NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Aug. 20—NOTE — This is the sixth in a series of position previews heading into UNM’s home opener Saturday against Montana State. Already completed: Running backs, specialists, defensive line, tight ends, wide receivers and linebackers. Today: Quarterbacks.
Come Saturday, it all changes for Devon Dampier. The sophomore will be the face of New Mexico’s offense, if not the face of the team, subject to all the recognition and trappings that comes with being a starting college quarterback — no matter where the season goes from there.
The routine, however, won’t change.
“I always call my mom before the game — that’s the one that settles me down,” he said with a smile after Tuesday’s practice. “(It) keeps me grounded. I really try to stay relaxed during games, try not to overdo it (or) get too high, get too low.
“Just kinda keep my headspace where it’s been at all week — not being overly nervous, not trying to do too much. Just play the ball I wanna play.”
And on Saturday, Dampier will get his first opportunity to do so this season as the Lobos starting quarterback in the opener against Montana State. The 5-foot-10, 198-pound dual-threat quarterback from Scottsdale, Arizona, earned the title during the first week of spring practice and kept it on lock through fall practice.
Dampier spent his first year at UNM largely backing up former quarterback Dylan Hopkins, completing 40 of 64 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns, and rushing for 328 yards and four scores over the course of nine game appearances and one start.
As he enters his first full season as the starter, hopes are high.
“He’s a great kid — really good personality, works hard and he loves what he’s doing,” offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jason Beck told the Journal on Aug. 6. “And man, he has a drive to be good. He’s talented and has a lot of…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/unm-football-position-preview-dampier-030100779.html
Author : Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
Publish date : 2024-08-21 03:01:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
