April 24, 2007
by Elaina Matsko
UNM Athletics Media Relations
Tailback Rodney Ferguson has a style of play that hasn’t been seen at New Mexico for several years. A punishing, physical runner that can put would-be tacklers on their backs and an underrated threat in the open field, Ferguson is difficult match-up for any defense.
Ferguson is the type of player that can get tough yards by using his strength to run over and through a defense – a style that is obviously effective. Last season he led the Mountain West Conference in rushing with 1,234 yards. He had four games over 100 yards rushing, including an MWC-high 210 in just three quarters in the regular season finale versus San Diego State. These accomplishments led to first team all-MWC honors as a first year starter for the Lobos.
I spoke with linebacker Cody Kase who said a physical running back like Ferguson is hard to stop. Kase said that as a defensive player, when you see the 6-0, 229-pound Ferguson coming at you full speed, you better be strapped up. Defensive end Tyler Donaldson agreed. He said that you have to be prepared to take on Ferguson or else you’ll find yourself laid out with No. 21 still running down the field. Kase and Donaldson said as a defensive player they have to be ready with a good stance, try to get a good angle, use good tackling form and most importantly, be ready for the collision.
Click on the link below to listen to the conversation I had with Ferguson after practice on Tuesday. He talked about his skills, what he thinks he needs to work on and why he thinks his style is so effective.
ALL-ACCESS: Interview with tailback Rodney Ferguson
Early Week 2 Practice Observations
By Alfredo Moreno
UNM Athletics Media Relations
1. The wolf safeties have begun to run as a pack. Before taking the practice field each day, the UNM wolf safeties gather outside the field gates until every member of the group is accounted for. The group then flies onto the field with a chorus of howls. Junior Blake Ligon said the play of the safeties is critical to the success of the Lobo defense and as a unit, they have decided to commit themselves to being the best they can be. According to Ligon, the first step is creating a sense of unity and support among all the safeties. The wolf pack mentality they have adopted represents their new commitment.
2. With senior offensive tackle Devin Clark sidelined for the remainder of the spring with a severely sprained ankle, the offensive line has undergone a few changes on the depth chart. Redshirt junior Matt Streid has taken over for Clark on the right side, while junior transfer Sylvester Hatten (6-3, 308) has filled in for Streid on the left edge. Seniors Anthony Kilby and Bart Miller continue to man the starting spots at left and right guard, respectively, while sophomore Erik Cook has filled the void at center with senior Vince Natali recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. New Mexico is down to nine healthy offensive lineman right now, which means the Cherry-Silver Spring Game on May 2 will feature an offense versus defense format.
3. Head coach Rocky Long is developing a performance-based scoring system for the Cherry-Silver Spring Game that will reward both offensive and defensive players on the scoreboard. The coaching staff is still working out the details, but the new scoring system could add to the excitement for this year’s game. In other Cherry-Silver news, for the first time ever, fans will be able watch the spring game live on their computers by signing up for the free GoLobos.com All-Access package. The video feed will use the University Stadium Lobo Vision cameras, while Mike Roberts, the Voice of the Lobos, and former all-conference defensive lineman D.J. Renteria will provide commentary. Kickoff for the game is at 6 p.m. and admission is free.
4. Sophomore quarterback Donovan Porterie still has work to do before he masters Dave Baldwin’s new offensive system, but you can see and hear Porterie’s increased level of confidence every day on the practice field. Despite his success as the Lobos’ midseason starter, Porterie still acted very much like the No. 3 quarterback he was in the preseason during practice last year. This spring, you can hear his voice clearly on the field, congratulating his receivers on a nice catch, correcting teammates and even the occasional howl and fist pump after a touchdown pass. I can remember Kole McKamey going through a similar change during the spring of 2005 as he too embraced his leadership role and grew more confident on the field. It appears, little by little, that Porterie is starting to develop that swagger that all successful quarterbacks need to lead an offense.
5. Few Lobo fans know the name Josh Vaughn, but the 5-8, 170-pound senior wide receiver has shown some flashes of ability during practice. Vaughn, who led New Mexico Highlands with 51 catches for 425 yards in 2004, transferred to UNM in 2006 and participated in spring practice last year as walk-on. He did not rejoin the team during the fall, but is back again this spring and has began to see a little time in the receiver rotation because of his quickness, sharp route-running and solid hands.