Last season was a learning experience for defensive lineman Donte Savage.
As a true freshman out of Portland, Ore., the 6-foot-1, 229-pounder was asked to play for the Aggies last season and he had his ups and downs, tallying two sacks, 11 tackles and three tackles for a loss.
Playing in the 3-3-5 defense, Savage played inside and was often double-teamed. This year, he's been lined up on the outside against tight ends and tackles and is better able to use his speed.
"I really like the 4-3 defense a lot more,"
Savage said. "It's better suited to my abilities and it's better suited for our abilities as a team."
Savage said he feels more mature and physically stronger than a season ago when he was asked to step in and play right away.
"I learned a great deal last year going up against good teams and good lineman,"
Savage said. "I'm still learning and growing. The offseason has been really beneficial, I've put on some weight and I just feel stronger."
Savage was credited with two sacks and four sacks in NMSU's scrimmage on Saturday.
"Donte is making progress,"
Aggies head coach DeWayne Walker said. "Once he eliminates mistakes and improves his football IQ, he'll be fine."
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Another receiver battling for playing time is sophomore-to-be Todd Lee. The native of Baton Rouge, La., was a highly regarded recruit for former head coach Hal Mumme, but because of the veteran receivers on the team, Lee saw limited action in 2008.
He managed to catch six passes for 35 yards,
Still, the 5-foot-9 Lee has caught the attention of new wide receivers coach Keith Murphy.
"Todd picks up things quickly and he makes plays,"
Murphy said. "Todd is doing good things this spring and as a whole our group is doing good things."
Lee played running back in high school, but was moved to wide receiver when he arrived in Las Cruces.
"Learning this new offense has been different, as receivers we've had to block more and we're learning new routes,"
Lee said. "It's a process every day, but the key is to stay focused and try to make progress every day. For myself, I'm feeling more comfortable at receiver. My route running has been better, but I can still be better."
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The team will practice two more times this week and then the spring game will be Saturday at 6 p.m. at Aggie Memorial Stadium.
On Monday, the team worked more in groups with their position coaches. Walker said today's practice will likely be more physical.
