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Jan. 23—The Lobos have made a little noise in the portal.
Since head coach Jason Eck was hired in December, New Mexico has signed 30 transfers and accumulated the second-ranked transfer class in the Mountain West, per 24/7 Sports. If that ranking holds, it’d be the best mark in recent memory; UNM has not finished higher than sixth since the transfer portal was established in 2018.
The four most significant transfers (so far) in what’s shaping up to be a strong portal class for UNM:
4. QB Jack Layne (Idaho)
Analysis: Layne, a 6-2, 200-pound redshirt sophomore, completed 99 of 154 passes (64.3%) for 1,477 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions after a collarbone injury held him out for over half of last season. Lobo fans may still be reeling from Devon Dampier’s departure to Utah, but Layne’s well familiar with Eck and offensive coordinator Luke Schleusner’s offense and has shown he can thrive as a starter. It’s fair to pencil him in as such until further notice.
3. WR Keagan Johnson (Kansas State)
Analysis: After losing all four of its leading receivers in the portal, Johnson represents one of just two wide receivers the program has signed via the portal after he caught 29 passes for 359 yards and one touchdown with Kansas State last season. The 6-0, 206-pound junior was electrifying with sheer promise as a freshman at Iowa (18 receptions, 353 yards, two touchdowns) before injuries derailed his time with the Hawkeyes. Could Albuquerque be where his career kicks into another gear?
2. DL Keyshawn James-Newby (Idaho)
Analysis: Before this week, James-Newby was No. 1 on this list. And for good reason: The 6-2, 240-pound defensive lineman was flat-out dominant last season, racking up a Big Sky-best 10.5 total sacks with 55 total quarterback pressures. For comparison, UNM’s best individual mark in 2024? Four sacks and 24…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-mexico-footballs-four-most-045900047.html
Author : Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
Publish date : 2025-01-24 04:59:00
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