Lawless Republic
Fansided

BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – New Mexico State

By Shaun Gordon

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Jaleel Scott #16 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after winning in the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game against the Utah State Aggies at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. The New Mexico State Aggies defeated the Utah State Aggies 26-20 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Jaleel Scott #16 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after winning in the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game against the Utah State Aggies at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. The New Mexico State Aggies defeated the Utah State Aggies 26-20 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
TUCSON, AZ – DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Savon Scarver #81 of the Utah State Aggies returns a kick-off past defensive lineman Stody Bradley #9 of the New Mexico State Aggies for a 96-yard touchdown during the first half of the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Savon Scarver #81 of the Utah State Aggies returns a kick-off past defensive lineman Stody Bradley #9 of the New Mexico State Aggies for a 96-yard touchdown during the first half of the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl game at Arizona Stadium on December , 29017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Defense

Defensive Line

New Mexico State finished second in the nation with 43 sacks last season, and the defensive line was a key part of that.

All three starters are back in 2018, led by Cedric Wilcots II (Sr.) who had 8.5 of those sacks on his own. Myles Vigne (So.) will return in the middle, and Roy Lopez (Jr.) will man the other end spot opposite Wilcoats.

More from Lawless Republic

Aside from senior Jassavia Reese, there’s very little experience behind the starters.

Linebacker

Only Terrill Hanks (Sr.) is back from last year’s starters, but three other linebackers saw significant action: Shane Jackson (Jr.), Javahn Fergurson (Sr.), and Leon McQuaker (Sr.).

Backups Malik Demby (Sr.), Lui Fa’amasino (Sr.), and Jonathan Hood (Sr.) all have experience, making this the deepest defensive unit.

Secondary

Shamad Lomax (Jr.) forced eight turnovers last year as a cornerback, but he’s moving to strong safety in 2018. In his place will be junior college transfer Ray Buford Jr. (Jr.) at one corner spot, with DeMarcus Owens (Sr.) back at the other one. Ron LaForce (Sr.) is back at free safety.

While the linebackers have depth and experience, the secondary is short on it. Only safety Austin Perkins (Jr.) has significant FBS experience.

Home/BYU Football