Aggies reloading a poorly-ranked defense
Last season, the Aggies’ defense was regarded as one of the worst in the nation. They were ranked 129th in points allowed (41) and rushing yards allowed per game (259.2). The Aggies can only improve on inefficiencies as a defense in Frank Spaziani’s fifth season as New Mexico State’s defensive coordinator.
The Aggies return seven of their starters from 2019 including four on the defensive line. Last season, the Aggies only accounted for 15 sacks and 60 tackles for a loss. They are among one of the least productive defensive line units in the nation in 2019.
Their returning pass rusher is senior defensive end Xander Yarberough, who accounted for three sacks last season. This was his first season playing as a defensive lineman after playing tight end for his two seasons. Redshirt senior defensive tackle Rovy Lopez comes back from a lower-leg injury will fill the void left by Matthew Cambers. Both linemen will contribute heavily to the Aggies’ rush defense.
Redshirt junior Trevor Brohard will look to replace the Aggies’ leading tackler from last season in Javahn Ferguson (126 total tackles). Senior outside linebacker Rashie Hodge Jr. will be the leader of the defense for the Aggies in 2020. Last year, Hodge accounted for 90 total tackles (second on the team), 49 solo tackles (led team), 10 tackles for loss (led team) and three fumble recoveries. He will be the key player for the Aggies to keep the opponent’s rushing attack inbetween the tackles.
The main concern for the Aggies this remaining offseason will be in their secondary. The Aggies were ranked 55th in passing yards per game (220.8) because it was so easy to run the ball against them. The only main returner from last season in sophomore Jason Simmons Jr. at strong safety. He played in 11 games while starting in eight of them. Senior Chance Cook will fill in the void at free safety.
The Aggies might struggle if they cannot develop former role players for their starting cornerback positions. They are likely to play one or both of their incoming JUCO transfers in Daemahni Williams (New Mexico State Military Institute) and Xavier Hinkle (Butler Community College).