Martin releases Aggies’ depth chart for Miners
The New Mexico State University football team released its depth chart Thursday for the its Sept. 3 opener at UTEP. But there’s still uncertainty at two key positions — and for entirely different reasons.
Starting quarterback Tyler Rogers and star running back Larry Rose III are both questionable. Rogers is facing a legal hurdle after being arrested for misdemeanor battery; Rose is recovering from surgery to repair a sports hernia.
Rogers worked with the first-team offense at Thursday’s practice and is in line to play pending an arraignment scheduled Aug. 31 in Las Cruces.
Aggies coach Doug Martin said Rogers will not be suspended unless new information comes to light regarding an argument between Rogers and his girlfriend that resulted in an arrest warrant being issued. Rogers, who allegedly grabbed his girlfriend’s arm during the incident, later turned himself in to police and was released on bond.
“We’ve got to let the legal process run its course and prepare for whatever the outcome is,” Martin said.
Senior transfer quarterback Tyler Matthews quit the team after news of Rogers’ arrest broke. That left sophomore Nick Jeanty and junior college transfer Conner Cramer available. Both were listed at No. 2 on the depth chart Thursday.
“I like them both,” Martin said. “Cramer is the most athletic guy we’ve got and is probably our best running quarterback. Nick is more polished in the passing game, so it might come down to what we need more, as far as which one would play.”
Meanwhile, Rose is progressing in his recovery and will likely remain questionable until Tuesday’s practice. Freshmen Jason Huntley and Gamar Girdy are listed at one and two on the depth chart at tailback, respectively. Huntley, Martin said, has impressed in fall camp.
“He’s come a long way and kind of reminds me of Larry Rose as a freshman,” Martin said. “We’ve got experienced guys back there like (senior) Xavier Hall and (junior) King Burke. I don’t know who will actually start, but Huntley and Girdy have looked good.”