Josh Fussell Hometown: Plant City, Fla. High School: Durant HS Height / Weight: 6-2 / 240 Position: Fullback Birthdate: 09/03/1987 Experience: 4L Pronunciation: FUSS-ul

NEW MEXICO: Former tight end who has developed into a valuable and versatile weapon for the offense...made an immediate impression on the new coaching staff during a strong spring practice season and could see his role expanding on gameday...has some of the best hands you'll see on a fullback and bulked up in the offseason to make him even more of a force as a blocker...coaches are also impressed with his improvement as a ball carrier and said he could see some time as a featured back as he improves his understanding of the offense...has made progress in the weight room and added over 30 pounds to his frame since joining the program...a redshirt in 2006...last name is pronounced FUSS-ul...former prep teammate Mike Cannon is a junior offensive guard for the Lobos.

2009 (JUNIOR): Started five of 12 games at fullback and was primarily used as a blocker...caught 5 balls for 34 yards including a TD at Texas Tech...had two catches for 12 yards against Air Force and a season-long grab of 13 yards against BYU.

2008 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 12 games, primarily as a blocking fullback/wingback for the nation's No. 16 rushing offense...got his first career start vs. San Diego State (week 8) when UNM opened in a double fullback formation...lone catch went for 21 yards at Air Force...gained a yard on his only carry.

2007 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN): Saw plenty of action in all 13 games in his debut season...played on several special teams units and was a regular in the backfield rotation...four catches for 46 yards and had 13 yards on 6 carries...first career catch went for a 36-yard TD vs. New Mexico State...second reception was a leaping one-handed grab for an 8-yard gain on a 4th-and-1 play at Arizona...catch set up the Lobos' opening TD 3 plays later...5 carries for 13 yards late in the Lobos' New Mexico Bowl victory over Nevada.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Tampa area Durant High School in Valrico, Fla...3-year starter at tight end and 2 years at linebacker...first team all-Western Conference selection and honorable mention all-county as a senior with 30 catches for 420 yards and 2 TDs...led the team in tackles (60) his junior season...played for head coach Mike Gottman...also a first baseman and outfielder on the Cougars baseball team, earning second team all-county honors as a junior...led the basketball team in scoring (11.5 ppg) as a sophomore and was named all-county...won the Coach's Award for best all-around player after his junior season...4-time all-academic team in football...a 3.9 cumulative GPA, including honors classes...High Honor Roll and member of the Senior Council.

PERSONAL: Born Sept. 3, 1987, in San Antonio, Texas...full name is Joshua Rahn Fussell...son of Ronald and Estella...has a brother and a sister...uncle, Denny Fussell, was a pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization...major is University Studies.