April 16, 2008
New Mexico football continued spring practice on Tuesday with a two-hour full pads workout. As usual, the Lobos worked out at the Indoor Practice Facility during the first hour and concluded practice at University Stadium. The session was highlighted by a 45-minute scrimmage at the stadium. The first team offensive was able to score twice and kicked a 25-yard field goal to highlight the action.
Senior wide receiver Jermaine McQueen showcased his speed during the scrimmage after scoring on a double-reverse for the first touchdown. McQueen bolted down the sideline on the reverse and found the end zone. It was the only rushing touchdown for UNM on Tuesday.
The No. 1 offense did move the football some on the ground with split carries between seniors Paul Baker and Rodney Ferguson. The offense had a hard time scoring, however, after the UNM defense stepped up in the red zone.
Defensively, the front line was able to get penetration and the white jerseys did a nice job of gang tackling on numerous plays. The linebackers seemed to move well with support from junior lobo safety Clint McPeek, who made a couple of nice open field tackles. There were also some coverage sacks and the nice defensive stand on the goal line.
During the scrimmage, McQueen caught a couple of passes for 15+ yards from junior Donovan Porterie. Porterie hooked up with senior tight end Chris Mark for a touchdown to end the scrimmage. Mark, who established himself as a legitimate red zone threat last year, slipped behind the coverage and caught the pass in the back of the end zone.
The second team offense was led by redshirt freshman quarterback Brad Gruner and sophomore transfer wide receiver Bryant Williams. Gruner completed a couple of passes and had a nice scramble for the first down. Williams showed he could make plays with a couple of catches.
The first drive of the scrimmage was capped by a 25-yard field goal by second-semester freshman James Aho. Senior Yousuf Shakir and redshirt-freshman Drew Zamora both hit extra point attempts.
Notes –
The first team offensive line opened some holes for Baker and Ferguson but stalled at the goal line…offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier continued to rotate lineman in at the right guard spot…senior Matt Streid had worked out at that position for a couple of days but junior Joshua Taufalele and sophomore Derek Tallent got reps Tuesday with the first team offense…junior Erik Cook remained at center with redshirt freshman Byron Bell and senior Sylvester Hatton handling the tackle positions…sophomore Mike Cannon has been a steady fit at left guard so far this spring.