Aug. 18, 2008
There was a decidedly different tone at this morning’s Lobo football practice at the UNM Indoor Practice Facility. Head coach Rocky Long and the rest of his staff let players know from the start that it was time to increase the intensity and officially get down to the business of preparing for the 2008 season-opener versus TCU on Aug. 30.
For the first time this fall, the offense and defense travel squads were established and began working against TCU scout teams. Coaches were as vocal as they’ve been at any time this month, imploring the scout teams to give offense and defense the best look possible on each snap.
After practice, Long called the entire team over and delivered a rousing speech, declaring “training camp is over!” as he reminded the players of the level of intensity and sense of urgency that it will take over the next 12 days to beat a team of TCU’s caliber.
Travel Squad Notables
True Freshmen – Lobo safety Joe Harris and wide receiver Ty Kirk were the only true freshman working with the defensive and offensive travel squads this morning. The 6-2, 215-pound Harris (Denver, Colo.) worked his way up the depth chart after moving over from linebacker early in training camp, while the 6-2, 180-pound Kirk (Arlington Heights, Ill.) gives the Lobos another well-built receiving option.
Quarterbacks – Junior Victor James and redshirt freshman Brad Gruner will open the season as the primary back-ups at quarterback behind third-year starter Donovan Porterie. James gives the Lobos a strong, fast athlete at the position, while Gruner boasts the stronger arm.
Defense – The defense included several notable first-year travelers, including: Harris, redshirt freshman DE Jaymar Latchison, redshirt junior DE DeAndre Smith, redshirt freshman S Bubba Forrest, redshirt freshman LB Carmen Messina, junior transfer LB Tray Hardaway and redshirt freshman S Mica Williams.
Injury Report
Senior OT Sylvester Hatten and junior tranfer C Ben Contreras sat out practice once again as they recovered from a concussion…both, however, are expected back by Wednesday morning at the latest…redshirt freshman S Mica Williams was limited by an illness, but is expected back to full speed this week…redshirt sophomore CB Alex Bustos – the Lobos’ No. 4 CB early in training camp – sat out with a knee injury, while redshirt freshman OT Bryan Wightman nursed a sprained ankle, which he suffered in Saturday’s Fan Photo Day scrimmage.
Evening Practice
UNM concluded two hours of practice Monday night under the lights at the practice fields. The Lobos continued to impliment the TCU game plan while running against scout teams. As previously report, UNM has started to split into first and second teams. The practice was light compared to the intensity of this morning but very productive from a coaching stand point.
Offensive line
The Lobos have continued to use the same offensive line since Hatten went down. Erik Cook remains at center while Mike Muniz is listed as the backup to this point but transfer center Ben Cortreras is expected to be back Wednesday. Joshua Taufalele is at right guard along with Byron Bell at right tackle. Mike Cannon is playing left guard and Matt Streid has moved to left tackle. Hatten will more than likely return to left tackle on Wednesday or Friday and create a battle between Cannon and Streid at left guard.
Tight Ends
Senior Chris Mark is primed for a solid final campaign this year and has the size to make a difference. Mark has experience and the ability to impact the Lobos offense this year. Mitch Straub and Tim Merrill are making strides and will be in the mix. Merrill had a catch in the scrimmage Saturday. Fullbacks Matt Quillen and Josh Fussell have been working out with the tight ends improving their blocking abilities and routes.