Sept. 6, 2005
Marcus Parker
One of the top defensive tackles in the country Marcus Parker is a team captain and is a candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker….first team all-Mountain West Conference selection who was ranked the No. 18 defensive tackle in the nation by Lindy’s preseason publication…at just 6-2, 269 pounds, Parker uses outstanding quickness, excellent hands and great strength to shed blockers and either shoot into running lanes or pressure the passer…has made 32 of his career 98 tackles in the opponents’ backfield…moved from defensive end to nose tackle in 2004.
Q: What does it mean to you to be elected a team captain by your fellow teammates?
A: That’s a great award. It is elected by your team members so it tells you that the harder you have been playing ball that players begin to look up to you and that means a lot to me.
Q: What do you feel you need to do as a team captain?
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A: I need to come out here and practice hard every day even when you don’t feel like you have to come out here and do what you have to do. I also want to show these young guys that it takes a lot of hard work to be good.
Q: Most people consider you an undersized nose tackle, so what makes you successful?
A: I think my quickness and explosiveness off the ball. I feel if you can beat them to their first step because they are bigger then you then you get their momentum going the other way. I think my quickness and my first step, which contributes to my explosion, helps me.
Q: The media guide says that 33 percent of your tackles are made in the backfield, how do you get such good penetration?
A: It’s that first step. Sometimes you can feel when that ball is going to get snapped that’s why I got a lot of offsides too but if you can get that good jump, shoot through the gap and use your hands to get off the block then you can be in the backfield before they ever get the ball handed off.
Q: What do you enjoy more hitting a running back in the backfield or getting a quarterback sack and why?
A: I like both. I would say a sack though because it is a little harder to get a sack before hitting the running back because you get to hit them all the time so a sack makes it a more memorable moment.
Q: Last year you gained considerable playing time playing almost every down. Would you welcome some rest during the game this season or does it help you to be in there every play?
A: I think towards the end of the season last season it helped me in the long run but I think a rotation is good because I have played in a rotation before so I know how fresh it can help you along. I also think you want a rotation early on in the season and then as the season goes on I am fresh and want to be in there more.
Q: What was the biggest change moving from defensive end to nose tackle?
A: Keeping your pads low and being more physical. I think when you play end you can be high at times and work the edge and just speed rush but when you play nose you have to be low and physical all the time because you have blockers coming from all angles.
Q: You were a first team All-MWC selection last season so what did you work on in the offseason to improve your play this season?
A: Everything. I worked on my quickness, my steps, using my hands more, trying to make sure I keep my pads down and watching the ball because I want to cut back on my offsides this year. I mean I worked on everything.
Q: What do you enjoy about playing in coach Long and Lewis’s defensive system?
A: It is a cut loose defense. Ever since I came here the defensive system has just been attack, attack, attack. I don’t think you want to play in a defense that is a read and react because we attack and react which is what I love the most is we stay attacking.
Q: Who on the defense this year could surprise people with their play and why?
A: Quincy Black. He is new to us so people don’t know to much about him but he has excellent speed, he is physical and he comes hard every play so he is going to make a lot of plays this year.
Q: What are your personal goals and what are your goals for the defense this season?
A: My personal goal is since they put me on the watch list for the Lombardi is to continue to say on the list until the end. My goals for the season is to win a conference championship and try to go undefeated so we can get some looks from the BCS.
Q: The media guide says you enjoy playing the piano. What do you enjoy about the piano?
A: I have just played all my life. It has been a while since I have played but I just found it as relaxing to both hear the piano and play the piano is just relaxing to me so that is why I have played all my life.
DonTrell Moore
Senior DonTrell Moore is one of the nation’s premier running backs who is facing his most challenging season in 2005…he missed all of spring practice as he recovered from off-season surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee…he suffered the injury on Dec. 30, 2004, during the first quarter of the Lobos’ Emerald Bowl game vs. Navy…surgery was performed on Feb. 3…still a preseason 3rd team All-America by Street & Smith’s and the media’s pick to be the MWC’s offensive player of the year…The Sporting News has listed him as the No. 8 RB in the country…enters the 2005 season as the MWC’s career rushing leader with 3,675 yards, which ranks No. 2 among active NCAA rushers…is 187 yards shy of Mike Williams’ Lobo record of 3,862 yards set from 1975-78…37 rushing TDs and 42 total TDs are already the most in school history…will attempt to become just the sixth player in the history of NCAA Div. I-A football to reach 1,000 yards rushing four times in a career: Tony Dorsett (Pittsburgh 1973-76), Amos Lawrence (North Carolina 1977-80), Denvis Manns (New Mexico State 1995-98), Ron Dayne (Wisconsin 1996-99) and Cedric Benson (Texas 2001-04) were the first five.
Q: What kind of role has your family played?
A: They played an integral part in my life and in my role as a football player. For one, my mom introduced me to the game of football so she’s been the most supportive. My brothers are very supportive of me. We haven’t always lived together but we were always close. They’ve been very supportive and very helpful. They’ve made it a point not to miss a game so they’ve been very instrumental in the success that I’ve had.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time and during the off-season?
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A: I watch a lot of movies; I’m a movie guy. I know a lot of movies. I own over 60 DVDs so I’m excited about that. Collecting movies, watching them, memorizing them and talking about them. That’s really what I do in the little free time that I have.
Q: Your cousin (Donta Bright) also signed with the Lobos to play football. Does football run in the family?
A: Sports run in the family. My mom, his mom and my grandma and everyone down the genes have always been active. My mom did gymnastics, volleyball and stuff like that. DonTa’s mom also did that, so, yes, it runs in the family.
Q: What type of work did you do over the summer?
A: I worked down in Metro Court as a probation officer. It was kind of fun. I met some interesting people.
Q: Why did you choose criminology as a major?
A: I think that’s one thing that, unfortunately, is constant in the world: crime. So any way that I can be an asset I thought that maybe I could do it in that field. Maybe Forensics or Crime Scene Investigation.
Q: You want to become a Crime Scene Investigator after football, but what is the plan if you get drafted?
A: Well, you know the plan is to make a team and excel at that. But I have other things planned out just in case that doesn’t happen. Hopefully, the Lord says the same and I’m able to play in the NFL.
Q: You aren’t seen at a lot of parties around campus. Why is that?
A: I don’t know. A lot of people ask me that. I’m just a homebody; I stay at home, I kick back, stay away from things. You never know what goes on at parties and I just try to avoid all that.
Q: How hard is it to maintain a relationship with your girlfriend given the amount of time you spend with football?
A: She’s very understanding so she makes things a lot easier. It’s really helpful and exciting to be able to have a hard day’s work and to hang out and be able to converse at the end of the day.
Q: Is she as supportive as the rest of your family?
A: She is. She’s not very knowledgeable on the sport, but she’s getting better. When I first met her she didn’t even know what a first down was, and now she’s getting where she knows more. It’s kind of fun to tease her and taunt her with football when I get the chance.
Q: What do you want to accomplish in your last year as a Lobo?
A: I want to win a Mountain West Conference championship first and foremost. All the other individual accolades are irrelevant. They mean nothing to me if we don’t win a conference championship.
Q: What has been your hardest struggle in life?
A: I don’t know. Every day is a struggle. I don’t look at one thing being harder than the other, so I try to give it all to God and make things as easy as possible. I’ve never had something that’s been overwhelming to me. I’ve gone through some things but I’ve never had something that I felt was overwhelming.
Q: Are you worried about re-injuring your knee this season?
A: No. Unfortunately, injuries are a part of life, a part of football. You have to go out there and be confident in the fact that your rehab was. So no, I’m not worried about it at all.
Q: Your rehab coach was assistant trainer David Smith. How was that relationship?
A: We got really close. He’s very helpful, very understanding and very versatile in his approach. We did a lot of different things. He spent hours upon hours helping me out so a lot of the credit goes to Smitty.
Q: How many hours did you spend in rehab?
A: I don’t know, you can’t really count them. I have no idea. I just know it was for six months and it’s still going on now. A lot of hours of the day.
Q: How do you feel about the fact that, if the season goes well for you, your name could be at the top of the charts for a lot of records?
A: I’m excited about that. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some good offensive linesmen here and (offensive line coach) Coach Bostad has always done a great job with the offensive line. But, to break those records would mean we’re winning so that would make it more exciting.
Q: When you started playing football did you expect that you would leave a legacy behind at every school you played?
A: Not really. I just started playing because my mom asked me to. I was playing basketball and my mom just asked me to play football because she wanted me to have something else to do, and to be well rounded in athletics. I never knew what was to come.
Q: In a lot people’s eyes you carry the UNM football team. How do you feel about them thinking that without you the Lobos wouldn’t be having a good season?
A: To that I say “thank you for the support,” but it’s really not the truth because I think we have a lot of great athletes. We have a lot of individuals that are able to make plays and that help us excel during the season. People must realize that football is the ultimate team game and no one man can do anything by himself.
Q: Do you want to be remembered for all of the records you set in your time here as a Lobo?
A: No. I just want to be remembered as somebody who came out every day and worked hard regardless of the obstacle, regardless of the problem that was at hand, regardless of what was going on in his life. I want to be known as somebody who gave his all regardless of what was going on.
Mike Mohoric
Albuquerque native and Highland High grad Mike Mohoric is a former walk-on who has become a team captain and is a candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker…the lone returning starter on the linebacker corps this year…he enjoyed a breakthrough junior season, starting on the inside and was one of the best new linebackers in the MWC…also a 2004 Academic All-MWC honoree…earned his bachelor’s degree in University Studies in four years and is currently enrolled in UNM’s Sports Administration master’s program.
Q: How were you able to graduate in just four years, given all the time required for school and athletics?
A: I break everything down in steps; take care of one thing at a time. In the mornings I go to school, at football I worry about football, and at night I worry about homework. It may be overwhelming to some people, but I think if you break everything down into small steps it makes it a lot easier.
Q: If football is not in your future next year, what will you be doing?
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A: I don’t know if it will be high school or college level, but I would probably start out coaching and maybe eventually head towards athletic administration or possibly start my own business or two, say as an entrepreneur involving the internet. I like being able to help kids, too.
Q: What classes you are taking this semester?
A: I’m taking Sports Technology and Sports Psychology. The third one is a problems class.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or interests besides sports?
A: I kind of like to cook. I was thinking about going into Culinary Arts for another degree. I worked in a kitchen (Outback) two summers ago. I was actually a cook on the cold side. I did salads and appetizers.
Q: So if you were whipping up a meal for yourself and some close friends what would you make?
A: You would probably have to ask my friends because they know what I cook better. I would probably do steaks and shrimp on the grill, but I like vegetables and salads too. I try to eat healthy.
Q: Has football always been your primary sport?
A: Yes, but I did play baseball for nine years, but stopped in high school. I also played basketball. I did not get a whole lot of recognition playing basketball out of high school, but there was probably a few Division II schools and maybe some junior colleges I could have gone to. But they all knew I was leaning towards football.
Q: Did you play YAFL?
A: I played for three or four years. I played tight end and linebacker, but I did not play a whole lot. We went to Las Vegas for a trip my junior year of YAFL and won the national championship. I was 12. We were the Highland Hornets, just like the high school.
Q: Who is your best friend on the team?
A: I would have to say Joey (Selander). We came together as walk-ons and struggled through some of the hard times together. I’d say we definitely bonded in the last five years.
Q: Did you know each other before you got here?
A: We played in the high school all-star game (summer of 2001), but besides that I didn’t know him. He was probably one of the first guys I started hanging out with.
Q: What have you learned from previous Lobo linebackers?
A: Mainly to be dedicated and hints to get you through the hard parts. Not playing early on was probably the hardest part for me. You come from high school playing every snap and every down. Guys like Charles Moss and Mohammed Konte were always supportive. They just help you out and if you ever had questions they were always helpful. It wasn’t them worried about me taking their job or anything like that; everyone always worked together.
Q: It sounds like the team camaraderie is strong?
A: Coach Long definitely preaches that. The past three years we have linebacker night where we will all go out to eat once a week so it is a tight-knit group. I think unity is the main key and the common goal between everyone is to accomplish that. No one is worried about playing time so much. I was a redshirt sophomore and I wasn’t playing, but there was still that common goal between everyone that played.
Q: How would you describe Coach Long?
A: If I could choose one word it would be passionate. I think that affects the rest of the players and I think that carries through the entire team.
Q: What were your aspirations when you first came here and what are they now?
A: I think I have always set my goals high. If I told people what I wanted to do, from a coaching point of view, they would say it was impossible. I said I wanted to be conference freshman player of the year, conference linebacker of the year and conference champs. If the team is successful then I’ll be successful in my own right.
Q: How do you think the perception of Lobo football has changed since you started at UNM?
A: When I first got here it was mostly Texas and California kids, but New Mexico is slowly getting better. I think it was harder to get recruits, some of those high names a few years ago. A lot of the local guys, like DonTrell (Moore) and Hank (Baskett), were loyal to the state and have been successful. (Ryan) Cook decided to walk on and he has thrived. Now I think everyone in the state wants to be a Lobo as opposed to going somewhere else.
Q: What does it mean to be a team captain?
A: I am really humbled by that. I am glad my teammates respect me enough. It’s an honor. It is hard to describe in words, but I am really honored by it.
Q: Has there been a top moment since you have been at UNM?
A: It’s tough to say. I think going to the bowl games and being part of that tradition. Beating BYU in Provo in 2002 might have been the biggest win. Texas Tech last year was a big one too.
Hank Baskett
Senior team captain Hank Baskett is New Mexico’s top returning wide receiver and one of the best unheralded pass catchers in the country. In 2004, he established himself as one of the top receivers in the Mountain West Conference, earning Honorable Mention all-conference honors and was later voted Offensive MVP by his teammates. His 54 receptions last fall were the most by a Lobo in five years, while his 908 receiving yards ranked No. 9 on the UNM single season list. A 2005 preseason watch list selection for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to nation’s top wide receiver, Baskett has been a bonafide two-sport star for the Lobos, earning all-conference honors in the high jump each of his three years with the UNM track team. In 2004, he became the first Lobo in 10 years to win a conference high jump crown, flying 6-11.00 to win the MWC Outdoor title. He was also a two-time NCAA Midwest Regional qualifier in the event, despite being probably the heaviest elite high jumper in the nation. Just as strong in the classroom, Baskett has earned Academic all-MWC honors each of the past three years and will earn his degree in General Management this December.
Q: How would you rate your performance last year in your first season as a full-time starter…were you pleased with what your were able to accomplish or did you expect more out of yourself?
A: I was definitely excited with my performance last year, but there was so much more that I expected out of myself. Little things that maybe some people wouldn’t see, but I noticed.
Q: Take me though your thought process when you’re running a streak or fade route…what goes through your mind as soon as you see the ball in the air?
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A: I try to turn those plays into a jump-ball situation. I know that may not be the best thing to do, but the first thing I say to myself is ‘I’m going to catch it.’ I tell the quarterbacks that I’m either going to catch it or its going to be an incomplete pass – I’m not going to let anyone get an interception. I’ve gotten Kole’s (McKamey) trust and I’m getting some of the others as well now. I’m just going to do whatever I can to get to the ball. If I have to go over somebody, around them, under them, whatever – I’m going to do what I can to catch that ball.
Q: What were some of your favorite or most memorable catches last fall?
A: The Texas Tech catch (in the end zone that was ruled to be out of bounds) of course will always stick in my head because they took that one away as a touchdown. That might not be a favorite play, but it was a tough catch and they took it away. The BYU touchdown was definitely a big catch for me. Then I’d have to say that one-handed catch against BYU. Those were my favorite catches from last year.
Q: How would you scout yourself? What are some of the skills and talents that you take the most pride in playing wide receiver?
A: My biggest thing is that I like to block. That’s what I would notice the most if I were watching myself. That might be odd for a receiver to say, but you have to understand that when you come into a running program the first thing you need to have is the ability to block and that’s what I focus on the most. I would also say my size and jumping ability are positives, and as everybody always says, my deceptive speed. I think I’m faster than I really look when I’m running.
Q: So far in your college career you’ve blocked a punt, caught long TD passes, run over 50 yards after a catch for TD, thrown a 46-yard pass, spent a little time as a back-up punter, played on most every special teams unit…anything else you’d like to do on the football field before you finish up?
A: I have been all over the field. I always joke with the coaches, asking them ‘let me play defense one play.’ I don’t really see that one happening though.
Q: Do you miss playing quarterback like you did in high school?
A: I miss it every now and then. When I first started it was because we needed a quarterback at Clovis, so that’s why I did it. Now I really wish I could have played receiver more in high school. I think it’s my position. I was just an average thrower, but we came from a running school, so that helped me out. I miss it a little, but receiver is where I need to be.
Q: How did the spinal injury that you suffered during your second year affect your development…do you think it slowed your progress or did going though that ordeal somehow make you a stronger player overall?
A: It slowed me in terms of being on the field, but it helped me so much by being able to watch on the sidelines. There’s so many different ways to learn. There’s learning by actually going out there and doing it, and there’s learning by watching, and that’s really what helped me. I’m one that really likes to watch and learn.
Q: How long did it take after that injury for you to trust your body again and just go out there and play football without hesitation?
A: Once I made the decision that I was going to play again that’s when I cleared everything out of my mind. My dad told me that you’re only going to get hurt if you go out there playing scared, so I had to take the fight to the defense. I wasn’t going to wait for something to happen to me.
Q: How important was it for you to be able to play football and high jump when you signed at UNM out of high school?
A: Oh that was the biggest thing to me. That’s what I told anybody that recruited me, and some of the coaches didn’t like that, was that I didn’t want to give up high jumping even if I could only do it once or twice. Coach (Rocky) Long sat me down and said that as long as my priority was football, I kept my grades up and didn’t get in any trouble, he would allow me to high jump. That’s what I really appreciate – he kept his word. That’s why I tell everybody that coach Long is a man of his word.
Q: Do you wish sometimes that you had more time to devote to track & field?
A: There’s two different kinds of high jumper – a form jumper and a power jumper. If you’re a form jumper, you have to practice a lot and keep your flexibility. I had the ugliest form. I just did whatever I could to get over the bar. I’ve spent as much time as I needed to jump the way I do.
Q: How high do you think you could go if you were a full-time track athlete?
A: I was told by some big time track coaches who watched me in high school that if I worked on my form I could have reached 7′ 5″ or 7′ 6″ pretty easily. I think that would’ve been pretty cool.
Q: What did you enjoy most about high jumping or track & field in general?
A: My favorite thing about it was going out there and making all the other teams and coaches mad. They know I go out there, I haven’t had much time to practice and if I win, they hate it. It’s the same thing with (UNM cornerback and jumper Mike) Powdrell. They hate us because they know we never really get to practice. (laughs)
Q: How does high jumping help you on the football field?
A: Obviously, high jumping helps me when I go up for the ball. I know how to maneuver my body in the air, so that helps a lot on the fades and deep balls.
Q: Have you ever seen or heard of any other 7-foot high jumpers that weigh around 220 pounds?
A: Definitely not. That’s another thing I like. Half the guys I go against were like 160, 170 and I’m thinking, ‘man, I eat one of y’all for lunch!’ It just felt good beating them.
Q: You’re a 3-time academic all-conference honoree, you’ll get your degree in December…how have you been able to accomplish so much athletically without sacrificing anything in the classroom?
A: I set my standards high, but I be sure to make my goals realistic also. Football is going to be around for awhile, but your degree will go with you the rest of your life and your brains will be there when football is done. That’s what I try to tell these young guys. This isn’t coming from a coach, this is coming from someone that focused on football, but got all my stuff done so that in my last semester here I have two classes. Make life simple for yourself, it’s not that hard.
Q: What is one of the best classes you’ve taken at UNM and why?
A: My business law class I thought was going to be my hardest class, but my teacher, his name is Daniel Avisoto, he made so that I understood it. I actually learned the most in my law class. I was really shocked about that one.
Q: Have you ever had any free time outside of athletics and academics over the past four years…if so, what do you like to do with your spare time?
A: I’ve had a little. I just like to sit at home and relax, that’s what I do with my free time. We only have a small amount of time to go on vacation, so you don’t really get to plan too many of those. In theory, we have our own schedules, but we really don’t. So I just like to relax and be with my friends, that’s my main thing.