UNM quarterback Kole McKamey knows people have doubts about whether he can lead the football team in the 2005 season - and he's just fine with that.
"My name isn't even in the back of people's heads," he said. "I don't go to Web sites to read about it, or go to any chat rooms. I don't do any of that garbage. I know that I can prove them wrong."
McKamey said he's ready to lead his team to a conference championship because that's what the team and the fans expect.
"I think everybody's expectations are a lot bigger this year and they should be," he said.
A newfound confidence will help McKamey as he marches the Lobos up and down the field.
"Head over heels from last year, I feel really confident with this offense," he said. "We have a really good chemistry and a really cohesive offense."
McKamey finished the 2004 season with six touchdowns and nine interceptions. He completed 103 of 210 pass attempts.
There are a few aspects of his game McKamey would like to work on. First is being more consistent.
"Our passing game was horrible last year. I'm not one to worry about stats, but stats prove that you are a good offense too," he said. "I have to be more accurate and more mature. Stuff that people expect good quarterbacks to do."
Last year McKamey had to compete with transfer quarterback Tali Ena for the starting job. This year there is no doubt who will be taking snaps when the Lobos start the season against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas on Sept. 5.
"I'm the set leader of this team," he said. "Last year, I was battling for this job. Now it's mine. I can work on what I need to do to make this offense win the conference championship."
McKamey said winning the Mountain West Conference Championship is the team's No. 1 priority.
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He also wants UNM to have the best offense in the MWC.
McKamey said he wants to garner All-MWC honors.
In addition to his time in the weight room and on the field, McKamey spent his summer watching television. He poured over game film after game film.
"I spent a lot of time this summer in the film room," he said. "Either by myself or with the receivers, just on my own trying to make sure everyone is on the right page."
