Randolph Kpai is starting to produce for UNM but remains work in progress

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Statistically he had his best game in a University of New Mexico Lobos uniform in a 52-37 win against the Air Force Falcons last weekend. Randolph Kpai had a team high 17 tackles, 8 solo and was in on half of a tackle for loss but is the first to admit that more work needs to be done on his behalf. “I feel like I can definitely see things better. I’m a lot more confident in what I can do, you know. I’m not anywhere close to where I want to be yet,” said Kpai. “You know, because I do still leave a lot out there. When it comes to like seeing my keys, just concentrating, executing.”

UNM head coach Bronco Mendenhall wants to see more consistency. “In terms of assignments, consistency, execution, he’s got a long way to go still, but capable,” said Mendenhall. “You’ll see flashes of that, but if you’re really watching the film in relation to the assignments and where he’s supposed to be and what he’s supposed to be doing, quite a bit of inconsistency, but, again, in between then, lots of production.”

The six foot three, 221 pound transfer linebacker from Nebraska is still working as he tries to regain the form that had him listed as the 15th best linebacker coming out of high school in South Dakota. Kpai spent three seasons at Nebraska, but never really got on the field. A nagging shoulder injury kept Kpai sidelined.

He was set to leave football for good before giving the transfer portal a shot. When New Mexico reached out to him, Kpai took their offer, sight unseen. “You really never know where life is going to take you sometimes,” said Kpai. I’m really grateful to be here.”

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