Punter making an impact for Lobos
Bojorquez third in NCAA at 47.8
You have to wonder what Corey Bojorquez has against footballs, the way he’s been punishing them lately.
Bojorquez, the New Mexico Lobos’ senior punter, averaged 57.7 yards on three attempts Friday during the New Mexico Lobos’ 27-24 loss to Colorado State at Dreamstyle Stadium.
That performance moved him into third place this season among all NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision punters with an average of 47.8 yards. The Lobos (3-4 overall, 1-3 in Mountain West Conference play), in the person of Bojorquez, rank sixth nationally in net punting (punt yardage minus touchbacks and return yardage) with an average of 43.33 yards.
In the past, the issue with Bojorquez — as with most punters — has been consistency. Dropping an oblong ball onto a round foot with
perfect placement and perfect timing, time after time, is not easy.
Bojorquez, UNM coach Bob Davie said after Sunday evening’s practice, has made major strides.
“He’s fun to watch,” Davie said of his left-footed punter. “He’s gotten to the point where you’re excited to see what’s going to happen. Plus, the ball’s hard to catch (with a reverse spin).
“He’s definitely become a more consistent guy, and that’s been encouraging.”
Bojorquez said some back-to-basics work in practice has paid off.
“We’re doing a lot more of the little technique drills I used to do when I first started out,” he said. “That’s really been helping me stay more consistent. I’m feeling good.”
Bojorquez’s first attempt Friday came on a fourthand-9 from the UNM 11-yard line. He took the center snap some 4 yards deep in the end zone and kicked it from the goal line.
The ball sailed over the head of CSU returner Olabisi Johnson, who had set up at his own 40. The ball landed at about the 30, some 70 yards in the air, and bounced and rolled to the Rams 11, where it was downed — a 78-yard punt.
When he saw Johnson set up at the 40, Bojorquez said, he took it as a challenge.
“I’ve got to show them something and put it over their head sometimes,” he said.
Bojorquez’s second punt traveled 50 yards from scrimmage. His third and final attempt, good for 45 yards, checked up and was downed inside the CSU 1-yard line.
It would be nice to report that the field position Bojorquez gave his teammates was put to good advantage. It wasn’t.
After his 78-yarder, the Rams drove 89 yards for a touchdown. Johnson returned his 50-yarder 21 yards, and the Rams drove 53 yards to set up a 40-yard Wyatt Bryan field goal
After the 45-yard punt that was downed inside the one, UNM forced a threeand-out. But on the Lobos’ first offensive play, senior running back Richard McQuarley fumbled and CSU recovered.
Nonetheless, Bojorquez didn’t feel his efforts went for naught.
“I feel like (a good punt) keeps the momentum with us, even after going threeand-out,” he said. “I think it helps us play better.”
INJURY REPORT: Three starting players, Davie said, likely are lost for the season.
Junior free safety Bijon Parker (fractured forearm) and senior nose tackle Johnny Williams (knee) were hurt during the CSU game. Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Teton Saltes (knee) was injured early in UNM’s 38-0 loss at Fresno State on Oct. 14.
Davie said outside rush linebacker Rhashaun Epting and nickel safety Kenneth Maxwell, who missed the CSU game with injuries, likely will be return for Saturday’s game at Wyoming.
He said running backs Romell Jordan and Daryl Chestnut, who came out of the CSU game with shoulder injuries, also should be available in Laramie.
THE QB PICTURE: Davie said he expects no change at quarterback, where starter Lamar Jordan and backup Tevaka Tuiti have alternated the past three games.
“I think scheme dictates a little bit (which quarterback is in),” he said. “I think score of the game dictates a little bit.
“It’s not perfect, but I just think what’s where we are.”