National Football Foundation Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — They will get listed as “Sr.” in the game programs, websites and media guides, but the reality is UNM has ten student-athletes that you could affix “Gr.” for their classification. “Gr.” as in graduate. As in the Lobos will have 10 student-athletes on the 2017 roster working on graduate degrees. That number is tied for 13th nationally according to the National Football Foundation.
Northwestern leads the way with 18, followed by Coastal Carolina (14), Virginia (14), Cincinnati (13) Toledo (13), Central Florida (12), Alabama (12), Oregon (12), TCU (12), Kansas State (11), Maryland (11), South Alabama (10), South Florida (11), New Mexico (10), South Alabama (10), Texas Tech (10), West Virginia (10) and Kent State (10). Overall, there are 709 players earning graduate degrees among 123 FBS institutions.
New Mexico’s graduate students are Daryl Chestnut, Coltin Gerhart, Jacob Girgle, Garrett Hughes, Lamar Jordan, Kenneth Maxwell, Jake Rothschille, Kyle Rothschiller, Dorsett Valdez and Johnny Williams. The next highest total in the Mountain West was Nevada, which has eight graduate students. Overall the Mountain West has 36.
“The National Football Foundation takes great pride in its role as a leading voice in the promotion of the scholar-athlete,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “And highlighting the hundreds of student-athletes who have not only earned their undergraduate degrees but are now pursuing additional diplomas sends a powerful message about the doors that college football opens. This list allows us to showcase those individuals who have truly taken full advantage of the opportunities created by college football.”
“As an academic who cares about student-athlete success both on the field and in the classroom, it is tremendously exciting to know that there are more than 900 student-athletes who will be playing college football this fall who have already earned their undergraduate degrees,” said Brian Shannon, president of 1A FAR who is a law professor and the faculty athletics representative (FAR) at Texas Tech University. “1A FAR, which is an organization of the FARs at all 129 FBS colleges and universities, is proud to join with the National Football Foundation in saluting these young men who have already achieved a major milestone in their lives and have chosen to continue their education while playing their sport.”
Lobo Football not only is one of college football’s most entertaining teams, but it’s probably the most affordable and best value. Season tickets can be purchased for as low as $86 for a great six-game home schedule that features New Mexico State as well as bowl teams in Colorado State and Air Force. There are also new corporate plans available for businesses to take advantage of and bring a group out to Dreamstyle Stadium. To purchase new season tickets, call 505-925-LOBO, log on unmtickets.com or visit the Dreamstyle Arena Ticket Office Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Mountain Time.