April 24, 2008
The 2008 season should be a big one for senior linebacker Herbert Felder. After coming off the bench in 27 of his 30 career games, Felder will take over as a full-time starter for the first time next fall. With inexperienced depth in the linebacker group, he and fellow senior linebacker Zach Arnett will be expected to shoulder a larger load for the Lobo defense. It’s an opportunity the man who calls himself the program’s undisputed King of the Grill is hungry to take on.
Though the 6-1, 230-pound Felder was perhaps best known for his late game forced fumbles against San Diego State and Air Force last year, he showed signs of being a consistent defensive force. Felder recorded 18 of his 31 tackles in the final five games and did a nice job on the blitz with 13 quarterback hurries/pressures in 2007. The Apopka, Fla. product capped the year by recording three tackles (two solo), a tackle for loss and two more hurries in the Lobos’ New Mexico Bowl shutout of Nevada.
In 2006, Felder displayed outstanding playmaking ability in somewhat limited time as he recorded 5.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble on just 17 tackles.
This year, Felder is primed to turn in the most productive season of his career and perhaps establish himself as one of the top linebackers in the Mountain West Conference.
UNM assistant media relations director Alfredo Moreno caught up with Felder after Wednesday’s practice to talk spring football, new coaches, leadership and of course, what’s cooking this summer.
CLICK HERE to listen to the entire ALL-ACCESS interview.