A time line of Brian Urlacher’s UNM career

1996 Brian Urlacher graduates from Lovington High School, where he played baseball, basketball and ran track. He also played some football. As a 6-4, 210-pound receiver/ defensive back his senior year, he accounted for 1,348 yards and 23 TDs, leading the Wildcats to a 14-0 record and a state title.

1996 With his only other offer being from New Mexico State, he enrolls at UNM.

Aug. 13, 1996 Urlacher practices at linebacker for the first time, shifting from strong safety.

Nov. 1997 Urlacher, playing linebacker against Tulsa, has 14 tackles, an interception and a sack and is named WAC Mountain Division defensive player of the week.

Dec., 1997 Dennis Franchione leaves UNM for TCU. Rocky Long takes over. Spring 1998 Urlacher moves to free safety

Aug. 13, 1998 Urlacher (now 6-4, 235) is named a starter for the first time in college. He’ll play the “lobo” position.

Sept. 1998 Urlacher has 14½ tackles, six for loss, and a sack against Utah State.

Nov. 1998 NFL scouts contact him about turning pro. He decides to stay in school.

Aug. 1999 Atlanta Falcons scout Bob Harrison visits practice to check out Urlacher (now 240 pounds). Harrison says, “He really is a fine prospect. He’s a big linebacker playing safety.”

Nov. 1999 Urlacher is ranked seventh on a list of top 50 NFL prospects by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

Nov. 27 1999 In his final game as a Lobo, he forces a fumble late to preserve the win over Air Force in front of 21,013 fans.

Dec. 1999 Urlacher finishes 12th in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Dec. 1999 He is named to AP All-America team, the second Lobo to receive that honor.

April 2000 Urlacher is taken ninth overall by the Bears in the NFL draft.