New Mexico State Football 2019 Position Preview: Offensive Line

With only one month to go before the first week of the season (yes, only one month!!), it is time to get a move on and digest as much preseason information as your brain can hold so that you can be the smartest one at any watch parties you go to this year.

Allow me to help you out with the New Mexico State football team. I have previewed the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, and now let’s take a look at the big men up front.

Departing: Jamin Smith, Isaac McClain, Sebastian Anderson, Kris’Sean Edwards, Billy Sharmoug

Returning: Sage Doxtater, Brian Trujillo, Tony Bello, Max Wilhite, Austin Young, Isaiah Mursalat, Jalen Guererro, David Ash, Evan Tafoya-Vallo

Incoming: Blake Walker (JC), Carson Pharris, Luteru Fedler, Marlin Johnson, Anthony Pioche-lee, Garrison Tullos, Patrick Colesante, Eligah Hunter (medically retired)

Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

As you can see, the Aggies have a lot of returning and incoming talent along the line. This might be the deepest group in Martin’s tenure but I’m not sure how it will produce since there is a mix of veterans and rookies looking to start.

Sage Doxtater is the most experienced lineman in the group. The left tackle has started in 32 games.

Whoever takes over at center for Jamin Smith will start his career facing Washington State and Alabama, and then three Mountain West foes. Those teams will be tough to plan for and make the right calls on. Especially when you’re just starting out.

That leads to the question: Will the experience on the offensive line be enough to overcome any growing pains we see at center or right tackle, where a new player will start? Will the line be able to improve on the 40 sacks they gave up last season? I’m not so sure.

I do think that this unit will be strong. However, the level of competition is also strong and I don’t think the stats will show that unfortunately. Let’s hope I’m wrong.