The New Mexico Lobos had a mess of a 2023 season that ended with Danny Gonzales’ firing. The program turned to Bronco Mendenhall, and while the former Virginia and BYU coach can be expected to create an imposing defense in the future, it’s an uphill climb in 2024, with a roster littered with transfers and temporary bandaids.
Nonetheless, here are New Mexico’s top 10 returning players hoping to make an impression in the 2024 college football season.
New Mexico Lobos Top 10 Returning Players in 2024
10) De’jon Benton, IDL
A sixth-year senior, De’jon Benton spent the first five seasons of his career as a rotational lineman at USC. Now, in New Mexico, he has the chance to shine in extended action as a starter. He’s not the biggest guy at 6’2″ and 270 pounds but he has good quickness and has flashed as a pass rusher.
9) Devin Brandt-Epps, Edge
Devin Brandt-Epps was really good for Old Dominion in limited action the last three seasons, racking up 32 pressures and 42 run stops. He’ll have an elevated role as one of New Mexico’s top 10 returning players. If that efficiency continues with higher snap counts, he has great potential.
8) Tavian Combs, Lobo
Head coach Mendenhall is likely going to run a three-safety alignment, which means Tavian Combs could be in for a bigger role in 2024. Last season, he was solid against the run but struggled in pass coverage. If New Mexico shows signs of life in 2024, Combs will be a big part of that.
7) Luke Drzewiecki, K
Luke Drzewiecki was pretty good last season. He made 10 of 14 field goals and all but one of his extra points. Although he didn’t hit his lone 50-plus yarder last season, he has the leg to hit from that distance and should be a weapon as one of the Lobos’ top 10 returning players this fall.
6) Baraka Beckett, OL
The Lobo offensive line situation is dire in 2024. They’ll have a total of less than 200 FBS snaps under their collective belts as a unit, but Baraka Beckett is an intriguing player.
A Campbell transfer, he was an interior guy last season but could be forced to shift outside to tackle in 2024.
5) Andrew Henry, RB
Andrew Henry was the Lobos’ second-leading rusher last season behind All-Conference running back Jacorey Croskey-Merritt, but he should be the top guy this year. He’s tough to bring down, as he averaged over 4.5 yards per carry after contact last year.
4) Ryan Davis, WR
Ryan Davis was fifth on the team in receiving yards last year but now has the opportunity to step up even more in 2024 as a potential second or third option. He has the speed and route-running ability to get open, which should make him a popular target.
3) Christian Ellis, Wolf
Christian Ellis was a safety last year but will likely play Mendenhall’s Wolf position, which is a hybrid safety-linebacker alignment. He was second on the team in tackles last year and was decent in pass coverage. The new head coach should definitely be able to get more out of Ellis in 2024.
2) Devon Dampier, QB
Devon Dampier wasn’t the primary quarterback for the Lobos last year, but he was awesome in limited action, completing a team-high 62.5% of his passes and throwing six touchdowns with no picks. He also added 328 yards on the ground and another four scores. Now, he’s the guy.
1) Caleb Medford, WR
An All-Mountain West Honorable Mention, Caleb Medford led the Lobos in receiving yardage last season despite catching only 30 passes. He’s a big play threat who gives New Mexico some verticality on offense. If Dampier can consistently deliver, Medford could have a huge year.
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