New Mexico State Football: Aggies hope to find playmakers in 2021

Offense searching for an identity with so many new starters

This spring was about trying to find a new identity for the Aggies and it is hard to say that it went well. Head coach Doug Martin is regarded as a smart offensive mind, but this team has fallen prone to turning the ball over and not scoring much in recent years. With so many new faces, finding an identity is crucial for any success that the Aggies hope to find this season.

Jonah Johnson started for New Mexico State football during its two spring games and the results were a mixed bag.

Johnson showed the ability to be a decent dual-threat quarterback, but he must cut down on the turnovers for this offense to be successful. If Johnson can’t get the offense going, then look for Weston Eget or freshman Trevor Appelman to get some time under center.

The starter at running back is probably going to be Juwaun Price, who had a solid spring and had a big game against Dixie State.

Behind Price, look for Michigan transfer O’Maury Samuels to get some carries and try and be a difference-maker that the offense desperately needs. At receiver, Robert Downs II is one of the only guys on the team who played their last full season in 2019.

Look for guys like Justice Powers, Andre Bodison, and Terrell Warner to get plenty of time in this wide-open offensive attack. This offense really needs someone to emerge as the go-to receiver.

The biggest strength of this team might be on the offensive line. Left tackle Sage Doxtater looks to be really good linemen and Ole Miss transfer Eli Johnson should slide in the middle at center and provide experience and leadership on the line. This offense needs playmakers to step up at every position and needs a quarterback to not be turnover-prone. There are a lot of question marks to be answered on this side of the ball.