No more than a week after being reinstated, sophomore running back Demond Dennis was dismissed from the UNM football team.
Head coach Mike Locksley said Tuesday that Dennis had recurring academic issues.
“I am disappointed to announce this,” Locksley said. “Demond Dennis is no longer going to be a part of our football program. We had some things in place that needed to be met on Demond’s part. It saddens me that he was unable to meet the standards we set. We’ll continue to support Demond academically to (have him) hopefully finish up academically strong here.”
Through seven games, Dennis was the Lobos’ leading rusher with 155 yards.
But because of academic problems, Dennis played just one snap against UTEP, and he was suspended for the New Mexico State game Oct. 9. He was temporarily reinstated Oct. 18.
At his Oct. 19 news conference, Locksley said that Dennis met the team’s academic requirements and would play against San Diego State.
“I’m proud of Demond and the way he’s taken care of the things we require our student-athletes to take care, which is the academic part,” he said. “He’s really come a long way in a short period of time in the two weeks he’s been away.”
Dennis didn’t start against the Aztecs, but he did spot work, carrying the ball four times for nine yards.
Dennis played in 10 games in 200 and rushed for 427 yards (42.7 per game). He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and tied a team-best three touchdowns.
But school issues have continued to plague the second-year running back, and Locksley said it was unacceptable.
“When you get into this business, you get into it to develop (young men) academically, athletically and socially,” Locksley said. “Right now, Demond hasn’t met our standards in certain parts of those areas, and we wish him the best.”
