April 20, 2007
by Elaina Matsko
UNM Athletics Media Relations
The wind finally decided to stop blowing today and it became a perfect day for football. I had a chance to sit down with the other two new additions to the offensive coaching staff, offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin and offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier, after a physical practice at University Stadium.
Baldwin spent the last four years as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Michigan State. In 2005 Michigan State ranked among the NCAA leaders in all four offensive categories: rushing offense, passing offense, total offense and scoring offense.
Baldwin has also been a head coach for 11 seasons, including stops at last year’s New Mexico Bowl opponent, San Jose State, and Cal State Northridge. At New Mexico, Baldwin wants to make the team as known for its offense as it is for its defense.
Lenzmeier, 26, is a former all-conference offensive lineman for the Lobos and is now beginning his first season as a full-time assistant, overseeing the group known as “The Hitmen.” He is New Mexico’s youngest full-time assistant since coach since 1984 when Greg Azar, 24, coached the Lobo defensive line.
In his five years at New Mexico (1999-2003) Lenzmeier was a four-year starter, earning first team all-Mountain West Conference honors at offensive tackle as a senior. He is also the first and only offensive lineman to be named MWC Offensive Player of the Week after his performance in the Lobos’ 2003 road win over nationally-ranked Utah.
Click on the links below to listen to my Q&A with the coaches:
ALL-ACCESS: Interview with offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin
ALL-ACCESS: Interview with offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier
Top-5 Thursday Practice Observations
By Alfredo Moreno
UNM Athletics Media Relations
Offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier |
1. The defense set the tone in the second half of practice at University Stadium. Junior safety Blake Ligon picked off Donovan Porterie in the flat for an easy score and sophomore defensive end Kendall Briscoe recovered a Rodney Ferguson fumble. The Lobos’ blitzing safeties came free several times for what would have been sacks during a live scrimmage. The defensive players, however, were instructed to let the quarterback’s throw in order to let the secondary work.
2. True freshman quarterback Blair Peterson was taking snaps with the No. 2 offense this afternoon. Peterson, a 6-3, 210-pounder from San Antonio, Texas, has displayed a nice touch on his throws in the first week of practice. Though not immune from rookie mistakes, the 21-year-old, appears to be making the most of his first spring practice at UNM. Senior Bryan Clampitt has also been working with the second string offense, splitting snaps with Peterson.
3. Redshirt junior Matt Streid (6-3, 321) has jumped into the starting lineup at left tackle. An offensive guard last year, Streid is off to a solid start to spring practice, earning praise from offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier for his technique and footwork, as he looks to secure the starting job formerly held by senior Anthony Kilby. Kilby (6-5, 332) is an all-conference candidate at left guard this year.
4. Senior John Sullivan appears to have the early edge in the Lobos’ kicking battle. While the competition is expected to go well into preseason practice in August, Sullivan got the majority of the reps in practice during field goal drills. The 5-10, 152-pounder went 4-5 and displayed the best leg of the group on Tuesday. Fellow senior Eric garrison went 2-2 on his attempts and junior Yousuf Shakir knocked in his lone attempt.
5. Several receivers have impressed the coaches and players with their sure hands. Redshirt freshman Chris Hernandez who wears No. 18 on gameday, has been extending his body or sliding to the ground to make tough grabs in traffic that would make the Lobos’ old No. 18, Hank Baskett, proud. Juniors Jonathan Brooks and Jason Caprioli have earned reputations over the past few years for their outstanding hands in practice and this spring has been no different. Brooks had one of the offensive highlights on Tuesday as he wrestled away a sure interception by safety Jerome Jenkins on the sideline and turned the play into a long gain for the offense. Sophomore Luke Walters, meanwhile, has set himself apart from the rest of the tight ends with sure hands and ability to get open downfield.