New Mexico State Head Football Coach Hal Mumme announced the Aggies’ 2008 signing class Wednesday afternoon. 18 student-athletes, including the seven student-athletes that signed during the early signing period in December, have signed a National Letter of Intent or a Grant-In- Aid Agreement with the Aggies to attend New Mexico State University and play football beginning 2008. The Aggies also beefed up both the offensive and defensive lines as NMSU signed two offensive linemen and three defensive linemen. Four running backs, four wide receivers, three linebackers, a defensive back and a kicker round out this year’s class.

"I’m extremely happy with this year’s signing class," Mumme said. "I feel we have addressed our needs and I expect most of these players to contribute immediately."

Nick Paden

LB, 6-3, 235

Folsom, Calif. (Butte JC)

Paden spent two years at Butte Junior College as one of their starting linebackers. This past season, Paden led the team with 71 tackles, grabbing five sacks and 10 tackles-for-a-loss. He helped Butte to a 7-4 overall record in 2007 and a Stockman’s Bowl game win over Delta College. He was named the teams most valuable defensive player and earned honorable mention all-Northern California Conference honors. As a freshman, Paden was named most valuable defensive player and also earned first team all-Northern California Conference.

"Nick is a great kid. He is a Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde type of player. Soft spoken, relaxed, easy going around the office and in the classroom, but on game days would be on the fringe. He brought a lot of excitement to our ball club on game day and I expect him to do the same at New Mexico State." Head Coach Jeff Jordan, Butte Junior College

David Norman

OL, 6-5, 300

Poway, Calif. (San Diego Mesa College)

Norman was a starter on the offensive line for San Diego Mesa College in 2006 and 2007. He was named the team’s Top Freshman of the Year in 2006 while also earning all-Foothill Conference honors. Norman then earned the team’s Top Offensive Lineman Award in 2007, while grabbing his second all-Foothill Conference award.

"David is very athletic and very coachable. He is a good citizen and an excellent student. David is a true student-athlete and I think that he will be able to help the Aggies become a better team." Head Coach Matt Kofler, San Diego Mesa College.

Jason Scott

LB, 5-10, 200

Chino Hills, Calif. (Pasadena CC)

Jason was Pasadena Community College’s top linebacker during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. In 2007, Jason led the team with 88 tackles, 57 of those tackles being solo efforts. He also recorded seven sacks, 11 tackles-for-a-loss, four interceptions, five pass break-ups and a blocked kick. Jason earned first team all-Mission Conference in 2007. In 2006, he tallied 74 tackles as a freshman while grabbing eight tackles-for-a-loss, four sacks, a pass break-up and a fumble recovery.

"He is a very coachable athlete and a great person both on and off the field. NMSU is a good home for him because the defense they run is going to be a great fit. He will be a strong leader for the team and for the defense." Head Coach Kenny Lawler, Pasadena CC

Marquell Colston

RB, 5-9, 205

Modesto, Calif. (Modesto JC)

Colston led Modesto Junior College in rushing in 2007 with 951 yards rushing. He also recorded 492 yards receiving and 96 in return yardage, tallying a total of 1,534 all-purpose yards on the season. Marquell is Modesto’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards with 2,370 yards in just two seasons. His freshman year, Marquell rushed for 484 yards and had 100 yards receiving. He helped Modesto to a championship season in 2007.

"The play of Marquell Colston was a major factor in our championship season. He is a great runner and I think he will bring a lot to New Mexico State." Head Coach Sam Young, Modesto Junior College

Ruben Martinez

FB, 6-1, 200

Los Alamos, N.M. (Los Alamos HS)

Martinez helped Los Alamos to a 9-2 overall record and 3-1 mark in district play, making the first round of the state playoffs. As a senior, Ruben rushed for 853 yards and 14 touchdowns. He caught seven passes for 51 yards, while returning 13 punts for 530 yards. Ruben also played linebacker, recording 67 tackles and two sacks. He earned first team all-District honors and all-State. As a junior Ruben rushed for 1,420 yards and 24 touchdowns, earning him first team all-State honors as a linebacker and punter and second team all-State as a running back. He scored 152 points as a junior, recording a career-high 32 points against Santa Fe. He also tallied five touchdowns, which is second all-time for most touchdowns scored in a single-game. His 24 touchdowns on the season is the 12th most in a career and sixth most in a single-season in New Mexico High School Football history.

"Ruben has good size and speed. He ran the ball very hard and when in the open field can turn on the jets. He also did a very good job of blocking coming out of the backfield. Ruben did a very good job for us the past three years at running back and linebacker. He will be very hard to replace and he is a fine young man. The coaching staff at LAHS wish him all the best in his future and are looking forward to seeing him play at the next level." Head Coach Bob Scott, Los Alamos High School

Todd Lee

RB/WR, 5-9, 175

Baton Rouge, La. (Catholic HS)

Lee comes from Baton Rouge’s Catholic High School which has an extensive list of former star players including Warrick Dunn, Travis Minor and Major Applewhite. Lee led the Bears to the district championship and the second round of the playoffs after a 9-1 regular season record his senior season. He made the 2007 Class 5A Academic All-State team and was first team all-district as a running back. Lee was also named to the Baton Rouge Advocate All-Metro team as an athlete. He was selected to play in the Stick All-Star Game and was once a Sonic Player of the Week recipient. Lee rushed for 958 yards and two touchdowns his senior season. He caught 23 passes for 218 yards, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 30.6 yards per return and had one interception on defense. As a junior Lee was a starting cornerback and return specialists, as the Bears had two running backs sign with Division I schools (Stanford and Central Arkansas). He registered 27 tackles with three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown in a playoff game. He rushed for 101 yards as a junior on 14 carries with three touchdowns. His junior season he returned six kickoffs for 203 yards (33.8 avg.) and took one for a score and he also returned seven punts for an average return of 16.1 yards. As a sophomore he returned one punt for a touchdown.

"This is one of the most exciting players we have produced over the years. We have been blessed with some terrific skill guys and Todd ranks up there with best. He is definitely what we call "an impact player". He is a hard working athlete and very smart. I’ve told Coach Mumme that he picks up things very quickly and may be able to help this year. He is an excellent student with a 3.8 GPA. He will be a very positive influence on the team because he is an outstanding player and a great, great young man." Head Coach Dale Weiner, Catholic High School

Donavan Roberts

RB, 6-0, 193

Mansfield, Texas (Mansfield HS)

Roberts earned four letters in football and was a versatile athlete for the Tigers, playing both quarterback and running back. As a senior in only five games of action, Roberts ran for 535-yards from 63 carries and scored four touchdowns. He earned Region I Texas HS Athlete of the Week during the second week of the season. Roberts also led the squad to its best record in school history, 8-3 (5-2), along with making the playoffs for the first time since 2000 and only the seventh time since 1962. The Tigers offense finished second overall in the area (FW Star Telegram), averaging 38.3 ppg and 420.7 yards per game. Roberts is also a sprinter on the track and field team. As a junior he recorded a time of 10.58 in the 100-meters during the finals at the regional track meet.

"I think that going to New Mexico State is a great opportunity for Donavan and I know he is really excited. He is one of the best athletes that I coached. He is not just talented on the field, but has great character. He is one of the most genuine players I have ever worked with, he is respectful and a great role model for younger kids." Head Coach Kirk Thur, Mansfield High School

Victor Johnson

DB/RB, 5-11, 200

San Diego, Calif. (Mission Bay High School)

Johnson was a two-time all-Conference selection as a kick-off return specialist, running back and defensive back for Mission Bay High School in San Diego. As a senior, he tallied 1,500 all-purpose yards, 720 of those yards rushing, scoring nine touchdowns on the season. Johnson also recorded 85 tackles and four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. In Johnson‘s junior season he had 1,200 all-purpose yards, scoring 10 touchdowns, with four of those touchdowns on kick-off returns. Johnson also recorded 75 tackles and six interceptions. As a sophomore he tallied 25 tackles and an interception. Johnson was an honor roll student and a member of the all-Academic team all four years of high school.

"Victor is a coaches player that plays on both sides of the ball. He was the first to practice and the last to leave. Victor was truly one of Mission Bay’s better student-athletes." Head Coach Matsen, Mission Bay High School

Jordan Davenport

K, 5-10, 170

Plano, Texas (Plano West HS)

Davenport was the Plano West High School’s punter and field goal kicker as a junior and senior. His most productive year was in 2007 as a senior. Jordan was perfect on his extra point attempts in 2007 going 29-for-29, while hitting 6-of-11 field goal attempts. As a punter, Jordan recorded a net average of 35.7 yards, punting 40 times. He was named an all-District kicker as senior. As a junior he was Plano West’s back-up field goal kicker but handled their kick-off duties. As both a junior and senior he consistently kicked the ball out of the end zone on kick-offs.

"Jordan is an outstanding young man with a strong family background. He hasn’t reached his full potential as a kicker. I think he is only going to get better and be a great addition to the NMSU football team." Head Coach Mike Hughes, Plano West High School

Anthony Smith

DT, 6-1, 220

Mesa, Ariz. (Red Mountain HS)

Smith was a two-year starter for Red Mountain HS on the defensive line. He helped lead his team to the state semi-finals in 2007, leading the team with 75 tackles and 12 sacks. He was named an all-Region and all-State selection in 2007. He was also selected to the Arizona All-Star Game. As a junior he led the team in sacks and collected 60 tackles. He was named an all-Region selection.

"Anthony is a quiet but deadly player. He is very soft spoken off the field but a completely different person on the field. He is extremely strong and has great quickness. Anthony is a good citizen, who always has a smile on his face." Head Coach Jim Jones Red Mountain HS

eremy Little

WR, 6-1, 180

Shreveport, La. (Evangel Christian Academy)

Little was a three year leterwinner at Evangel Christian Academy as a wide receiver. He helped his team to three state champonships in Louisiana and a second place finish as a senior. During his senior season, Little caught 73 passes and 11 touchdowns, earning all-District, all-City and all-State honors. He was also named the teams Offensive Player of the Year and played int he Max Emfinger All-Star game. As a junior Little caught 49 passes and eight touchdowns, earning all-District honors. In his frshman and sophomore seasons Little combined for 28 recpetions and three touchdowns. Little aslo ran track winning the District meet int he 800-meter dash and was amember of the 4x400-meter rela team that took third at the state meet.

"Jeremy is an outstanding football player and we liked what we saw on film. He agreed to grey shirt last season and we are excited to have as part of our Aggie family." Head Coach Hal Mumme

The following seven student-athletes signed in mid-December.

Seth Smith

RB, 5-9, 200

Oakland, Calif. (College of Sequoias)

Smith spent the past two seasons at the College of Sequoias as the Giants leading rusher. In 2007, Smith rushed for 580 yards on 122 carries and 14 touchdowns, while averaging 4.8 yards a carry. His best game came against De Anza when he rushed for 175 yards and four touchdowns. Smith also caught nine passes for 51 yards, returned two kickoffs for 36 yards and led the Giants in scoring with 84 points on the season. He also led the team with 66.7 all-purpose yards a game. For his efforts during the 2007 football season, Smith earned all-Conference honors and is rated by Rivals.com as a top-10 running back out of a junior college in the nation. Smith was also a preseason all-American candidate in 2007. In 2006, Smith rushed for five touchdowns and 250 yards while backing up now Illinois running back Daniel Dufrene.

"Seth is a tremendous football player that fights for every yard. He has a great heart and is an excellent student. Seth also has great hands and great speed out of the back field. He is the whole package." College of the Sequoias Offensive Coordinator Andy Siegal

Marcus Anderson

WR, 5-7, 170

Austin, Texas (Pasadena City College/ Lyndon B Johnson HS)

Anderson played two seasons at PCC where he was a 2007 all-State wide receiver/returner and a 2006 All-Mission Conference Second Team selection. He caught 84 balls for 846 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons as a receiver for Lancers. Anderson was excellent returning punts and kickoffs, as he averaged 14.5 yards per punt return with one touchdown and 29.2 yards per kickoff return with two touchdowns. He rushed the ball 10 times in two seasons with the Lancers for 59 yards and two touchdowns. In Anderson’s final season at PCC, he caught 40 passes for 480 yards and six touchdowns, all good for second on the team. In his freshman year, Anderson had 44 receptions for 366 yards (8.3 yards per catch) with three touchdowns. He had a career long kickoff return of 88 yards in 2007, a long punt return of 77 yards and his longest reception went for 86 yards, also in 2007.

"Markus is an all around football player with 4.3 speed. He is the total package. I think he will be a great addition to the Aggie football team." Pasadena City College Head Coach Kenny Lawler

Chris Romero

DT, 6-4, 257

Las Vegas, Nev. (Snow College/ Centennial HS)

Romero had 15 tackles, four tackles for a loss, one sack, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble for Snow College in 2007 where he helped the Badgers reach the NJCAA National Championship game. In 2006, Romero helped Snow finish the season ranked No. 2 in the NJCAA and last season the Badgers finished at No. 3, despite reaching the national championship game.

"Chris has good size and brings good strength as he is a good weight room guy. He is a smart player that played defensive tackle and defensive end for us so he has good versatility. Overall I he is a very good kid." Coach Tyler Hughes

Justen Alford

LB, 6-1, 221

Dillion, S.C. (Feather River College/ Dillon HS)

Alford finished the 2007 season second on the team with 78 tackles, 36 solo and 42 assisted. He had 9.5 tackles for a loss of 35 yards, three sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, one blocked kick and three pass break-ups on the year.

"Justen is a very active linebacker who can play inside or outside. He’s got good size, good speed and has a great motor. He plays a very physical game and is a good blitzer and plays good in coverage. Justen is a fine young man who I am very proud of. He has a great character and I am very proud of what he has done academically." Coach Tom Simi

Jonathan Davis

DT, 6-3, 256

Marion, S.C. (Feather River College/ Marion HS)

Playing in just seven games on the year, Davis led the team in sacks with nine that totaled for a loss of 37 yards. He finished seventh on the team in tackles with 36. 15 of his stops were solo and he had eight tackles for a loss of 41 yards on the season. He blocked one kick in 2007 and had a pass break-up.

"Jonathan is a very versatile defensive lineman who can play inside or out on the end. He has a great burst off of the ball and good instincts. His uses his hands very well, has powerful hips that he uses to get himself into great position and he plays with a good motor." Coach Tom Simi

Joe Suder

OL, 6-6, 330

Santa Rosa, Calif. (Arizona Western College/ Bishop Manogue Catholic HS)

Suder was Arizona Western’s top offensive lineman in 2007 as he was named to the 2007 NJCAA all-Region first team. He was just one of two Arizona Western players to earn that honor. Suder helped the Matadors rush for 1,361 yards, pass for 1,434 yards and average 279.4 yards a game of total offense. The Matadors also averaged 20.4 points per game. Suder blocked for quarterback Will Brogan who threw for 1,265 yards in nine games and 10 touchdowns. He also earned Academic All-American honors in 2007. Joe was a two-year letterman at Bishop Manogue Catholic under Joe Cellers. He was listed as the eighth-top overall prospect in Nevada by Rivals.com. As a senior, he recorded 46 tackles, 13 sacks and eight fumble recoveries before suffering a season-ending injury in the eighth game of the year. Joe received first team all-conference, all-region and all-state honors for his efforts during his senior season. In his junior season, Joe picked up 56 tackles, 10 sacks and one interception as his team went 12-0 and captured the state championship. He also participated in skiing and track and field and guided the track and field team to back-to-back state titles in 2003 and 2004 while earning the state individual crown in the shot put both years. Joe was also a member of the National Honor Society.

"Joe Suder was a great leader for us on and off the field. We’re proud that Joe’s going to represent Matador Football and Arizona Western College at New Mexico State for the next couple of years. This is a great move for him and for the Aggies." Arizona Western Head Football Coach James Pryor

LaVorick Williams

WR, 6-3, 178

Odessa, Texas (Permian High School)

Williams was a vital member of the Permian High School football team, leading the Panthers to a district championship as a senior, with a perfect 5-0 district record and a 9-4 overall record. Williams recorded a total of 626 yards from 33 catches and scored three touchdowns. His longest reception was 72-yards and he averaged 19-yards per catch. Currently, Williams owns the Tandem offensive record set in 2006 for having over 100-yards receiving in a single game. He also is third in the Permian record books for receptions in a game with 10. For his efforts Williams was a 2006 first team all-district receiver and earned the team’s best receiver award. Initially, Williams signed with Texas Tech to be a sprinter on the track and field squad for the Red Raiders. He recorded a time of 10.4 in the 100-meter dash his senior year.

"LaVorick is a big play maker and has come up with some big catches in some big games. I think with his size, speed and character he has all the tools to becoming a solid Division I receiver. He is a great find for NMSU and we are happy that he found a great home." Head Coach Darren Allman

The Aggies also announced that three current Aggie football player received scholarships out of the 2008 allotent back in August. Those three players were Rhyan Anderson, Davon House and Ben Bradley.

After transferring from the University of Miami prior to the season, Anderson started all 13 games for NMSU at the defensive end position. He grabbed 12 tackles on the season, five solo efforts, as well as two tackles-for-a-loss, one sack, three pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries. His best game of the season came against Idaho (10/20) when he tallied three tackles.

House was the Aggies starting defensive back in 13 games in 2007 as a true freshman. He finished the season with 37 tackles, 21 solo efforts, eight pass break-ups, two tackles-for-a-loss, four interceptions with 171 return yards, 94 kick-off return yards and 283 yards of all-purpose yardage. His four interceptions led the team and his 171 interception return yards broke the school record that was set back in 1981. Against UTEP (9/15) House recorded four tackles. His most impactful game came against Idaho (10/20) when he recorded two interceptions, returning one for 100 yards for his first career touchdown. House tied the school record for the longest interception return for a touchdown. He later intercepted his second pass of the game, returning that for 64 yards and also broke the school record for most interception return yards in a game. Against Hawai’i (10/27) House record a season-high six tackles and his third interception of the season. He would add another interception against Nevada (11/2) along with three tackles. Versus San Jose State (10/11) he tallied five tackles and pass break-up. Against Fresno State (11/30) in the season finale, House recorded two tackles, a tackle-for-a-loss and a season-high three pass break-ups.

Bradley red shirted during his first season with the Aggies

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