New Mexico head coach Bob Davie said that he wanted to sign three mid year players this recruiting season, on his wish list was a QB, RB, and OL, well Coach Davie received what he wanted and more.
Austin Apodaca (middle) QB, threw for 2.533 yards 27 TDs 9 INTs while playing for Mesa CC in AZ last season. Apodaca a three star recruit, originally signed and played one season at Washington State out of high school.
Apodaca reminds me of former FSU QB Dereck Carr because of his smooth delivery and quick release. UNM's passing attack has been non existent during Davie's time at UNM so bringing in someone who can ignite the passing game is a plus with defenses trying to stop their vaunted option offense. Apodaca can run, but his strength is in his arm adding a weapon like him may be what UNM needs to take their program to the next level.
Richard McQuarley (left) RB. Coach Davie wanted to find a bigger RB and he found his man in McQuarley who at 5' 11" 215 lbs. is a bruiser who likes to initiate contact. UNM lacked a thumper who could help protect a lead and run out the clock at the end of games after Gongbay was lost for the season. At Itawamba CC in Miss. McQuarley rushed for 1,243 yards and had 26 receptions for 257 yards despite being the key focus of opposing teams. McQuarley will still have three years to play as he is only a sophomore.
Tevita Fonua (Right) OL. With starting OL Lamar Bratton and Jamaal Price graduating UNM needed to find someone who could start on the O-line right away. At 6'3" 310 lbs. Fonua fits the bill as he played both C and G at Laney College in CA. Fonua is a pancake machine and has the attitude Coach likes in his O-linemen: nastiness. Last season Fonua helped anchor the line that paved the way for over 250 yards on the ground a game at Laney.
Just when it looked like Coach Davie was finished with the early signing period he scored a bonus, a double bonus in three star recruit Daryl Chestnut (not pictured) RB. Chestnut had received offers coming out of high school in Miami (FL), Florida State, Virginia Tech and many other P5 schools. Chestnut went the JUCO route instead and it looked like he was set to replace Tevon Coleman at Indiana when he instead signed with UNM on Monday. Chestnut at 5'9" 192 lbs. runs a 4.39 40 and averaged 10.6 yards per carry last season. He will be joining the Lobos which has had a top 5 rushing attack in the nation the last three years.
UNM now has a stable of RBs and a QB that can sling the ball that it will keep DCs up all night when they have to face UNM. Go Lobos!
