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Rushing is the primary ill plaguing the team. A full seven teams held New Mexico under 100 yards on the ground (well under; the Lobos' average output in those games: 53 net yards rushing!). In its four other losses, New Mexico managed just over 140 yards rushing, on average. With such low production, losing three starting linemen isn't necessarily a blow, although C Erik Cook is the '09 all-MWC first-team center, and will be missed. All three graduating linemen have experienced backups, perhaps a hopeful sign for more potency on the ground in 2010. All of New Mexico's runningbacks return-- and Demond Dennis improved as the season wore on. As in '09, these fellows will have more to do with their team's success than any other unit.
Elsewhere on offense the team was young; only three seniors were on the two-deep at WR, TE, FB, and QB. Sophomore B.R. Holbrook appears to lead the battle to replace Donovan Porterie under center. Holbrook played in several games this season, without sparking any improvement. He doesn't appear to have much (or any) competition for the starting role yet, however.
On defense, tackle-monster Carmen Messina returns, as do both corners and 3/4 of the line; clearly they need more from the offense to succeed. It does not appear that New Mexico is going to add a deep freshman class to provide that help, however. To date Locksley's crew tops only UNLV in the conference in number of recruits committed so far (eight), and only two of them are defensive players. (Both are linebackers.) Whether the New Mexico staff can bolster its lines with returning or new players remains doubtful, although the jury is still out.
Elsewhere on offense the team was young; only three seniors were on the two-deep at WR, TE, FB, and QB. Sophomore B.R. Holbrook appears to lead the battle to replace Donovan Porterie under center. Holbrook played in several games this season, without sparking any improvement. He doesn't appear to have much (or any) competition for the starting role yet, however.
On defense, tackle-monster Carmen Messina returns, as do both corners and 3/4 of the line; clearly they need more from the offense to succeed. It does not appear that New Mexico is going to add a deep freshman class to provide that help, however. To date Locksley's crew tops only UNLV in the conference in number of recruits committed so far (eight), and only two of them are defensive players. (Both are linebackers.) Whether the New Mexico staff can bolster its lines with returning or new players remains doubtful, although the jury is still out.
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