Line Depth Concern For Lobos

Fact or fiction: Sensing the need to develop depth on the defensive line, University of New Mexico football senior DeAndre Davis broke his arm during spring practice to give sophomore Jonathan Rainey more repetitions. Davis' laughter at the notion points it toward fiction. What also may not be true, however, is that UNM won't have enough depth at the position after switching from a three-man to a four-man front this season. "What we have is what we have," first-year defensive line coach Rubin Carter begins, ominously. "If you're talking about a two-deep (depth chart), anywhere from eight to 10 players that are capable of going in and competing at a high level, I think we'll be fine in utilizing those players. It's just making sure they understand the tempo and the urgency we have on the defensive side of the ball." The Lobos return four players with game experience from last year's 3-3-5 scheme that former head coach Rocky Long employed, and all four played defensive end: Davis, Rainey, sophomore Jaymar Latchison and senior Kendall Briscoe. Briscoe has moved inside to accommodate new defensive coordinator Doug Mallory's scheme. Junior transfer Peter Gardner arrived in the spring to shore up the interior and has earned Carter's trust as a probable starter. That leaves openings for at least three more spots for playing time. Sophomore and La Cueva graduate Brett Kennedy, redshirt freshman Ahraya Crespin of Rio Rancho, redshirt freshman Mark Hunter and true freshman Mat McBain are competing at tackle. Junior Seth Johannemann, redshirt freshman Jake Carr and true freshman Jacori Greer are the backups at end. "We have a lot of guys who are capable of playing," Davis says. "The younger guys just need to step up. And with it being my senior year, it's time for me to step my game up and be a little more serious - no, a lot more serious." Davis, whose right arm that he broke in the spring is completely healed, says the linemen no longer are just required to take on as many blockers as possible - which the old scheme required them to do. "The difference is the linebackers aren't (regularly) rushing; it's just on the defensive line," he says. "So we're learning a lot more about footwork, how to use your hands. Coach Carter is more of a teaching coach. Under coach Long, it was more about being tough." The technical aspects of the position Carter is teaching, Greer says, is helping him adapt to the college game. "I wouldn't say things have slowed down for me, yet," he says, "but I've learned a lot of new techniques and a lot of ways to overcome the speed and overcome the strength of a lot of the offensive guys that I go against." Carter adds that UNM's nohuddle offense should help his unit think fast and play fast. "They can't help but understand the tempo, the way our offense comes up to the line of scrimmage," he says. "We have to adjust, not just physically, but mentally. We have to know what the calls are and get lined up with assignment and technique and fundamentals, be fast and quick and execute." When asked about Davis' injury helping the depth situation in the long run, Carter is fast and quick to dismiss any thought of an advantage. "I don't think it was blessing in disguise, but we made the most of the situation," he says. "Injuries are part of the game, and you have to be able to have the next player step up." The size of the defensive line rotation could help determine whether UNM's status as a Mountain West Conference contender this season is fact or fiction. Defensive Line Overview Depth-chart toppers: DE Jaymar Latchison (6-3, 251, So.), DT Kendall Briscoe (6-1, 281, Sr.), DT Peter Gardner (6-4, 289, Jr.), DE DeAndre Davis (6-2, 269, Sr.) Depth-chart busters: DE Jonathan Rainey (6-2, 242, So.), DE Seth Johannemann (6-3, 232, So.), DE Jake Carr (6-3, 248, RFr.), DE Jacori Greer (6-3, 240, Fr.), DT Brett Kennedy (6-3, 260, So), DT Mark Hunter (6-1, 238, RFr.), DT Mat McBain (6-4, 267, Fr.), DT Ahraya Crespin (6-2, 259, RFr.) Redshirting: DT Reggie Ellis (6-2, 285, Fr.) Analysis: The line now has the primary responsibility of rushing the passer, and most of the players seem to be embracing the scheme change from the 3-3-5 to the 4-3. Most of the players have been in 4-3 schemes at some point during their football careers, so the transition is a matter of acquiring proper technique and fundamentals. Watch out for: Briscoe, who is playing a position more natural to him. The experience he learned at playing end under former coach Rocky Long should help him against interior offensive linemen this season. Bottom line: If UNM can develop depth at every position, it will be able to limit big plays because the back seven aren't being asked to take as many chances as they were in Long's scheme. But if the line doesn't get to the QB, there are plenty of offensiveminded teams - Tulsa, Texas Tech, BYU, Utah - who'll be able to move the ball methodically down the field. Practice report HEADLINES: Senior safety Ian Clark walked off the field and into the training room during the middle of a team drill, favoring his left shoulder. The manner in which Clark left indicated he may have dislocated his left shoulder. Coach Mike Locksley said he hadn't yet talked to the team doctor about Clark's condition. Clark, a Highland High School grad, has endured injuries to both shoulders during his Lobo career. He dislocated his left shoulder and had surgery on it after the 2007 season, and repeated the process with his right shoulder last year. Senior Frankie Baca and sophomore Bubba Forrest played in Clark's absence. KEEP AN EYE ON: The team begins practice in full pads this afternoon. While UNM has two more days of installation, Locksley wants to see how physical the team can be, as well as how well it can maintain its focus through the heart of fall camp. "This is hopefully where your leaders will jump out because after two or three days in pads, it becomes a grind for these guys," he said.