. An offense needs to be able to stretch the field some and, last year, it didn’t happen. Was it scheme, personnel or both? That question is tough to answer at the moment, but this spring the team seemed more willing to let the quarterbacks drop back and chuck it, and the QBs looked adequate doing so. It needs to carry over into the season, but it was encouraging to see this past month.
Wide receiver is another position that needs to improve in tandem with the quarterbacks. Again, Allen looked better as the spring went on. Last Saturday he flashed his ability, making three impressive plays — a short catch which he turned into a big gain, a tough grab along the sideline where he got his feet inbounds before being pushed to the ground and a juggling touchdown reception that saw him tumble into the endzone. Allen has certifiable talent, it was just underutilized in last year’s offense. NMSU needs a bona fide No. 1, and he could take over that title with a good senior year.
Two weeks ago, it was Nelson who stood out during the team’s scrimmage, catching a number of balls, two going for touchdowns. Last year, Nelson was good in the spring too and vanished during the season, as he struggled catching the football. As Dunbar said following last Saturday’s practice, a reliable tight end can change the dynamics of a passing attack and develop the confidence of a quarterback, opening up the middle of the field and supplying a weapon inside the 10-yard line.
While suffering a hamstring injury during spring practices, last year’s leading receiver Todd Lee will be back in the fall. Fellow wide receiver Darrius Preston has flashed talent, while the team will also bring in junior college transfer Taveon Burke for fall ball, and possibly another player as well. Similar to the quarterbacks, for the wide receivers, looking good in the spring is one thing. Carrying it over into the season is a whole other challenge.
• On defense, the Aggies have to replace three starting linebackers from last year in Ross Conner, Jason Scott and Jamar Cotton. The team’s primary backup, Sam King, also left during the offseason.
The 2009 linebacking corps wasn’t flashy, but they were respectable and brought a veteran’s touch to the defense. Scott and Conner both made over 100 tackles while playing, what seemed like, every down.
This offseason the team brought in junior college transfer Frank Padilla, with the idea that he would take over in the middle. Things have changed since, however, with Padilla now penciled in as the starting strongside linebacker, Boyblue Aoelua - a special teams player last year - at middle linebacker and B.J. Adolpho, a redshirt sophomore, along the weakside.
This spring showed a few things from a physical standpoint: Padilla has the size - 6-foot-2, 248 pounds - and toughness to compete in the WAC and Adolpho looks like a fearless player who’s going to hit. Both players were flying around during spring practices and made some big plays last Saturday during the scrimmage.
The middle linebacker position carries the most responsibility on the Aggie defense - asked to call the plays, adjust the alignment up front and know the ins and outs of the opposing offense. The staff said they were impressed with Aoelua’s development this spring. He’ll need to continue that into the fall and sustain it during the rugged regular season of Division-I football.
• The Aggie first stringers will need to stay healthy in 2010.
Sure, you can say that about any program in the country, but it’s paramount at NMSU, where depth is often an issue.
We’ll start on offense, where the line will need to stay intact. Tackle Dwayne Barton, center Mike Grady and guard Sioeli Fakalata started all of 2009 and held their own - they’re proven Division I football players. Once he arrives for fall camp, junior college recruit Aundre McGaskey will need to step in and produce at tackle. The belief is that he will.
Outside of that, there are unproven commodities along this unit. Backup center Dejuan Yates is making the transition from the offensive side of the ball and Jake Swenson and Ruben Escarsega both redshirted last year. Dylan Lusk might make an impact, but he’ll be a true freshman in 2010.
The running back position will also need another full season from its first stringer, Seth Smith, along with his backups, Kenny Turner and Robert Clay. This group looked to be one of the deepest on the team, but greyshirt freshman Marquese Dunn departed the program recently for personal reasons back home in Pfugerville, Texas. There’s still numbers here, but Smith played hurt for a good portion of last season with a separated right shoulder, and banged up his left one during spring drills. He’s tough and runs hard - which can be a blessing and a curse. If healthy, the Aggies have a 1,000-yard rusher in their stable, with some talented reserves in waiting.
Defensive ends Donte Savage and Pierre Fils had solid seasons in 2009, combining for 13 sacks and over 100 tackles. Both played seemingly every down and are undersized - Savage at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Fils at 6-foot-3, 234. Kawika Shook, who was a solid swingman on the line last year, will be their primary backup. But, injuries to either Savage or Fils will take away an impact player on the NMSU defense and thin out the line.
Safety is also a question mark as spring wraps up. Alphonso Powell was a starter throughout last season, making 72 tackles, while recording a sack, an interception and breaking up seven balls. He’ll be asked to do it again in his senior year.
Starting next to him this spring was Ben Bradley, a junior who seldom saw the field his first two years with the program. He took the place of Stephon Hatchett, a junior who made over 100 tackles last year, but is currently trying to straighten things out in the classroom. There’s no guarantee he’ll be ready to go in 2010.
Recruit Shamar Gaines, who was expected to get time this season, won’t be coming to NMSU this fall after all, troubled by academics and off-field issues.
Walker said last week that the Aggies could be in the market for a safety this summer. Either way, the current players on the roster need to stay healthy and be productive.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Aggie updates
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.
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.
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.
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