COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — There’s an adage that you never hear an offensive lineman’s name unless something goes bad. This is not one of those times.
For the first time in 21 years, a Lobo offensive lineman has earned a weekly honor from the Mountain West as Lajuan Owens, UNM’s left tackle that became a starter in week three after an injury to Tevin Shaw, was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week after helping an offense rush for 300 yards and total 475 yards in just 59 plays in a 21-16 win over San Diego State on Friday night.
Along with Owens, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty earned Offensive Player of the Week, San José State’s DJ Harvey was the Defensive Player of the Week and Air Force kicker Matthew Dapore was the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Owens is the first Lobo offensive lineman to win a weekly award since October 27, 2003 when offensive lineman Jason Lenzmeier was named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week. Owens had two key blocks to help spring Eli Sanders for touchdown runs of 51 and 68 yards, and helped UNM rush for exactly 300 yards on the day. Overall, he did not allow a sack, hit or pressure on Devon Dampier as UNM went 16-for-24 passing for 175 yards. Overall, the offense, despite just 59 plays, racked up 475 yards on the night. Owens, a transfer from Tulane, joined the starting lineup in game three against Auburn, and has yet to allow a sack this season and he has a pass blocking efficiency rating of 99.7, tied for the best among UNM’s offensive linemen.