Four Lobos on Preseason Teams by Lindy's, Athlon

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Four Lobos have been named to preseason all-conference teams by either Lindy’s or Athlon Sports, highlighted by Aaron Jenkins earning first team honors from both magazines.  Along with Jenkins, Tyrone Owens was named to both teams and Elijah Lilly and Cody Baker were named to Athlon’s teams.

Jenkins, who can become the all-time leader in games played at UNM, has started 38 straight games in his Lobo career, and played in 40 overall.  The school’s all-time record for games played is 50.  Jenkins is the top returning offensive lineman for UNM, as he has started games at both tackle and guard in his career.  He joins Tyrone Owens in being named to both teams, earning second team honors at running back from Lindy’s and third team honors from Athlon.  Owens is the top returning running back for UNM, and he rushed for 770 yards and four touchdowns.  He also caught seven passes as well.

Two players were named to Athlon’s third team in Elijah Lilly at kick returner and Cody Baker at defensive line.  Lilly, a true junior, returned a kickoff for a touchdown for the second time in his career, and he had two others called back on penalties.  He averaged 23.6 yards on 31 returns despite teams doing what they could to prevent him from getting his hands on the ball.  Lilly’s touchdown came against Texas A&M and went for 100 yards.  Joining him on the third team is Baker, who started all 12 games in 2017.  Baker recorded 24 tackles in 2017 with 2.0 TFLs and 1.5 sacks.  He also had a hurry and a pass break up.

UNM’s season opens on September 1 against Incarnate Word at Dreamstyle Stadium.  Fans can pick up season tickets for the 2018 season be heading to either www.unmtickets.com, or to UNM’s Football Ticket Central.