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University of New Mexico Lobos athletics
22

Markel Byrd

Position

Defensive Back

Height

5-11

Weight

187 lbs.

Class

Fr.

Hometown

San Diego, Calif.

Previous School

Horizon Christian Academy

New Mexico: Has successfully made the transition from high school quarterback to safety … great ability to read the opposing offenses.

2014 (Redshirt Freshman Season): Played in all 12 games for the Lobos, starting eight of the final nine … was seventh on the team in tackles with 50, including 31 solo stops … also had an interception, two passes broken up, a hurry and a forced fumble … had a career-best nine tackles against Air Force, topping his previous best of eight against Fresno State … had seven solos in that game … had three tackles against UTSA, but his interception with just under six minutes to go against the Roadrunners helped clinch a 21-9 win … broke up passses against both UNLV and Boise State … forced a fumble against San Diego State … had six tackles each against UNLV and Arizona State.

2013 (Freshman Season): Redshirted

High School: Played three years for head coach Chris Johnson and the Panthers on both sides of the ball … was named Coastal League Most Valuable Player in 2012 as well as MaxPreps first-team California Division IV All-State as an all-purpose back … as a senior threw for 1,932 yards and 25 TDs … added 417 yards on 82 carries (a 5.1-yard average) and 11 TDs on the ground … as a cornerback recorded 40 tackles (37 solos), intercepted five passes and broke up six more … averaged 18.6 yards per punt return and 19.4 yards per kick return … also served as the team’s punter and averaged 40.7 yards per kick … as a junior threw for 1,487 yards and averaged 15.8 yards per completion … passed for 18 TDs and added three more on the ground … named second-team All -Coastal League at cornerback … as a sophomore in 2010 was first-team All-Coastal League at QB after throwing for 2,455 yards and 21 TDs while averaging 18.6 yards per completion and rushing for 430 yards and nine TDs … also intercepted six passes and scored two TDs on defense.

Personal: Born on March 23, 1995 … is undecided on a major … mother is Stephanie Threadgill.