Aug. 12, 2005
The University of New Mexico football team got all the pads popping this afternoon as the players completed an upbeat practice, wearing full gear for the first time this summer. The Lobos will begin two-a-day practices on Saturday, opening with a workout from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and ending with another full pads session under the UNM practice field lights from 8-10 p.m.
With nearby rain clouds blocking the sun and occasionally misting the field, the conditions for Friday’s practice were ideal. Players on both sides of the ball responded with outstanding enthusiasm and spirited competition. However, the scrimmage and 7-on-7 situations on this day belonged to the men in cherry running the Lobo offense.
Senior Hank Baskett continued his stellar training camp, reaching over defenders and going up high to pull in a number of long passes from quarterback Kole McKamey. Baskett later made perhaps the play of the week so far when he swam around tight coverage by senior corner Jerrell Malone, dove and made a finger-tip grab, just before the football hit the ground, for a gain of nearly 40 yards. The 6-4, 220-pound Baskett somehow reached through Malone’s blanket coverage once again as he hauled in a 20-yard fade pass from McKamey on the last play of practice.
“I don’t ever remember feeling this good in camp,” Baskett said after practice. “My body feels 100 percent and I’m looking forward to getting the season started.”
Baskett wasn’t the only offensive player making an impact on Friday. Fellow senior wide out Aaron Brack got free several times in the secondary, pulling in a long throw from sophomore Bryan Clampitt on a post route. Brack also took a short pass and raced down the sideline for a 20 yard touchdown play. Senior receiver Anthony Carter, who started nine games last fall, had another strong practice, showing fine hands and solid route-running technique.
Redshirt freshman tailback Paul Baker, meanwhile, displayed several excellent moves during the 3-on-3 Lobo Drill and later raced 80 yards, untouched, down the right sideline on the first play of one of the third and fourth team scrimmages. Senior fullback Adrian Byrd also stood out as he made a few big runs up the middle and also doled out several head-rattling blocks.
The vaunted Lobo defense will have its time to shine tomorrow night when the team goes full pads once again. Senior Marcus Parker and his aggressive unit will be looking to dictate the tempo during Saturday’s evening scrimmage.
SATURDAY (AUG. 13) PRACTICE SCHEDULE
11-1 p.m. (shorts/helmets/shoulder pads)
8-10 p.m. (full pads)