Recruiting: 2024 OL commits to WNMU; ENMU gains 4 more commits

Photo: Twitter

Scott Hood January 20, 2024 @ 11:52 PM

<p>One of the top offensive linemen prospects in New Mexico has become the first in-state recruit from the 2024 class to verbally commit to Western New Mexico.</p>   <p>Late Friday night, Albuquerque High OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590227' first='TJ' last='McCarthy']</strong> announced on social media that he had pledged to WNMU. He took an official visit to the WNMU campus last weekend (Jan. 13-14) and immediately fell in love with the program, coaches and the Silver City community.</p>   <p>“The Western New Mexico coaches were awesome,” McCarthy told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “They are very welcoming and the program has a feeling that makes you think you're right at home. I enjoyed everything about the campus. It just has a positive, home vibe to it and I enjoyed that.”   </p>   <p>The 6-foot-4, 295-pound McCarthy said he was recruited by WNMU to play offensive tackle. He was also offered by Eastern New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands and Adams State.</p>   <p>McCarthy was a four-year starter for AHS and stayed loyal to the Bulldogs, something he's proud of. He started a freshman in 2021 even though he had little  experience playing football before the ninth grade as APS does not sponsor football in middle school.  </p>   <p>“I'll be a Bulldog for life,” McCarthy said. “I pride myself on being an Albuquerque Bulldog. The fact I had never played football before the ninth grade made me learn and adapt quick. I had awesome coaches that supported me and really helped me grow. When Coach Anaya stepped in this year, I put my full and complete trust in him and he didn't let me down.”</p>   <p><strong>ENMU SECURES FOUR MORE COMMITMENTS</strong>: Eastern New Mexico has gained nine commitments from 2024 New Mexico prospects since the beginning of January. The Greyhounds secured four more commitments over the past couple of days, including Cleveland RB/DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274977' first='Andres' last='Aguirre']</strong>, Roswell PK <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103392' first='Peyton' last='Kennard']</strong>, Silver ATH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='591998' first='Julian' last='Richard']</strong> and Cleveland OLB/Edge Rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103199' first='Chuka' last='Tutman']</strong>.</p>   <p>Aguirre began his prep career at Albuquerque High before transferring to Cleveland before the 2022 season. He excelled at defensive back for the Storm as a junior. He transitioned to running back for his senior campaign but a season ending injury cost him most of the year.</p>   <p>Kennard was one of the top senior placekickers in the state. In his career, he made 164 PATs, 15-of-16 field goal attempts and 30+ touchbacks on kickoffs. The 6-foot-3, 160-pound Richard excelled on both sides of the ball for Silver. He was named First-Team All-State WR, All-District DB and was honored as the District Player of the Year.</p>   <p>The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Tutman was one of Cleveland's best defensive players in 2023, racking up 66 tackles, 10.0 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 20 QB hurries and 1 INT from his position on the perimeter. Using his strength, speed and quickness, Tutman harassed opposing offenses all season long.          </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/5tjay6/status/1748578718488961081?s=20 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AndresGAguirre6/status/1748827715984310766?s=20 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/julian_richard2/status/1748447927574647289?s=20 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PeytonKennard/status/1748464785539092967?s=20 </div></figure>

One of the top offensive linemen prospects in New Mexico has become the first in-state recruit from the 2024 class to verbally commit to Western New Mexico.