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Athlon Sports
New Mexico Football: 2024 Lobos Season Preview and Prediction
By Athlon Sports,
5 hours ago
New head coach Bronco Mendenhall has 17 years in the college game and has been bowl eligible in 16 of them. It might be tough to make it 17-for-18. The Lobos face Auburn, Arizona and Washington State in non-league play, though they do miss the three teams that finished atop the Mountain West standings in Boise State, UNLV and San José State. The offensive and defensive line play will determine whether Mendenhall’s return after two years out of the game will result in a bowl.
New Mexico’s new staff is comfortable with its quarterback situation after Devon Dampier, last year’s backup, had a strong spring. Last season, Dampier was 40-for-64 (63 percent) for 525 yards with six TDs and no interceptions spread out over nine games. He also rushed for 328 yards and four touchdowns. He is the clear QB1 heading into the fall.
At running back, Andrew Henry is the top returner after averaging 6.7 yards per carry. The Lobos will likely feature two other backs — transfers Javen Jacobs (Arizona State) and Eli Sanders (Iowa State).
The wide receiver room should be solid as well, with Caleb Medford leading the way. He was the go-to receiver by season’s end. Ryan Davis is in the slot. Luke Wysong returns after missing most of last season with injury and he should be a major contributor. Tight end Trace Bruckler will also be another key target for Dampier.
The offensive line needs to be completely rebuilt after all five starters departed either through graduation or the transfer portal.
The defensive line was a position that struggled last season and needs to be shored up. Senior Kyler Drake is the top player up front and has the flexibility to play either on the edge or on the interior. Former Washington State transfer Gabriel Lopez also impressed in the spring, and Bryce Santana will be counted on to improve a run defense that finished No. 106 nationally last season.
At linebacker, Dimitri Johnson will be the quarterback in the middle. Mihalis Santorineos played a lot last season as a reserve, and Cal transfer Moso Tuitele adds depth.
The backfield will be the strength of the unit, led by Tavian Combs, an all-league candidate. Christian Ellis is another safety who has impressed the new staff. The corners are four deep with San Diego State transfer Noah Avinger, Edward Blacklock, Bobby Arnold III and Nigel Williams.
Bronco Mendenhall inherits six returning starters for his debut season at New Mexico.
Previewing New Mexico's Specialists for 2024
Luke Drzewiecki made 10-of-14 field goals last season, including 2-of-5 from beyond 40 yards, and he missed only one extra point. Punter Aaron Rodriguez had a 42.4-yard average and had 14 kicks of 50-plus yards. Wysong will handle return duties.
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