Aug. 11, 2008
The University of New Mexico football team watched the sun rise and set on Saturday at the UNM practice fields. The Lobos held their first two-a-day practice session, working out in full pads from 6-8 a.m. and later from 7-9 p.m.
The following are some of the highlights from Saturday compiled by the UNM media relations staff:
Backup QB Competition: Junior Victor James and redshirt freshman Brad Gruner split snaps with the second team offense on Saturday with James leading the unit in the morning scrimmage and Gruner directing the squad in the evening. James is the team’s most athletic and powerful quarterback, though Gruner possesses the better arm. The pair are the only quarterbacks, aside from starter Donovan Porterie, to earn significant reps in scrimmage situations so far in training camp.
Wright Stuff: Senior cornerback DeAndre Wright has been outstanding through the first week of training camp as he prepares for what could be an All-America caliber season. On Saturday evening’s one-on-one drill Wright jumped a post route to intercept a pass and later made up ground to rip the ball out of sophomore Bryant Williams’ hands on a deep hitch and go route down the sideline. Wright defiantly shouted “my ball!” as he broke up what looked to be a sure completion.
Reffet’s Rules: As those familiar with the UNM program would assume, the transition to new defensive coordinator Troy Reffett – a four-year veteran of the staff – has been seamless. Exclusively the cornerbacks coach his first four years at New Mexico Reffett’s southern drawl can now be heard instructing all areas of the Lobo defense. On Saturday the mantra was “physical defense.” With the players in full pads, Reffett shouted at several young defenders about the need to play physical defense at all times, no matter what the drill.
Evening Scrimmage Highlights:
Senior NT Wesley Beck flashed through the line to sack and strip QB Donovan Porterie early on. Porterie – who like all quarterbacks is off limits to physical contact – had the ball knocked out of his hands by Beck, resulting in the statistical sack.
Senior WR Jermaine McQueen continued to build on his strong spring practice season as he caught a deep post pass down the middle and held on to the ball despite absorbing a big hit at the end of the play. McQueen’s toughness across the middle has been one of the most improved aspects of his game.
QBs Donovan Porterie and Victor James displayed excellent quickness and agility to scramble away from pressure and pick up key third downs. Though not known for his running ability, Porterie does a tremendous job of using his athletic ability to buy time to find receivers down field or if all breaks down, dart upfield for positive yardage. James, meanwhile, is more of a true spread option quarterback with the speed, size and strength to be a primary ball carrier.
Quotes From Saturday:
Senior CB DeAndre Wright
“Morning practice got off to a slow start and we came back out here as a team and we had a better practice tonight. It wasn’t bad for our first 2-a-days. We still have a lot of work to do on defense, more improvements, but we’re showing positive signs. We need to be better in some areas but we are progressing with each practice.”
Sophomore WR Chris Hernandez
“Today was pretty good. It was tiring, but overall as an offense I think we did well. I think we are coming along well. We are making a lot of progress, everybody knows their assignments, so now it is just getting to the pace of the game. Overall I think I did alright. Like I said I am just trying to get in better shape because the pace is getting a little bit faster everyday so I’m trying to keep up.”