by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
Backup quarterback Chris Nelson said he is excited about his opportunity to step on to the field as a Lobo, and he is focused on helping the team continue its recent success.
Nelson, who transferred to UNM in January from Garden City Community College in Kansas, is thrilled about the difference in competition he will be seeing this fall.
"The thing is, everyone at Division I is so fast and the speed of the game is so much quicker," Nelson said. "In Juco it's kind of a mix. There are some players who could play Division I, and then there are some who shouldn't be on the field, while here everyone is a Division I player."
When talking about goals for the upcoming season, it is clear Nelson puts the team first and has big hopes for the Lobos.
"I'm not going to say anything individually," he said. "I came in here with high expectations for the team because they've done so well the past couple years."
Coming into this season the Lobos are ranked second in the Mountain West Conference behind Utah. Nelson said he expects the Lobos to be on top when the season ends.
"I think anything less than a conference championship would be under par," he said.
As for why he decided to transfer to UNM, Nelson said the recent success of the Lobos is a big part of it.
"It helped a lot," Nelson said. "I mean, three consecutive bowl games, win or lose, is a big deal. New Mexico is obviously on the rise."
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Competing with starting quarterback Kole McKamey is not an easy task, but Nelson is still optimistic about getting playing time, and said he will take full advantage of any opportunity he gets.
"I might get a chance to play, and I'm really looking forward to getting on the field. That's part of why I came here. I saw somewhat of an opportunity to come play, and I just want to do my best to go out and help us win," he said.
Nelson said he is also looking forward to the chance to play in front of the rowdy Lobo fans.
"At Juco, a packed house was 3,000 fans, and I thought that would get loud," he said. "I want to see 42,000 people out there in red and silver just screaming their heads off."
Nelson said he wants to continue a good tradition this season at UNM.
"I'm really looking forward to that," he said. "I've seen a lot of support. People come out every night to watch us practice. It's good to have passionate fans who just want to see the Lobos do good."
Nelson said he is confident in the coaching staff and feels that although the Lobos' defense has been the highlight in recent years, this could be a breakout year for the offense.
"Coach Long's defensive system is just unreal. It's genius, and with (offensive coordinator) coach Dodd, the system that he's implementing now is going to help us, because we have so many different weapons and so many different options," Nelson said. "The defense will always be tough. Now it's our turn to step up."
Nelson said he can't wait for the season to begin. He said he has learned a lot in practice but wants to see some Division I action. However the season turns out, he knows he has a good opportunity and is happy to be here.
"I wanted to come to a good football program, and this was my best offer," he said. "So far, I am enjoying it."
