Commentary: Aggies need playmakers, and it starts up front
A lot could be said about last year's New Mexico State Aggie football team.
None of it too good.
But for one column, I want to simplify things and look at two numbers.
Eight, as in sacks the team recorded during last year's 2-10 season. And 250, as in rushing yards surrendered per game.
Both were at the bottom of the NCAA rankings. And both need to be erased and reworked if head coach DeWayne Walker wants to get this program to a winning destination.
With National Signing Day on Wednesday the Aggies need playmakers and it starts along defensive front-seven - the linemen and linebackers. The Aggies are traditionally undersized up front and it's where they're exposed.
NMSU needs athletes on the defensive line, players who can beat their opposing blocker one-on-one and penetrate the backfield. Players who are big and strong enough to hold their own against a Division I offensive lineman and withstand the pounding of a 12-game schedule. We can talk all day about schemes, holding your gap and working as a unit. But pressuring a quarterback with your front-four is the easiest way to improve a defense. Last year the Aggies didn't have the athletes to do it. And it needs to change.
The linebacker position was an area of weakness as well. Not that it needs to be superior in Walker's system, but having a game-changer or two on the unit would make a big difference. Expect a few to come on board in this year's signing class and push last year's starters - simply put,the team needs it to happen.
There are few positions, if any, that the Aggies don't need help. Quarterback seems to be one area where NMSU could enter the season with the same players as last year, Matt Christian and Andrew Manley, and be OK. Outside of that, I can't think of one unit that doesn't need reinforcements, in some cases an overhaul.
But it won't be done overnight. And as long as the program's ran by Walker, it will need its defense to fuel the team. You build that defense from the inside-out - your tackles, your middle linebacker to your ends and your outside linebackers. That's where it will start.
The Aggies didn't have difference makers on their defensive front last year. They'll need some on their roster after Signing Day.
Teddy Feinberg can be reached at (575) 541-5455
Aggies to host signing day spectacular
The New Mexico State Aggie football team will host the third annual Aggies Signing Day Spectacular on Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Danny Villanueva Victory Club on the third floor of the Stan Fulton Athletics Center.
The event is open to the public.
Head coach DeWayne Walker will introduce the team's new additions in the 2011 recruiting class.
The evening will feature a chalk talk from Walker on the 2011 recruiting class and his vision for the New Mexico State football program, as well as an introduction of the coaching staff.
Also, the Weekly Aggie Coach's Show on KSNM-AM 570 will be airing live from the event.
A cash bar will be available along with some light snacks beginning at 5:30 p.m.
