Returning Starters (1): Jake Saltonstall
Starters Lost (2): Langston Murray, Joey Noble
Other Letterwinners Returning (6): OJ Bartley, Bryce Santana, Jaden Phillips, Justin Harris, Omar Darame, Kyler Drake
Other Letterwinners Lost (0): None
Redshirts Returning (3): Larry Allen III, Ian Shewell, CJ Henry
Squad Members Returning (1): Keith Alvarado
Incoming Freshmen (5): Zach Doyle, Jaxon Powell, Max Elkman, David Rowaiye, Landon Williams
Incoming Transfers (3): Avery Burt, Destin Gainer, Tyler Kiehne
XL Photo
The Lobo defensive line last year started with Joey Noble, and he left a ton of stats on the table after his graduation that the Lobos will have to fill. He had 72 tackles (third on the team), and his 18.5 TFLs were fourth nationally. He also led UNM with 6.5 tackles and six quarterback hurries. Those 18.5 TFLs accounted for 64 yards, and UNM will have to replace his production.
However, the Lobos are ready for the task, because UNM lost just Noble and Langston Murray on the line, and UNM returns six letterwinners, three redshirts and a squad member to join eight freshmen and transfers, giving UNM plenty of guys to be able to rotate and keep everyone fresh.
The lone starter returner is Jake Saltonstall, who has moved to the middle of the line. Saltonstall had 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks last year and his experience starting will be a big key up front. UNM’s other returners do bring plenty of experience, led by Justin Harris. The host of “This Justin” during the preseason, Harris had 33 tackles, 5.0 TFLs and 4.0 sacks in 2021. Omar Darame has seen plenty of action over his first two full seasons and looks to be ready to make a giant leap forward in 2022.
Behind Saltonstall in the middle, OJ Bartley and Bryce Santana have experience both starting bring size and agility to the middle, and both Jaden Phillips and Kyler Drake played well in limited roles in 2021 and have had good camps.
The Lobos are looking for the return of Ian Shewell on the end. Ian played as a true freshman in 2020 and missed 2021 with an injury. Redshirts CJ Henry, Larry Allen III and Keith Alvarado have been in the mix as well.
Now those 10 players would give UNM a great defensive rotation, but there’s eight more newcomers working their way into the lineup. Transfers Destin Gainer and Tyler Kiehne have quickly taken to the defense, and freshmen David Rowaiye, Landon Williams and Max Elkman have all looked good in camp, and freshmen Zach Doyle and Jaxon Powell both took part in spring camp. Avery Burt sadly has to miss the season after an injury in his second practice.
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Fans can lock in season tickets for the 2022 season, which starts on Saturday, September 3 at 6 pm against Maine by heading to www.golobos.com/2022FBSeasonTix. Single game tickets are on sale as well at www.golobos.com/SGT.