Aug. 7, 2008
The University of New Mexico football team turned in another high-energy practice on a warm Thursday afternoon at the UNM practice fields. The intensity will increase even more on Friday when the Lobos put on full pads for the first time this summer. Several former Lobos, meanwhile, have been making an impact in NFL training camps and will look to continue their strong play as the preseason schedule gets underway in earnest around the country tonight.
The following is a quick look at how the UNM products have been faring in NFL training camps this summer:
WR Hank Baskett (Philadelphia Eagles) – Baskett – a first team all-MWC player for the Lobos in 2005 – has once again been one of the top stories of Eagles’ camp as he prepares for his third year with Philadelphia.
A training camp sensation as an undrafted rookie in 2006, Baskett made an immediate impact in his first season, averaging 21.2 yards on his 22 catches. In 2007 his receiving numbers declined as he took on more of a blocking role in the Eagles’ offense, but he continued to make his mark on Sunday’s as his teammates voted him Special Teams Player of the Year.
This year, Baskett is once again turning heads with his acrobatic catches, red zone presence and leadership on and off the field. His performance has observers in Philadelphia talking about a potential starting job for the Clovis, N.M. product.
Next Preseason Game: Friday vs. Pittsburgh – 5:30 p.m. Mountain
WR Marcus Smith (Baltimore Ravens) – After setting the UNM single season reception record en route to first team all-MWC honors Smith became the highest Lobo wide receiver ever selected in the NFL Draft when the Ravens picked him in the fourth round last April. Since taking the field for Baltimore, Smith has been the top rookie receiver for the Ravens, impressing observers with a number of athletic grabs. The San Diego product has also displayed the hard work and character that made him a fan favorite at New Mexico. The Ravens coaching staff said he could make a name for himself as a third wide receiver as he continues to improve his consistency and should play a sizeable role on special teams as well in his first year.
Next Preseason Game: Tonight vs. New England – 5:30 p.m. Mountain
LB Quincy Black (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – A first team all-MWC honoree at the lobo safety position in 2006 and third round pick of the Buccaneers in 2007, Black played in 15 games and made 19 tackles, mostly on special teams, during his rookie season. He turned in a tremendous offseason this past spring and has moved up to No. 2 on the depth chart at strongside linebacker behind veteran Cato June. Black has also been working on his pass rush technique, lining up as a defensive end at times to give Tampa Bay another blitz threat coming off the edge.
Next Preseason Game: Saturday vs. Miami – 5:30 p.m. Mountain
OT Ryan Cook (Minnesota Vikings) – A three-time all-MWC center for the Lobos from 2003-05, Cook established himself as the starting right tackle for the Vikings last year after Minnesota selected him in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In his first year as a starter (all 16 games) last fall, Cook was a big part of an offensive line unit that paved the way for the NFL’s top rushing offense, led by rookie running back Adrian Peterson, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Next Preseason Game: Friday vs. Seattle – 6 p.m. Mountain
OG Robert Turner (New York Jets) – Turner enters his second year with the New York Jets after joining the team as an undrafted free agent last summer. The 2006 first all-MWC honoree appeared in two games late in the season after being promoted from the practice squad. Turner is currently third on the depth chart at left guard and recently became teammates with future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre.
Next Preseason Game: Tonight vs. Cleveland – 5:30 p.m. Mountain
OG Devin Clark (Washington Redskins) – A first team all-MWC offensive tackle last fall for the Lobos, Clark signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent in April.
Next Preseason Game: Saturday vs. Buffalo – 5 p.m. Mountain
LB Brian Urlacher (Chicago Bears) – The 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year arrived in camp after reaching a new contract extension through 2012 with the Chicago Bears. Urlacher, the highest Lobo ever selected in the NFL Draft (9th in 2000) is expected to participate in tonight’s pre-season game against the Kansas City Chiefs
Next Preseason Game: Tonight vs. Kansas City – 6 p.m. Mountain