Written by: Felix Chavez/Sun-News Reporter
Also See: bleedCrimson.net Weekly Coach Mumme Interview :: 04/18/08
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Hal Mumme was happy with how his offense performed in last week's first scrimmage of the spring football campaign.
Today at Aggie Memorial Stadium, the Aggies hope for improved play and to get some more players some work in the final scrimmage leading up to next week's spring football game.
Last week, NMSU ran through 110 plays and Mumme said today's scrimmage will likely last about as long as last week's affair.
"We want to continue to get our young guys a lot of work," he said. "We did good things last week, but we want to continue that improvement this week. We'll do a lot of the same things."
Mumme said star wide receiver Chris Williams will likely sit out this scrimmage as he did last week.
Starting quarterback Chase Holbrook, who went 12-for-13 last week, will play about 10 more plays, but the majority of snaps will go to backup J.J. McDermott. McDermott was 37-for-64 and 498 yards passing.
"J.J. did a good job last week and he's improving," Mumme said. "His teammates believe and trust him."
The Aggies also hope to get another strong showing from its receiving core. Freshman LaVorick Williams led NMSU last week with seven catches for 167 yards, while Chris Buckner, Julius Fleming and Marcus Anderson all had big games last week.
"Last week was a good week for us," Anderson said. "But we have some new guys still trying to learn the offense and we can still improve. We have a lot of weapons and we have good speed."
The Aggies are also trying to fit in new running back Seth Smith, who will battle for time in the backfield along with Tonny Glynn.
Last week, the Aggies rushed just 21 times during the scrimmage. Glynn had 33 yards rushing, while Smith scored twice.
"We have a good running attack and that will be important to the team," NMSU senior receiver A.J. Harris said. "Those guys have been working hard in the spring."
The Aggies will also welcome junior college transfer Marquell Colston to the mix in the fall.
New Mexico State is also looking to improve on defense. The team is learning a new defense, the 3-5-3, under new coordinator Joe Lee Dunn.
"We can do a lot of things better," said safety Derek Richardson after last week's scrimmage. "We're still learning things about this defense and what we can do. We'll get better."
Added linebacker Boyblue Aoelua: "Coach Dunn is a good coach and he's taught us a lot so far. We just to get out there and play and see where we need to improve."
Today's scrimmage begins at 10 a.m. at Aggie Memorial Stadium and is open to the public.
Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@lcsun-news.com
