New Mexico State Aggies College Football Preview 2021: Defense
– The defense that wasn’t even close back in 2019 – allowing 480 yards and 41 points per game – with the biggest problem happening on the defensive front. The run D was abysmal and the plays in the backfield were non-existent. The spring session didn’t exactly inspire a whole lot of confidence going forward, allowing 5.1 yards per carry and five scores in the two games against FCS teams.
– LB Trevor Brohard was part of the mix back in 2019, but he played a starring role in the two games of Spring 2021 making a team high 15 tackles. The linebackers across the board are very, very young – losing veteran Devin Richardson to Texas really, really hurts – but there’s decent enough size to potentially hold up better than they did two years ago, but the defensive front has to bring some help.
Bulk isn’t too much of an issue on the inside of the line thanks to the arrival of 6-0, 330-pound Zach Stokes from the JUCO world to go along with hoping 6-3, 300-pound redshirt freshman Lama Lavea and end Donovan King can build off their experience from the two games.
– The Aggies failed to come up with an interception in the two spring games and were roasted for 625 yards and four scores. New corner Daemahni Williams came up with one of the team’s two broken up passes and wasn’t a bad tackler, and Devlin Kirklin rose up and made 14 stops from his safety spot. The pass rush has to help this group out, but they also need to make a few big plays.
– What You Need To Know: Offense
– Top Players | Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– New Mexico State Football Schedule