It’s all about the hits
UNM tight ends take what comes
Last season, University of New Mexico tight ends caught just three passes for a total of 20 yards.
Those numbers bother Dyson Chmura and Erik Beilman, UNM tight ends both, not at all. These two third-year sophomores just want to hit somebody in an other-colored uniform.
At New Mexico, that’s what tight ends do.
In practice situations, said Chmura, “It’s really rewarding to see (running backs) Richard (McQuarley), (Daryl) Chestnut, T.O. (Tyrone Owens) running the ball behind you, busting the big one for a touchdown and you had the sealing block for that. That’s a pretty special feeling.
“And whenever we get rewarded with the football, we know to hold onto it and not let go.”
Chmura, from Waukesha, Wis. (and the son for former Green Bay Packers tight end Mark Chmura), and Beilman, from San Antonio, Texas, were part of the Lobos’ 2015 recruiting class.
Both sat out that season as redshirts. Chmura is not listed as having played at all last year, Beilman only on special teams.
The past two years, they’ve
understudied Reece White, Chris Edling, Cole Gautsche, Nick Lehman and Michael Walsh.
Now, with no experienced players above them on the depth chart, they’re eager to make their mark.
“It’s our turn, and we know (the offense),” Beilman said. “We’re just excited to get started and show everyone we can play.”
Beilman, said UNM tight ends coach Clay Davie, is similar in skill set to Edling — a 6-foot-4, 240-pounder best suited for the traditional tight end’s role on the line of scrimmage.
“He’s a big, lengthy, getting-tougher guy that can get in there on the ball,” Davie said. “He really has a good skill set for that.”
Chmura, 6-3 and 223 pounds, is more like White — who did manage to catch 26 passes for 497 yards and two touchdowns during his four-year career (2012-15).
“I think (Chmura) has improved, I really do,” said head coach Bob Davie, the tight end coach’s father. “He’s pretty athletic.”
Neither Chmura nor Beilman signed with UNM thinking they’d be the next Rob Gronkowski as a pass receiver. That’s probably for the best, Bob Davie said, given the way the Lobo offense has evolved.
The “cruiser” position from which White caught most of his passes is still a part of the scheme, but last year was less involved in the passing game.
Still, if the ball does come Chmura’s direction, he’ll be ready.
“I think once the coaches see what I’m capable of,” he said, “(not just) blocking but also on the perimeter with the ball, making moves, that it gives them enough trust in me to throw me a bone every so often.”
Chmura caught 20 passes as a senior at Waukesha West High School, but also played safety, cornerback, linebacker and defensive lineman for the Wolverines at various times.
Beilman said he caught only a few passes at San Antonio’s Brandeis High school. He saw action at defensive end as well as at tight end.
The always physical Edling, who was Beilman’s player host when he made his recruiting visit, became a mentor.
“(Edling) showed me the ropes, told me what the offense was,” Beilman said. “... He was a big role model for me.”
Beilman and Chmura are close friends, sharing not only a position but also a rooting interest in University of Texas football, and as freshman helped each other adjust to their new environment.
Chmura, coming from Waukesha, a city of about 70,000, had to get used to a bigger city. Beilman had to adjust to a smaller one.
Beilman had to get used to the occasional snowfall, Chmura to the relative lack of snow (he’s OK with that).
Now, they’d like to get used to playing — however many or how few passes come their way.
FATHER AND SON: Chmura said his father has not attended a Lobo football game, “but he’s been out here a couple of times to visit. We went up to Taos, and all that. He loves it out here, too.”
Mark Chmura caught 188 passes for 2,252 yards and 17 touchdowns during his sevenyear career (1993-99) with the Packers.
INJURY REPORT: Junior offensive guard Nick Iacovangelo is undergoing concussion protocol after taking a blow to the head, Davie said.
Redshirt freshman defensive end Nahje Flowers (knee) has not practiced since suffering the injury Aug. 2. Redshirt freshman running back Kentrail Moran (ankle), who was injured the same day, has practiced on a limited basis.