UNM tailback Rodney Ferguson has been a big, bruising force throughout his football career.
While some running backs are noted for their quickness or finesse and shy away from contact, Ferguson squares his shoulders and braces for impact.
"It's my nature," Ferguson said. "I'm a very physical person. If I run somebody over, it just shows that I worked harder than them or they weren't ready for what I was bringing."
But last season, no matter how low Ferguson's center of gravity was, he suffered a vicious hit.
The punishment laid on Ferguson wasn't from a defender.
After an outstanding season in which he racked up 1,177 yards and 13 touchdowns, Ferguson was declared academically ineligible days before the Lobos were set to compete in the New Mexico Bowl.
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"It was a rough time for me, my family and the team," he said. "It was a life-changing experience. It opened my eyes to a lot of things."
Ferguson said he relied heavily on his family for moral support.
"My dad told me, 'A man makes mistakes, but a real man capitalizes and learns from those mistakes,'" he said.
Ferguson said his teammates and coaches were also support pillars, but, at times, it was difficult being around because he knew he wouldn't be able to play in the bowl game.
Still, Ferguson said it's a lesson he's ready to learn from.
And after working his way back in the classroom and regaining his eligibility, Ferguson said he never wants to experience that again.
"I work hard every day," he said. "I don't ever want to go through another phase like that."
With the past behind him, Ferguson said that when he suits up and takes the field against TCU on Aug. 30, it's hammer time.
"Those first games - I'm anxious for those first games," he said. "It's like I've been starved for a long time."
With Ferguson in the backfield, the Lobos have a one-two punch that should alleviate some pressure off quarterback Donovan Porterie and the Lobos' air attack.
But Ferguson understands that while it's important for the Lobos to execute, they must be crisp mentally.
"We can't have mental lapses," he said. "We have to be a strong, tight-knit group. If we do that, we'll be a force to be reckoned with."
If the Lobos execute and play cohesively on both sides of the ball, Ferguson said they have a chance to go 12-0, despite what the Mountain West Conference preseason poll - which ranks UNM at No. 4 - says.
"There's no reason why we can't," he said. "I mean, we're not really surprised (to be chosen fourth), but it will definitely add to the chip on our shoulders."
