OFFENSE

New Mexico has enough skill under third-year coach Mike Locksley to compete in the Mountain West Conference. The question remains whether the Lobos can utilize that skill. The play at quarterback and on the offensive line could determine whether Locksley is around for a fourth year.

Sevens were wild but definitely unlucky at quarterback for UNM last season. B.R. Holbrook, Tarean Austin and Stump Godfrey each played seven games in 2010. Injuries limited both Holbrook (knee) and Austin (ankle), forcing Godfrey to remove his redshirt midway through the season. Godfrey was considered the frontrunner, but left the team in mid-July. Either Austin or Holbrook must emerge in the fall for the offense to execute the spread the way Locksley envisioned when he arrived. He promoted quarterback coach David Reaves to offensive coordinator to help with the process.

UNM’s skill players are the most athletic since 2007 when the Lobos had a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers. The 2011 unit includes transfer wide receivers Lamaar Thomas (Ohio State) and Deon Long (West Virginia), and All-MWC tight end Lucas Reed. Running backs Kasey Carrier and James Wright have seven years of playing experience combined.

The Lobos, however, return just one starter on a line that surrendered 27 sacks and played a big role in the team’s inability to run the ball. Sophomore center Dillon Farrell anchors the unit. Junior college transfer Korian Chambers takes over at left tackle.

DEFENSE

First-year coordinator George Barlow, whom Locksley also promoted in the offseason, must rebuild a unit that was the nation’s worst in scoring defense and rushing defense. The Lobos have switched from a 4-3 to a 4-2-5 to get more speed and attack more.

Senior end and leading pass-rusher Johnathan Rainey may not play in 2011 because of a neck injury. Fellow end Jaymar Latchison and tackle Ugo Uzodinma anchor a still-solid line.
Linebacker is the defense’s strength. Senior Carmen Messina has nearly 300 tackles his last two seasons combined. Junior Joe Stoner was a playmaker in 2010, forcing four fumbles, recovering three and intercepting a pass. Freshman transfer Javarie Johnson should make an immediate impact.

For UNM to make significant strides on defense, the secondary must make major improvement in 2010. Safety Bubba Forrest made too many tackles downfield. Injuries curtailed fellow starter A.J. Butler’s season. Carmeiris Stewart returns from a torn ACL. Junior college transfer Deshon Marman could earn a starting job. At cornerback, returning starters Anthony Hooks and DeShawn Mills were unspectacular in 2010.
 

SPECIALISTS

The Lobos have proven commodities in kicker James Aho, punter Ben Skaer and deep snapper Evan Jacobsen. Aho could be an all-conference candidate. The return game is unsettled, but New Mexico has several strong return candidates.

FINAL ANALYSIS

After consecutive 1–11 seasons, Locksley must win now. He has his most talented team since he arrived at UNM and says a bowl berth is a realistic goal. For that to happen, UNM must show major improvement at quarterback, on the offensive line and in the secondary. Even then, the Lobos’ schedule will make winning more than two to three games an arduous task.