Underdog Dynasty - New Mexico State Aggies Football 2022 Preview: Offensive LineAn unofficial The American, Conference USA, Sun Belt, and Independent football bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52546/ud_favicon.png2022-08-23T08:30:00-04:00http://www.underdogdynasty.com/rss/stream/230526072022-08-23T08:30:00-04:002022-08-23T08:30:00-04:00Special teams may be the deciding factor for New Mexico State in 2022
<figure>
<img alt="New Mexico State v Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jDZTWP_CFpqieJCEojtJOImS3tQ=/0x77:3991x2738/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71273935/1353083017.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Aggies did lead Alabama 3-0 last year thanks to an Ethan Albertson field goal | Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Most of the unit returns but with a new Special Teams Coordinator and new return man, will they be able to help the Aggies win some close games?</p> <p id="8z1G7p">New Mexico State’s special teams had been pretty inconsistent for most of Doug Martin’s tenure before they started to improve from 2018 through last season. </p>
<p id="FH9u7Z">The good news for this unit is that almost everyone returns, except for long snapper Austin Reeves and kick returner Juwaun Price. </p>
<p id="z5t2Yz">Second team All-Independent kicker Ethan Albertson returns looking to improve after hitting 17-22 field goals and 28-30 PATs. He’ll be joined by Josh Carlson who had a 36.7 net while holding down the punting duties. We’ll see if he can regain his DII All-American form where he averaged 45.7 yards per punt at Utah Tech (formerly Dixie State).</p>
<p id="fURiL9">There have been a few names floating around as to who will return kicks, but that position remains unknown as of now.</p>
<p id="17C9Pv">The biggest question, however, is if this whole special teams unit can help the Aggies improve their win total this season. As Jerry Kill and company will most likely run the ball and try to keep games close into the fourth quarter, being able to hit field goals and pin teams deep in their own territory becomes critical. </p>
<p id="WBvUfy">Can Tyler Wright get this unit to come through? That is a big question heading into 2022.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8IFvr0">
<h3 id="sXBHmb"><strong>Returning</strong></h3>
<p id="Cw80Du"><strong>K Ethan Albertson, Jr. 6’2” 225 lbs</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="DyI4Ml"> <em>2022 Phil Steele Preseason All-Independent First Team</em>
</li>
<li id="zcV09l"> <em>2021 Phil Steele All-Independent Second Team</em>
</li>
<li id="1afKWZ"> 17-22 FGs Long of 50, 28-30 PATs, 29 touchbacks on 58 kickoffs</li>
</ul>
<p id="yuxKh0"><strong>P Josh Carlson, Jr. 6’0” 185 lbs</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="5dWNqp"> <em>2022 Phil Steele Preseason All-Independent Second Team</em>
</li>
<li id="1cXFmv"> <em>2018 AFCA Division II First Team All American</em>
</li>
<li id="yToK8y"> 41 yards per punt, 36.7 net, 16 punts inside the 20</li>
</ul>
<p id="6ju8S0"><strong>P Carson Zilmer, rFr. 6’3” 175 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="Qe7khj">Mesa, Arizona native</li></ul>
<p id="DY4Mep"><strong>K Brett Money, rFr. 5’9” 175 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="DbAN9a">Alamogordo native. Four-time New Mexico Class 5A All-State First Team selection at kicker</li></ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New Mexico State v Alabama" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V9evYZmuZnnCimWTUiGmDPrq-2Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23961057/1353083815.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UGi8Mj">
<h3 id="XaANEL"><strong>Incoming</strong></h3>
<p id="FzAHhd"><strong>LS Logan MacGregor, rFr. 6’2” 220 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="oXt3w0">Listed here since he will be starting this season</li></ul>
<p id="LdPUE2"><strong>K Logan Fuller, Fr. 6’0” 210 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="JNYkvf">Albuquerque native out of Hope Christian High School</li></ul>
<p id="FArIEx"><strong>P George Eberle, Jr. 5’11” 190 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="yXkvd7">Transfer from Coffeyville Community College</li></ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="o9KzQG">
<h3 id="U4K6wW"><strong>Departing</strong></h3>
<p id="JVD3uY"><strong>LS Austin Reeves</strong></p>
<ul><li id="Ujl2cL">Earned a degree in<strong> </strong>biochemical engineering from NMSU</li></ul>
<p id="D91Pfv"><strong>KR Juwan Price</strong></p>
<ul><li id="JYSYl9">20 kick returns, 389 yards, long of 58</li></ul>
<p id="IBPPot"></p>
<p id="OH9H58"></p>
https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2022/8/23/23315229/new-mexico-state-aggies-football-special-teams-preview-2022-ethan-albertson-josh-carlsonUnderdoggopher2022-08-22T10:30:00-04:002022-08-22T10:30:00-04:00Improvement is the name of the game for NM State’s Secondary entering 2022
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 20 New Mexico State at Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8gVCVFlo0r4i3JC8kN3zBlzUgwM=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71270354/1236694640.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Big plays through the air were a big reason the Aggies were 127th in total defense in 2021.</p> <p id="3odaBa">Big plays happen in football. Sometimes all it takes is for one man to be out of position, other times one player just gets the better of the other. Other times you do everything right, but a fluke bounce doesn’t go your way and you are left staring at the opposing player’s last name as they run into the end zone.</p>
<p id="BgzAMj">For the NM State secondary, all of these situations are familiar as they gave up a lot of big plays last year - 62 to be exact, which was the most in all of FBS. In total, they allowed 291 passing yards per game which contributed to the Aggie defense allowing 488.5 yards per game which was 127th out of 130 teams last season.</p>
<p id="xsKRh0">The Aggies do have some reinforcements coming as Andre Seldon transfers in from Michigan and figures to be the nickelback. He’ll join a trio of transfers in Mehki Miller (Miami, OH) and Linwood Crump (Colorado St. via Temple) who will bring some experience along with Bryce Jackson, who played for the UNLV Rebels the past four seasons and was recruited to New Mexico State thanks to his ties to WR coach Tony Sanchez, who was the head coach at UNLV from 2015-2019.</p>
<p id="JkJBxv">Those three will join a DB unit that is full of experience, including DJ McCullough, Dylan Early and Syrus Dumas who are all projected starters.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="n3JYdH">
<h3 id="jwG7Sy"><strong>Returning</strong></h3>
<p id="NtMK0o"><strong>DJ McCullough, SR. 6’0” 190 lbs</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="0wrVl1">1st Team Phil Steele All-Independent Team, 2021</li>
<li id="tPrPhn">12 starts, 43 tackles, three interceptions last year</li>
</ul>
<p id="Mpzlug"><strong>Syrus Dumas, So. 5’10” 170 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="kAsJcM">Eight games, seven starts, 39 tackles, two interceptions last season</li></ul>
<p id="DvT5ak"><strong>Dylan Early, So. 6’0” 170 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="JxYqNP">11 games, five starts, 27 tackles last season</li></ul>
<p id="5YDUV3"><strong>Torren Union, So. 6’2” 195 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="fOkgLk">12 games, four starts, 38 tackles last season, put on scholarship after spring game</li></ul>
<p id="SjPOmI"><strong>JJ Dervil, So. 6’3” 180 lbs</strong><br></p>
<ul><li id="5Fg68Z">Eight games, eight tackles, one interception last year</li></ul>
<p id="Nox03B"><strong>Devlin Kirklin, Sr. 6’1” 190 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="WvflMK">Five games last two seasons</li></ul>
<p id="nW3z4S"><strong>Xzavier Guyton, Jr. 6’0” 195 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="LAMbTQ">Five games over three seasons</li></ul>
<p id="FnCBXK"><strong>BJ Sculark, rFr. 5’11” 185 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="kccoXT">Four games last season</li></ul>
<p id="hurHVg"><strong>Garrett Wojcik, So. 6’1” 180 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="JMXeW7">Two games last season</li></ul>
<p id="jjUYmq"><strong>Johnny Tamayo IV, So. 5’11” 190 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="14kTrt">One game last season</li></ul>
<p id="rMk0tY"><strong>Ben Tobin, So. 5’11” 195 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="5cmcaj">Did not appear in a game last season. Converted quarterback from Arizona’s Scottsdale Christian Academy</li></ul>
<p id="eflkIX"><strong>Justin Stinson, rFr. 6’3” 205 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="VDCRsm">Had one assisted tackle in 2021 in the game against New Mexico</li></ul>
<p id="XByHQN"><strong>Isaac Gallegos, rFr. 6’0” 195 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="mgvEDI">Did not appear in a game last season</li></ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="cyOXGa">
<h3 id="JNwYDC"><strong>Incoming</strong></h3>
<p id="iMmrcM"><strong>Andre Seldon, rFr. 5’8” 172 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="fdmleJ">Nickel, transfer from Michigan</li></ul>
<p id="GBRug3"><strong>Bryce Jackson, Gr. 5’10” 220 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="0DEGrg">42 games, 139 tackles over four seasons with UNLV</li></ul>
<p id="hqCGcY"><strong>Mehki Miller, rSo. 6’1” 205 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="AEzmCA">Nine games last season for Miami (OH)</li></ul>
<p id="SRaNFJ"><strong>Linwood Crump, Gr. 5’11” 180 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="RO9Jmi">Grad student from Temple via Colorado State, 48 games, 50 career tackles for the Owls</li></ul>
<p id="EgRayc"><strong>Rashad McKinley, Fr. 5’11” 175 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="mdZTfP">St. Paul, Minnesota native</li></ul>
<p id="amdosr"><strong>Jaxon Heil, Fr. 5’8” 195 lbs</strong></p>
<ul><li id="0VX9yE">Denver, Colorado native</li></ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="RvtCZX">
<h3 id="M7Zl2e"><strong>Departing</strong></h3>
<p id="UiYtXJ"><strong>Caleb Mills</strong></p>
<ul><li id="fErczH">#1 tackler, 76 tackles, two interceptions</li></ul>
<p id="dPN6qT"><strong>Christopher Bell</strong></p>
<ul><li id="COETBi">19 tackles</li></ul>
<p id="HlkwGN"></p>
<p id="NMX8b3"></p>
<p id="BILQQQ"></p>
https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2022/8/22/23312945/new-mexico-state-aggies-football-secondary-previews-secondary-defensive-backs-2022Underdoggopher2022-08-19T10:30:00-04:002022-08-19T10:30:00-04:00A Formidable Duo look to provide Aggies’ D with Leadership and Mojo
<figure>
<img alt="New Mexico State v New Mexico" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wIXgbTsdu3c4Tw-6Tv9PWZXQpyk=/0x212:3000x2212/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71261455/1339758287.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Ojoh is back to lead the Aggies offense | Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Chris “Mojo” Ojoh and Trevor Brohard form a solid 1-2 punch for the Aggies, pairing well with a much improved defensive line</p> <p id="GLe7ZA">Playing Division 1 football is tough. Getting on the field is even tougher, especially when there are only a few available spots at your position. </p>
<p id="MXRaf0">Now when you put two studs at the top of the depth chart and plenty of experienced guys behind them, getting playing time becomes almost impossible.</p>
<p id="W6VsMu">That’s the case this season for the New Mexico State Aggies linebacker corps, as the two spots in Nate Dreiling’s 4-2-5 will most likely belong to Chris “Mojo” Ojoh and Trevor Brohard when the Aggies take the field August 27 against the Nevada Wolfpack on ESPN 2.</p>
<p id="kt7N6w">Ojoh and Brohard tied for second on the team in tackles last season with 71 each and created plenty of chaos, even when the competition was Kentucky and Alabama. Both were also named to this year’s Phil Steele preseason All-Independent teams.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New Mexico State v Alabama" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XCIWbcXub8kBpu2QLtJxcyT4KW0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23956645/1173013962.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Trevor Brohard looks to help anchor the Aggies new defense in 2022</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="1AQtK2">Behind those two are a bevy of experienced players who add solid depth in case of injury, along with newcomer Jayvhion Gipson who transfers in from TCU. </p>
<p id="ANNn9R">The linebacking corps looks deep and experienced and along with the defensive line, should form a very good defensive front six.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="0toB9z">
<h3 id="0DvvCV"><strong>Returning</strong></h3>
<p id="7x689m">Chris Ojoh (12 games, 71 tackles, five sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 15 tackles for loss)</p>
<p id="NQcOAm"> <em>-2022 Phil Steele Preseason 2nd Team All Independent</em></p>
<p id="h2HOn4"> <em>-2022 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List</em></p>
<p id="RWqgZ0"> <em>-2021 Phil Steele 2nd Team All Independent</em></p>
<p id="NxIPRn">Trevor Brohard (Nine starts, 71 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, two sacks)</p>
<p id="sYPOAu"> <em>-2022 Phil Steele Preseason 2nd Team All Independent</em></p>
<p id="zBAA7Y"> <em>-2021 Phil Steele 2nd Team All Independent</em></p>
<p id="mhKmWV">Josh Ferguson (10 games, 46 tackles last year)</p>
<p id="0CkSJA">Dalton Bowles (10 games, seven starts. 27 tackles, one INT, one fumble recovery)</p>
<p id="xnMSNP">Dylan Zolezzi (10 games last year)</p>
<p id="LksoC6">Eric Marsh (11 games, 30 tackles last season)</p>
<p id="yq6oud">Mike Edwards (five games over four seasons)</p>
<p id="gE3CQI">Taylor Milton (six games last year)</p>
<p id="Gef4Zu">James Blowers (10 games over four seasons)</p>
<p id="aaajmk">Nick Giacolone</p>
<p id="oQGvXA">Alex Sanchez</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="7Aq3Ko">
<h3 id="s9GD6M"><strong>Incoming</strong></h3>
<p id="SY9IBl">Jayvhion Gipson (transfer from TCU)</p>
<p id="8Wimv7">Keyshaun Elliot</p>
<p id="B4TbzR">Sone Aupiu</p>
<p id="qXK7ha">Pierce Humpich</p>
<p id="LSWnFa">Buddha Peleti</p>
<p id="Y6lc7U">Gabe Peterson</p>
<p id="LJwmfN">Harold Brooks</p>
<p id="ljW1s7">Tobin Hacket</p>
<p id="tVGyNd">Bryant Jackson</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UGPH4Z">
<h3 id="rNi9mS"><strong>Departing</strong></h3>
<p id="6VMa8x">Michael Bowe Jr. (50 tackles last season)</p>
<p id="7L9j3q">Brennon Davis</p>
<p id="gUticj">DaMarcus Ellis-Dennard</p>
<p id="w9hUOl">Dylan Grant</p>
<p id="KoUI0c">Adrian Rodriguez</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="2qJQgc">
<p id="mDmyqX"><strong>Bonus News:</strong></p>
<p id="IDzfa5">The Aggies announced that their Week 0 game against Nevada will be aired under the lights and on ESPN2. It will be just the fourth time ESPN has come to Las Cruces and it should be an interesting game with two first year head coaches. A big crowd is expected as well, as over 17,000 tickets have already been sold.</p>
<div id="jEtDIt">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> . . . .<br><br>For the first time since 2018, ESPN will make a trip to Las Cruces. Find all the details ⬇️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AggieUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AggieUp</a> <br><br> | <a href="https://t.co/LfIZVmHYFm">https://t.co/LfIZVmHYFm</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZscyXaFobs">pic.twitter.com/ZscyXaFobs</a></p>— New Mexico State Football (@NMStateFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NMStateFootball/status/1560371117436682245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2022/8/19/23295393/new-mexico-state-aggies-football-2022-linebackers-chris-ojoh-trevor-brohard-preseason-previewsUnderdoggopher2022-08-14T10:00:00-04:002022-08-14T10:00:00-04:00New Mexico State Aggies Football 2022 Previews: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 02 New Mexico State at San Jose State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9YuHbp9qyJzdkSDJZIMJ_FubC98=/0x179:2176x1630/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71241995/1235683308.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Gicinto and Whitford lead an Aggies receiving crew that will need to make lots of space for the new QBs to throw to.</p> <p id="dHogfe"></p>
<p id="SAy3Eo">Only two weeks remain until the Aggies kick off the Jerry Kill era against the Nevada Wolfpack, who will also be entering a new era under head coach Ken Wilson. </p>
<p id="Ibp0EC">Fall camp has just ended and the Aggies will begin preperation for the home opener this week while also finalizing the depth charts. With a new offense and new quarterbacks, it will be interesting to see how the passing game looks coming out of the gate. There is plenty of talent to work with but there is a lot of production that left during the offseason.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="O1cUlo">
<h3 id="xmPaiy"><strong>Returning</strong></h3>
<p id="tsjL7T">Dominic Gicinto (Nine catches, 95 yards, one TD)</p>
<p id="iocv0J"> <em>-Injured last year during San Diego State game</em></p>
<p id="db4dkv">Tomaz Whitford (19 catches, 206 yards)</p>
<p id="aCq4Tl"> <em>-Preseason Phil Steele 2nd Team Independent</em><strong> </strong> </p>
<p id="cS5KF7">PJ Johnson III (12 catches, 101 yards)</p>
<p id="y0jfHE">Justice Powers (Seven catches, 167 yards)</p>
<p id="jOVfia">Ron Vann (One catch, six yards)</p>
<p id="Cc9OtA">Lawrence Dixon (punt returner, one catch, seven yards)</p>
<p id="OTtZz3">Luteru Fedler</p>
<p id="lSEPWY">Grant Oberheu</p>
<p id="VB7bjY">Braxton McDonald</p>
<p id="6z3TVv">Sol Rascon</p>
<p id="XJRFqR">Ethan Singleton</p>
<p id="ErjHvc">Jordin Parker</p>
<p id="y31atx">Jacob Franklin</p>
<p id="gDXEC2">Kareem Burgess</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="BTDqSJ">
<h3 id="8iiT2f"><strong>Incoming</strong></h3>
<p id="rHzBzQ">J.J. Jones III (28 games played, 10 catches 146 yards, one TD in 2021)</p>
<p id="AOZ96X"> -2nd Team All Ivy League 2021</p>
<p id="S8c4Yf">Jonathan Brady (Bishop Gorman grad, played for WR coach Tony Sanchez’s brothers)</p>
<p id="VgsqYz">Chris Bellamy</p>
<p id="zHT6kt">Ta’ir Brooks</p>
<p id="sD73m7">Luteru Fedler</p>
<p id="aUUGkN">Trevor Stephens</p>
<p id="Hy5URY">Kordell David</p>
<p id="YOW0nl">Bryce Childress</p>
<p id="sXrWxE">Erik Cueto</p>
<p id="o4brmj">Trevor Stephens</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="JKDD69">
<h3 id="BtpbNB"><strong>Departing</strong></h3>
<p id="CITPVf">Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (37 catches, 578 yards, 4 TDs, transfer-Nebraska)</p>
<p id="dSf2xA">Jared Wyatt (49 catches, 629 yards, 3 TDs)</p>
<p id="MiA5qH">Andre Bodison (32 catches, 403 yards)</p>
<p id="h3wqlk">Terrell Warner (38 catches, 334 yards, 1 TD)</p>
<p id="EqQ7ua">Robert Downs III (14 catches, 143 yards, 1 TD)</p>
<p id="pMJelE">Tevis Abraham Jr.</p>
<p id="1batgQ">Jalyne McFall</p>
<p id="fkpIe7">Daniel Redmond</p>
<p id="3k3H2t">Ivan Avina</p>
<p id="Dv1T7i">Cole Harrity</p>
<p id="fgFdVx">Javien Clemmer</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New Mexico State v New Mexico" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Hid1FPKpEhL-gchuMj_X8iU68kc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23943324/1339748112.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (#2) departs leaving NM State with a void to fill among the receiver corps</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Lm40mA">
<p id="2M8rb1">Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda transferred to Nebraska with the coaching change and four other productive receivers graduated leaving NM State with a lot of fresh blood that will need to click with the new starting quarterback this fall. </p>
<p id="qxQBJI">Fortunately, Dominic Gicinto returns after having a productive first few games before he was out after breaking his arm against San Diego State. Tight end Tomaz Whitford also returns and is expected to have a breakout season in OC Tim Beck’s system. TE JJ Jones III transfers in from Dartmouth where he had a productive four year career including being named 2nd Team Ivy League last year.</p>
<p id="nsdOy7">Outside of those three players, NM State is fresh faced and ready to learn. I expect them to have growing pains while looking towards 2023 to add more wrinkles.</p>
https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2022/8/14/23288562/new-mexico-state-aggies-football-previews-wide-receivers-tight-ends-dominic-gicinto-thomaz-whitfordUnderdoggopher2022-08-02T10:00:00-04:002022-08-02T10:00:00-04:00New Mexico State Aggies Football 2022 Preview: Running Backs
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 20 New Mexico State at Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8mHRhPhH89walzHZtMTvHF86yf0=/0x251:2100x1651/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71199288/1236694349.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kill and Co. have upgraded the running back room with talent and experience making this the offense’s best unit.</p> <p id="KfWGnN">The calendar has finally moved to August, which means we play football this month! While it might still be hot outside, fall is just around the corner and it means that fall camp is just heating up.</p>
<p id="Aalb2P">Speaking of heating up, the season starts in just a few weeks so I better get a move on with these previews! Next up, we have the running backs. </p>
<p id="n1M6So">While the talent and use of the quarterbacks still remain a mystery for NM State, that is not the case for the running backs. </p>
<p id="iHOtae">While running was not much of a priority under the previous coaching staff, Jerry Kill has made it the focus of the offense as he brought in some talented backs to go with some experienced guys already here. Together, they form what should be the best position group on the offensive side of the ball.</p>
<p id="F0K6x0">Let’s take a look at who’s gone, who’s coming in and who’s back from last season.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="mUAVXg">
<h2 id="i1JgHY"><strong>Returning</strong></h2>
<p id="2o4kC1">O’Maury Samuels (4* recruit, 202 yards, one TD)</p>
<p id="t960M2">Alex Escobar (57 yards)</p>
<p id="DM5A1E">Larenzo McMillan </p>
<p id="KeGij9">Tim Gans </p>
<h2 id="xBWfcQ"><strong>Incoming</strong></h2>
<p id="s6Dgwf">Ahmonte Watkins (Louisiana State champ 100m and 200m) (4* recruit, CB experience) </p>
<p id="24QnZU">Jamoni Jones (physical, 6’2” 225) </p>
<p id="CfhVjL">Star Thomas (kick returner experience)</p>
<p id="MVTPeo">Makhilyn Young</p>
<p id="eGG4dr">Braylon Stewart</p>
<h2 id="jqt4ku"><strong>Departing</strong></h2>
<p id="acQKWH">Juwuan Price (transfer-Syracuse; 692 yards, 10 TDs)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Wh05sV">
<p id="iTPPer">While the Aggies’ main back transferred to greener pastures, the Aggies will be just fine as they return former four star recruit and Michigan back O’Maury Samuels. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 02 New Mexico State at San Jose State" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v8L_8dwy8O7FNRI2baIK4YvfnFo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23916906/1235683319.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>O’Maury Samuels is the Aggies leading returning back</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="KRm3Mc">He’ll be paired with another four star recruit in Ahmonte Watkins who played in three games for TCU last year. Watkins might be the frontrunner in the RB room as he is only a redshirt freshman, has homerun speed being a Louisiana track state champ and has cornerback experience.</p>
<p id="wY56AI">Jamoni Jones, meanwhile, comes from Northeast Oklahoma A&M, where he was part of a triple option attack but played receiver in high school so he can do it all.</p>
<p id="gjKxKa">With three very capable backs and five with collegiate football experience, it will be interesting to see how Kill and Co. utilize their talents and skill sets. </p>
<p id="Sgn86D">On paper, this is by far the most talented unit I’ve seen since I started covering NM State with two former four star recruits and lots of experience. </p>
<p id="2SxEtv"></p>
https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2022/8/2/23277338/new-mexico-state-aggies-ahmonte-watkins-jomoni-jones-omaury-samuels-football-2022-running-backsUnderdoggopher