[jwplayer jF5wU66N-sNi3MVSU]
New Mexico Names Tevaka Tuioti Starting Quarterback
Lobos go with a familiar name under center.
Contact/Follow @rogeraholien & @MWCwire
New Mexico has its guy
New Mexico Lobos head coach Danny Gonzales named Tevaka Tuioti the starter for the team’s opening game against Colorado State on October 24th, so Tuioti has the keys to the Lobos offense once again for the Lobos.
Tuioti, a redshirt junior and seems to have been in this program for a very long time, has seen action in his 20 games, with 11 of those being starts.
He had 16 touchdowns, 2,604 passing yards, 504 rushing yards with 14 interceptions in his playing career with the Lobos.
The quarterback battle basically came down to Tevaka Tuioti and Trae Hall. during fall camp. Hall is a 6’2 188 pound, a redshirt sophomore from Henderson, Texas, and could be the future going forward.
This young man is very athletic, a strong arm, and has shown flashes of greatness. Basically, the decision to start Tuiot is his strong game experience as well according to coach Gonzales.
Gonzalez said at last week’s presser about the decision to start Tuioti said:
“Over the last couple of weeks has led the offense more efficiently; Trae Hall is a very talented young man; the advantage Tevaka has going into the season was game experience.”
Hall will serve as backup to Tuioti for the contest against Colorado State and more than likely will get special packages from Offensive Coordinator Derek Warehime’s Lobo offense.
“He knows he is one play away from playing like he did at Utah State last year,” said coach Gonzales.
But ultimately it was how well Tuioti performed with the offense the last few weeks that gave him the edge according to the coach Gonzales.
“You know, I have been here for quite some time and the guys they rely on me. As a starting quarterback there is a lot of responsibility that you got to take into consideration and I am glad that they trust me enough to put this team on my shoulders and I am willing to do that and to lead this team to a championship,” said Tuioti.
When asked about the future: “I think just the culture, you know Coach Gonzales he really harps on building a strong, physical, nasty, violent team, but at the same time, he’s most respectful. That’s one thing I like about this team and the offense, I think that we bring something new that’s very different. You know, Coach Warehime has done a great job on trying to get the offense on the same page,” said Tuioti.
One comment that both Coach Gonzales and DC Rocky Long have made in recent pressers is that this team has to play at a higher level both physically and assignment wise to be able to compete in MWC play.
Both coaches are known for being incredibly candid and blunt when talking about their players’ performance when it comes to football.
Anyone has who has watched a Rocky Long defense can see 11 bodies flying to the ball, imposing their will on offensive players. This has been a Rocky Long calling card, and Coach Gonzales learned from the best in this area.
Both are old school smash mouth football when it comes to being physical on the football field when playing an opponent.
New Mexico Pauses Football Practice Due To Multiple COVID-19 Positive Tests
Where they lacked in talent, the more than made up for in effort and heart, hence some big wins under the Long regime of years past.
So, coach Gonzales has brought this culture of every player when playing for him to excel in the classroom and the football field as a coach and former Lobo player under Long.
The Lobo football team are chomping at the bits to get on the football field and should be a fun team to watch under new head coach Danny Gonzales.
The Lobos will be televised nationally this season; six will be on either Fox Sports 1 or Fox Sports 2, and one will be on CBS Sports Network. The games on Fox Sports 1 or Fox Sports 2 will be as followed:
October 24th @ Colorado State (Fox Sports 1)
October 31st San Jose State (Either Fox Sports 1 or Fox Sports 2)
November 14th Nevada (Either FS1 or FS2)
November 20th @ Air Force (Fox Sports 1)
November 26th @ Utah State (Fox Sports 1)
December 12th Fresno State (Either FS1 or FS2)
The lone CBS Sports Network game for UNM will be on December 5th when the Wyoming Cowboys come to Albuquerque.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1373]