July 30, 2004
Over the past several years, New Mexico has established a tradition of excellence in the offensive line that few schools in the Mountain West Conference can match. One of the largest starting units in the country each year, the group known as “The Hitmen” is the power behind the Lobos’ ground-attack offense. Since 2001, New Mexico has had 11 individual rushing efforts of 145 yards or more and nine different players have rushed for over 80 yards in a game. The UNM single game (Quincy Wright, 2002 – 265 yards) and single season (DonTrell Moore, 2003 – 1,450 yards) rushing records have also been shattered in that time.
In 2003, the Hitmen landed three starters (Jason Lenzmeier, Claude Terrell, Ryan Cook) on the all-MWC first team, while a fourth (Robert Turner) earned Freshman All-America honors. Stalwart tackle Jason Lenzmeier also became the first offensive lineman in conference history to be named MWC Offensive Player of the Week.With the graduation of Lenzmeier and fellow tackle Justin Colburn, the New Mexico coaching staff will groom two first year starters on the line this fall. However, a Lombardi Award candidate in senior guard Claude Terrell and a Rimington Trophy watch list selection in junior center Ryan Cook, as well as standout sophomore guard Robert Turner, all return to anchor the unit.
A three-year starter, two-time all-MWC honoree and leader of the Hitmen, the 6-3, 338-pound Terrell, known simply as “Big C” around Albuquerque, combines great power with deceptive quickness and athleticism. After testing the 2004 NFL Draft waters, Terrell decided to return to UNM where he has started 37 straight games and notched 350 career knockdown blocks at strong guard.
This year, however, Terrell will play tackle for the first time in his career in an effort to help the team by solidifying the strong side of the Lobos’ offensive line. Prior to spring practice, he met with the UNM coaching staff and agreed to move one spot over into the position formerly occupied by longtime batterymate Lenzmeier. Terrell, a 2004 preseason All-America pick (Athlon & NationalChamps.net) at guard, turned in an outstanding spring practice season at his new position, even earning a place on The Sporting News 2004 All-Spring Team.
Though still working to refine some of his technique, particularly one-on-one pass blocking situations, head coach Rocky Long said Terrell was dominant as always paving the way for the Lobos’ dangerous running backs.
“He’s an experienced player who knows what he’s doing out there,” said Long. “He will be our starter this fall at strong tackle and I think he will perform at a very high level once again.”
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Rimington Trophy candidate Ryan Cook has started 21 straight games at center. |
At 6-7, 323 pounds, Cook is perhaps the biggest starting center in the country and also one of the nation’s best. A candidate once again for the Rimington Trophy (top center), the former walk-on enters his second season anchoring the middle of the gigantic offensive line, where he has started 21 straight games. After a stellar offseason in the weightroom, the 2003 first team all-MWC selection is primed for his best season to date.
Turner, meanwhile, could be a future star at strong guard where he moved following Terrell’s shift to tackle. After working with the travel squad as a true freshman in 2002, Turner started all 13 games last year and was honored as one of the top rookie linemen in the country. Bringing outstanding size (6-4, 338) and strength, as well as great passion, to the field, Turner appears to be the next in a growing line of dominant linemen at New Mexico.
“That’s a darn good foundation to start with,” said Long of his returning starters. “We’ve got quality players that have little experience that will move into the starting lineup this season, so how quickly they get up to speed means how good that offensive line is going to be as a group.”
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“We’ve got quality players that have little experience that will move into the starting lineup this season, so how quickly they get up to speed means how good that offensive line is going to be as a group.” -Head coach Rocky Long |
After turning in solid spring seasons, junior Terrance Pennington and surprising senior Bryan Humphreys will open preseason practice as the starters at quick tackle and quick guard, respectively. One of the largest of the massive group of linemen, Pennington (6-7, 342) has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, which includes four spot starts at both tackle positions. Humphreys, a fifth-year walk-on from Albuquerque’s Highland High School, worked his way to the top of the depth chart after backing up Terrell at strong guard a year ago. Though a bit undersized at 6-3, 293, Humphreys is a heady, experienced player who impressed the coaches with his improved physical play during the spring.
Another player who could be a wildcard in the ongoing battle for the starting spots is 6-4, 319-pound sophomore Fred Tucker. A promising young talent with experience at both guard and tackle, he saw his first significant action subbing for an injured Colburn in two games last year. Tucker missed most of spring practice to get his academics in order, but should be ready to compete this fall. New Mexico also inked a pair of massive junior college linemen in Bo Greer (6-3, 310) and Siosifa Vave (6-3, 315) who could vie for time as well.