New Mexico State football: Parker Awad named Aggies' starting QB for Week 1 game vs SEMO

New Mexico State coach Tony Sanchez has named sophomore Parker Awad as the Aggies' starting quarterback, he told the Sun-News on Monday afternoon.

Awad, a transfer from Golden West College, spent the 2023 season at the junior college level with the Rustlers. The Huntington Beach, Ca. native threw for 1,223 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions while leading his team to the 2023 California State Community College playoffs. Awad is entering his first season with an FBS team and is one of the youngest quarterbacks on NM State's roster.

Awad announced his commitment to the Aggies through X, formerly Twitter, on Jan. 20 and signed his letter of intent in February. He was rated a three-star recruit out of Edison High School by 247Sports in 2023, where he threw for 5,523 yards, 50 touchdowns and 10 interceptions from 2021-23.

More: New Mexico State football: Seth McGowan, Da’Marcus Crosby headline transfers to watch

Awad competed with senior Deuce Hogan, junior Santino Marucci and fellow sophomore Jake McNamara to replace former NM State quarterback Diego Pavia, who transferred to Vanderbilt in January. Awad was said by Sanchez to be in a "two-man race" with Hogan for the role on Aug. 18, and both were told privately on Sunday evening that the former would be given the starting role.

His dual-threat ability has appeared to give him the edge over the Kentucky transfer despite his smaller, 195-pound frame. Awad rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns with Golden West last season.

"We feel like Parker gives us a little bit of an advantage," Sanchez said. "I think Parker's done a great job making decisions. We add that dual-threat element that we've had the last couple of years, so we feel comfortable with him leading us right now."

Sanchez also stated that Hogan could be featured against Southeast Missouri State in the Aggies' season-opening matchup this Saturday.

"He's got to prepare like he's the starter," Sanchez said. "There's a good chance (he plays Saturday)."

NM State opens its season against the Redhawks (1-0) at home at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31 on ESPN+. The Aggies will look to start 1-0 for the first time since 2014.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico State football: Parker Awad named Aggies' starting QB for Week 1 game vs SEMO