Two former NM standouts awarded for contributions to Lobos
Two former New Mexico high school football standouts are being recognized for their vital contributions to the Lobos football team in 2020. First, four days after throwing the game-winning TD pass against Wyoming, former Rio Rancho quarterback Isaac Chavez has…
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Continue ReadingTwo former New Mexico high school football standouts are being recognized for their vital contributions to the Lobos football team in 2020.
First, four days after throwing the game-winning TD pass against Wyoming, former Rio Rancho quarterback Isaac Chavez has been named the Lobos starter for Saturday night’s season finale against Fresno State, according to UNM on the football team’s website.
“He’s a very confident young man, which is what you want at that position,” Lobos head coach Danny Gonzales said of Chavez, who threw the winning touchdown pass with 6:22 left and quickly became a social media sensation with his celebratory finger-pistol shooting and his flying hip check that knocked over graduate assistant coach Matt Clark making the rounds.
“At no point on Saturday was he scared,” said Gonzales. “He’s just like our team, a blue-collar, hard-working young man.”
Chavez decided to join UNM as a walk-on after two highly productive seasons as Rio Rancho’s dual threat starting QB. In 2019, Chavez helped lead the Rams into the Class 6A state championship game against crosstown rival Cleveland by throwing for 1,985 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 1,430 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Andrew Erickson, who is now in his third year with the Lobos program after joining the Lobos as a walk-on in 2018, has been nominated for the 2020 Burlsworth Trophy, given annually to the most outstanding football player in American who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.
In order to qualify for the award, a player must have begun his first season of participation with FBS (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university’s athletic department.
After six games, Erickson leads the Lobos in receiving yards (264) and is tied for the team lead in touchdowns (2) and is second in receptions with 17.
He missed the entire 2019 season after tearing an ACL days after being awarded a scholarship during a team meeting during Fall Camp.
Erickson did not have any other offers when he joined UNM in 2018. Last Saturday he lined up beside his younger brother Austin, a true freshman receiver appearing in his first career game.
Congratulations are in order for top receiver Andrew Erickson, nominated for the Burlsworth! #GoLoboshttps://t.co/DzdHx6FX0o pic.twitter.com/ncDChcRbby
— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) December 9, 2020
On to the next One. It’s Game Week!#GoLobos | #Win5 | #WeAreNM pic.twitter.com/b1ppS42EY6
— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) December 8, 2020