Starting field position battle is key for Lobo football

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Special teams was a major weakness for the Lobo football team in 2023. Once Bronco Mendenhall and his staff took over the program, special teams was emphasized as the “foundation of the program.”

“What they explained to us is that in the last three seasons when we win the field position battle by even a single yard against the other team, we’re 8-7,” said punter Aaron Rodriguez. “That’s over .500. A huge record, right? When we lose the field position battle by even a single yard, we’re 1-23.”

Rodriguez, who has been a consistent part of the Lobos special teams unit over the last few years, has an opportunity to break a few records this season. He is one of 34 names on the Ray Guy Award watch list, which honors the nation’s best punter, and he is nearing the UNM all-time record for total yards and total punts.

“I didn’t know if I was going to get to play this season,” he said. “I said it in some other interviews and stuff. I’m starting nursing school this fall, so it’s kind of up in the air. I didn’t know if the time constraint was going to be too much. I’m really just grateful to be here.”

Rodriguez currently ranks third in career punting average at UNM.

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