Measuring the success of the UNM football team this year by its win-loss record only begins to tell the story.
The Lobos posted a 6-5 record, their first winning record in four years and finished 4-3 in the Mountain West Conference. This means that UNM has posted an 11-12 record during the last two years, including a 7-7 mark in conference play.
But a closer look yields many other indicators of proficiency.
UNM finished 60th in the nation in total offense, 18th in total defense and 52nd in scoring this year, after finishing its 2000 campaign 109th, 17th and 93rd, respectively in those categories.
Senior running back Jarrod Baxter, who was named the team's most valuable player, narrowly missed a 1,000-yard rushing season, finishing with 930 yards, and wide receiver Dwight Counter led the improved receiving corps with 774 yards. On top of that, three Lobos were named to the all-Mountain West first team, including kicker Vladimir Borombozin, linebacker Gary Davis and defensive end Brian Johnson.
The Lobos lose that trio to graduation, along with Baxter, running back Holmon Wiggins and offensive linemen Jeremy Sorensen and B.J. Long. But with a slew of first team returnees and some talented freshman on board for next year, the Lobos will look to continue their upward swing.
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"We're looking to shore up and fill some holes," UNM head coach Rocky Long said. "I think for the depth factor as well as improving our team we have to recruit a junior college linebacker, maybe a safety, maybe a cornerback and someone for the defensive line. We'll also recruit 19 or 20 high school players."
Among those on the Lobos' list is Artesia High School quarterback Kole McKamey, who recently led the Bulldogs to the Class 4A championship over St. Pius High School. If he signs, his name will be added to a list of home grown players that Long has recruited, some of which have made big time contributions to the program.
This year, linebackers Mohammed Konte and Nick Speegle, wide receiver Terrence Thomas and Baxter were among the New Mexico natives to see considerable playing time. And next year Clovis' Hank Baskett III, a highly touted wide receiver, and Roswell's Dontrell Moore, a bulky but speedy running back, will likely continue that tradition.
Although Long has his eyes on potential recruits, he said he'll be counting on the returnees to guide the team next year.
"Most of our success will be determined by the guys in the program now," Long said.
"We're a very competitive football team and that means we'll play a lot of close games. You're success is based on how many of those you can win, and that's where veterans can help you."
He also said that coaching a team with a winning record that flirts with bowl invites really helps with recruiting.
"We think we're getting interest because potential recruits see that our program's on the rise," Long said. "And with the success of guys like Jarrod and Mohammed, we can point to them and show our recruits what type of commitment we make to our players, and what we expect from them."
The other thing the program has in its favor is stability in the coaching ranks. Long, offensive coordinator Dan Dodd and defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall, who was given a two-year extension at the end of the season, all will retain their jobs.
Although the Lobos were knocked out of bowl contention with a close home loss to Colorado State University 24-17 Nov. 17, the players rallied around Long, saying they wanted a winning season for him. They then crushed New Mexico State University 53-0 in the team's final game to guarantee it.
"It's nice that our player's feel like that, but there's never been a coach that makes a tackle or scores a touchdown," Long said. "With the thing like the Colorado State game, it ruined our chances for a bowl game but they prepared for the last game like they always did. It's a testament to all their hard work, and I know they weren't going to give it up even after that."
Notes:
Long said he was unsure whether quarterback Rudy Caamano, who started at the position this year before being replaced by Casey Kelly, would be back next year.
"It's yet to be determined if he'll come back and play," Long said. "He can graduate in May, and it's hard for a guy to come back as backup when he's already graduated."
