ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Head coach Danny Gonzales and his football program have been on a pretty good roll in December with an undefeated month and a host of national honors and recognition for the program. That hot month continued as Gonzales and his staff have announced 20 additions to the 2021 roster, and those additions have both a heavy local, and Texas feel.
The Lobos picked up 10 players on offense (three receivers, three offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, one running back and one tight end), eight on defense (five defensive backs and three linebackers) and two players listed at athletes that can play on either side of the ball. The class included four from New Mexico high schools (one each from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Clovis and Roswell), nine from Texas, three from California, three from Arizona and one from Georgia.
Not only is it a versatile class in regards to positions, it’s a versatile class in regards to the skill set. Fifteen of the 20 in the class were multisport athletes in high school, with several playing three and even four sports, showcasing a well-rounded Class of 2021.
The four New Mexico student-athletes highlights the commitment that Gonzales made when he was hired almost one year ago to the day (December 17, 2019). The Lobos, which had 24 New Mexico players on the roster in 2020 including two signees from the February 2020 class, hit the Land of Enchantment hard, not unexpected from a head coach who was born and raised in the Duke City.
“We are excited to have all of these young men join our program,” said Gonzales. “I know the pride that you feel in being from New Mexico and wearing the Cherry and Silver, and our four New Mexico recruits certainly will continue the tradition that we are building of finding the best players in the Land of Enchantment and keeping them here to play for the Lobos.”
“I really like the mix of this class, and I think it will address some needs for us.” Gonzales added, “We played 20 true freshmen in 2020, so this year we went after a diverse type of class as far as skillset and ability.”
Below are capsules on the 20 signees in the class: