New Mexico football hopes to carry late-season momentum into 2021

The defense should be better in year two under Rocky Long

The 3-3-5 defense that Rocky Long is famous for implementing usually takes a year or so to really get going and that is why I think there is reason to believe that New Mexico will be better on that side of the ball this season.

On the defensive line, Joey Noble and Jake Saltonstall will be the two ends and they are high talent guys that could land on some all-conference teams this season. At nose tackle, Ben Gansallo will be the starter and he is a veteran who should fit in well.

The linebackers are the more uncertain unit of the defense. Devin Sanders is back after a solid season and should lead the group, but they are not very experienced at linebacker and it may show at times this season. Look for Ray Leutele and Jeffrey Blake to be the other two starters at linebacker.

In the secondary, Jerrick Reed II is back after leading the conference in interceptions with four in 2021 and he will be a big piece to turning around the 116th ranked passing defense. Donte Martin and Corey Hightower are experienced and should slide in nice at corner, while Tavian Combs, who was second on the team in tackles, will be beside Reed II at safety.

The secondary and pass rush are nice starting points, but how good this defense is will depend on the linebackers.