#BestOfThe2000s: Brandon Ratcliff

@UNMLoboFB on Twitter

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Brandon Ratcliff had quite the career at The University of New Mexico.  In a vote that was razor thin close, Ratcliff was voted as the third defensive back on the UNM Lobo Football #BestOfThe2000s team.  He becomes the 27th member of the squad, and there are now just three spots left.

Ratcliff picked up 38.6% of the vote to edge out second-place finisher D’Angelo Ross, who had 36.4% of the vote.  It marked the third straight vote that Ross finished second.  Ian Clark and OJ Swift were the third and fourth place finishers.
 

We are proud to announce that Brandon Ratcliff was selected by the fans as the third defensive back to the #BestOfThe2000s team. Brandon sadly passed away at the young age of 26, but we hope his family takes solace in knowing the impact he made at his alma mater. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/CJF2z9VEGl

— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) May 8, 2020

The series is a way to engage Lobo fans with the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ratcliff lettered in 2000, 2002 and 2003, earning a host of accolades.  As a rookie, he was named the Mountain West Co-Freshman of the Year, one of only three the Lobos have ever had (Winslow Oliver and DonTrell Moore were the others).  He was a two-time First Team All-Mountain West selection as a safety, in 2002 and 2003, and he played in the 2004 Las Vegas All-American Classic.

B-Rat as he was affectionately known tied for the team lead in interceptions as a junior (3) and a senior (4).  Ratcliff was also a dual-threat as a kickoff returner, averaging 22.2 yards per return in 2002 and 20.9 in 2003.  He was at his best in big games.  His scoop of a fumble and subsequent 40-yard return led to a field goal in a 24-17 win over New Mexico State.  His 50-yard interception set up the opening touchdown of UNM’s 20-16 win over BYU in 2002, and in a bowl clinching win over Wyoming, he picked off a pair of passes.  Ratcliff also has the odd distinction of scoring four points in his career, two on a safety against San Diego State, and two on the first defensive extra point return in the history of the university.

Sadly, Ratcliff passed away after being shot in his hometown of Dallas.  He was an innocent bystander hit by a bullet.
 

OK, the fourth poll for DB for the #BestOfThe2000s team is now open! This will close Monday at noon. Winner is the 28th member of the team, second place advances to the final poll. Here we go!!! #GoLobos

— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) May 8, 2020

#BestOfThe2000s Team (Selected by the Fans)