New Mexico State football: WR Kordell David 'hungry' and 'ready to compete' for the Aggies

Kordell David has been waiting for his chance.

The senior wide receiver spent the previous two seasons making the most of smaller opportunities. David finished the 2022 season as New Mexico State’s second-leading receiver with 343 receiving yards, and his 55 receiving yards and one score helped the Aggies earn a monumental win over Auburn last season.

NM State coach Tony Sanchez , the Aggies’ wide receivers coach in 2023, feels David has been too limited in his career. He wants that to change this season, and is aiming for David to be NM State’s top receiver this season.

That means David’s wait for a big break may finally be over.

“I know a lot of eyes are on me now,” David said. “I’m hungry and I’m ready to compete. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Aggies could need him this year. NM State lost their top-six leaders in receiving yards last season to graduation and the NCAA Transfer Portal, including Jonathan Brady to California and Trent Hudson to Mississippi State.

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David finished seventh in that category, leading all returners in receiving yards, and has received some hype after being named to the Conference USA preseason watch list and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list.

The Aggies hope to reach three consecutive bowl games in the 2024 season, which starts against Southeast Missouri State at home at 7 p.m. on Saturday. If NM State wants to get there, it needs increased contributions from guys like David.

“If we're going to win the amount of games we want to… we're going to need guys like Cordell to step up and have a great season,” Sanchez said. “He knows there’s a little bit more on his plate, and he's excited about it.”

Including the departing receivers, 37 players transferred away from NM State after 2023. Being one of the few returners, David wants to be more of a leader this season.

He made that a goal in the winter as more players began to leave. As more incoming transfers arrived, David felt a responsibility to step up and lead heading into fall camp.

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He began being more vocal in practice and team workouts. When David feels his teammates need to be pushed or held accountable, he speaks up. When a teammate has a question about something, David hopes he’s the guy who gets him back on track. He’s even taken a freshman under his wing in wide receiver TJ Pride and has helped him adjust to life in Las Cruces.

David hopes his teammates can look up to him, especially the ones new to the Aggies.

“I just want to be that voice,” David said. “I want them to know that they can come and talk to me about anything, no matter what.”

Having seniority makes being a leader easier for David, but not being one of those 37 transfers has strengthened his position. Staying in Las Cruces has given David more respect, as he was named a team captain on Monday.

“Kordell’s a great team guy. He always has been, and that’s why he stayed,” said senior center and fellow captain Canaan Yaro. “I’m sure he had an opportunity to leave, but he stuck around. That means a lot to us.”

David also aimed to increase his speed and acceleration. He focused on speed training exercises designed to improve his footwork, which David hopes translates to on-field results this season.

He also hopes his experience makes him recognize defensive coverages better.

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“I have a lot of games under my belt in the last two seasons here,” David said. “I’ve been in the film room a lot, and I feel like I can read defenses better with that.”

Off the field, David likes being a “simple guy.” He enjoys staying at home and playing with his two dogs and talking to his family in his spare time. David particularly enjoys talking to his mother, Kalisha, who always makes the 12-hour drive from his hometown of Winnie, Tex. to Las Cruces to watch him play.

When David leaves home for something other than school or football, he tries to get involved in fundraisers and community events, or even work with local high school football players.

David believes his approach to life helps him stay “even-keeled”, which he says helps him on the field.

“You never get too high, and you never get too low either,” David said. “I’ve always been real humble about things, and it shows on the football field. I can take a deep breath and relax that way.”

The Aggies have been on a good run lately, winning its fourth-ever bowl in 2022 and reaching the CUSA Championship Game last season. Many players and former coach Jerry Kill have departed, but NM State is optimistic the good times can continue.

That optimism comes from guys like David returning. The Aggies will lean on him throughout the season, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I don’t feel any pressure,” David said. “When my number is called, I know I’m going to make a play.”

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico State football: WR Kordell David 'hungry' and 'ready to compete' for the Aggies