by By Teddy Feinberg/Sun-News Sports Editor , Las Cruces Sun-News

"Actually, the more you get, the harder it gets," Fils said. "People point at you, you know what I mean? They target you and try to stop you from doing it again. It gets harder."

The microscope continues to increase on Fils, who leads the Aggies with six sacks on the season. It's a marked improvement for a defensive end who didn't get to the quarterback at all last season, his freshman year in college football .

"I feel like I'm way better at rushing this year," Fils said. "I used to just run up the field. And last year, I didn't get back there at all. But (defensive line coach Jesse Williams) has taught me some moves to work with. And I'm getting better."

In fact, Fils isn't the only second-year Aggie who's coming off the edge more frequently in 2009. Fellow end Donte Savage has also shown a burst this year, recording four quarterback takedowns of his own on the season.

The duo have brought a one-two punch to the Aggie defense which has been a pleasant surprise, and a welcomed addition.

"We trust both of them out there," head coach DeWayne Walker said. "And we look for them to keep growing as a pair. We need them playing at a high level, together."

Savage and Fils are from opposite ends of the country, Savage from Portland, Ore. while Fils hails from just north of New York City. The two played together in prep school, however, at Fork Union Prep.

They both came to NMSU last year, getting sporadic playing time during their freshman campaigns in 2008 before forming a pass-rushing tandem for the Aggies this season.

"It's been straight for us we've played together for almost three years now," Savage said. "We've got a good connection going on. And we push each other."

The two have had a friendly competition throughout the season, competing against each other for the highest sack total on the team. Fils has the lead for now.

"To have a relationship like that with someone, it makes you work harder," Fils said. "It gives me motivation. You gotta get back there and get to the quarterback."

Williams said that the two ends' competitive friendship is something he would like to see from all his players. It's one thing to be pushed by coaches, and another to be pushed by a peer.

"What we're trying to hammer home with them is consistency," Williams said. "Especially two players in that age group. They could be special, but they are continuing to grow."

Williams said that Fils has held up a bit better against the run this season, while Savage, although with two fewer sack, has pressured to quarterback more frequently, flashing his ability as a pure pass rusher.

"Both have plenty of physical attributes," Williams said. "But from a football -IQ perspective, they're getting there too."

The duo will be back in full force this weekend, going against a University of Hawaii team that will take to the air early and often.

"It's pretty exciting," Fils said. "They're going to throw a lot. It gives us more chances. That's what it's all about."

With each sack, things haven't gotten any easier for Fils and Savage. Their friendly competition, however, does make it fun.

Teddy Feinberg can be reached at tfeinberg@lcsun-news.com ; (575) 541-5455

Copyright 2009 Las Cruces Sun-News, a MediaNews Group Newspaper All Rights Reserved
	Terms & Conditions     Privacy Copyright © 2009 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.