Davie puts out a challenge to starters

UNM head coach urged them to work harder ahead of UNLV game

When New Mexico football coach Bob Davie makes an announcement about walk-on players earning scholarships it’s not his style to make it a show or special surprise for the public.

Davie instead reveals the good news in front of the entire team, as he did Wednesday morning, letting the Lobos know that safety and special teams stud Johnny Hernandez and kicker Andrew Shelley had earned scholarships.

The energy was great and both Hernandez and Shelley were genuinely grateful about the news, Davie said.

Davie also used the moment to challenge his starters to work harder and appreciate what they have. It came at a good time as the Lobos prepare to open Mountain West Conference play against UNLV today in

Las Vegas, Nev.

“If you are the guy who is that starter and you are on full scholarship, you by far should not take one second of what you have for granted, because everybody wants to be you,” Davie said of what he told his starters on Wednesday morning. “It’s always about trying to work hard, always trying everyday to better yourself.”

Hernandez and Shelley had unusual stories that prove hard work pays off.

Hernandez shows his love for the game each day, as his body takes a physical toll when he contributes on the scout team and on three special teams.

“You’d be amazed how many snaps he takes each day,” Davie said of Hernandez. “It’s unbelievable.”

Hernandez came from Temecula, Calif. The redshirt junior played junior college football at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif. Hernandez said he came to UNM to be in its Naval/ROTC program. But he sought a walk-on opportunity with the Lobos and when it became available, he jumped at it instead.

Hernandez said he enjoys being an example and wants to motivate his teammates. He has learned a great lesson while finding his place on the team.

“Scholarship or non scholarship I feel like if you are on this field you could have a role no matter what and people need to realize that,” Hernandez said. “It doesn’t matter if you are on scholarship or not if you bust your tail you can play.”

Shelley, a redshirt freshman out of Eldorado High, was featured in the Journal in August. He basically came out of nowhere to win the field-goal and PAT kicking job. The Lobos now have three kickers on scholarship, including graduate transfer Danny Sutton, who is the kicker for the kickoffs, and freshman Stephen Ruiz.

Davie sort of teases Shelley telling him that he is the bestkept secret in the nation, but the coach believes it to be true.

“The scholarship was a milestone for sure but it wasn’t my final goal,” Shelley said. “My journey as a walk-on it’s only really begun and hopefully this season and the years to come I can make myself worth (the scholarship).”

Davie will need each player to step up against UNLV, especially the starters. Starting fast will only help. Davie said mistakes and lack of execution led to the Lobos’ demise in the first half last week against Liberty when they fell trailed 42-10.