April 14, 2008

**Note: Practices schedule updated this week...3-5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 6-8 a.m. on Thursday and 6-8 p.m. on Saturday.

Defense has been the trademark of the University of New Mexico football program since head coach Rocky Long took over at his alma mater in 1998. Long and new defensive coordinator Troy Reffett - a four-year veteran of the staff - direct a gang-tackling unit that finished 13th in the country in 2007. The Lobos, however, must replace a pair of speed rush defensive ends in Tyler Donaldson and Michael Tuohy, as well as four veteran linebackers.

Thanks to the heavy rotation of players on gameday, the cupboard is far from bare in the front seven with five returning lettermen on the defensive line and four lettermen back at linebacker. This spring will offer a tremendous opportunity for a large group of up-and-coming prospects to make a name for themselves on the practice field and take a step towards a regular role on gameday.

"We are pretty pleased with the size up front defensively," said defensive line coach Everett Todd. "I think this is one of the biggest defensive lines we've had in awhile. We are expecting a lot from this group and they need to get better."

Two-year starting nose tackle Wesley Beck (6-1, 279) returns to anchor the middle of the line along with experienced backup Jeremiah Lovato (6-2, 260). There will be excellent competition, however, for the two open starting jobs at defensive end.

Senior Kevin Balogun (6-4, 281) grew into a solid contributor during the second half of the 2007 season - the first injury-free campaign of his collegiate career - and could be primed for a breakthrough season in 2008. Balogun has teammed with 6-3, 291-pound junior Phillip Harrison to give the Lobos a pair of intimidating starters on the edge to open spring practice. Like Balogun, Harrison has shown flashes of dominance up front and has tremendous upside.

Junior Kendall Briscoe (6-1, 271) gives UNM another big body up front that will factor into the starting competition after being a regular in the gameday rotation over the past two years. Redshirt junior DeAndre Davis (6-2, 245), a former tight end, and athletic redshirt freshman Jaymar Latchison (6-3, 240) could also push for time with a strong spring.

"As spring practice goes I expect us to made strides defensively," said Todd. "The effort has been good and should improve as they get into better football shape. We always want to work on the technical side of the game so they know what their reads are and they are moving correctly."

Veterans Zach Arnett (5-10, 205) and Herbert Felder (6-1, 230) are expected to fill two of the empty starting spots at linebacker after three years of regular gameday action at their position. Their supporting cast, however, will feature plenty of new faces.

Special teamer Terel Anyaibe (6-2, 217) will get the first crack at the starting job on the right side, while another promising special teams contributor in Seth Johannemann (6-3, 224) and second-year man Carmen Messina (6-2, 210) will open up the spring backing up Arnett and Felder, respectively.

Saturday Scrimmage Notes & Quotes

The Lobos conducted their first full pads scrimmage on Saturday morning at University Stadium with the offense squaring off against the defense.

Both sides had their moments in the 20-minute session. Senior linebacker Herbert Felder did what he does best by popping the football out of senior running back Rodney Ferguson's hands after a long gain. Felder had a pair of critical forced fumbles late in the fourth quarter last year in wins over San Diego State and Air Force.

Offensively, junior quarterback Donovan Porterie hooked up with senior wide receiver Jermaine McQueen on a 20-yard gain to convert a third down play. Porterie rolled right and delivered a strike to a sliding McQueen on a crossing route.

Porterie talked after practice about the first day in full pads.

"Saturday gave us a great look at game like situations," said Porterie. "Any time you are going against coach Long's defense it will be tough."

Porterie said he was pleased with how the wide receiver group has opened the spring and talked about the greater comfort level he is enjoying in second-year coordinator Dave Baldwin's offense.

"I'm starting to see things better and pick up things that I missed last year," he said. "I've been able to recognize defenses better and my timing with everything is better this year. I'm way more comfortable with everything at this point compared to where I was last season."

Lobos Football

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