Receiver Kress ready to make more big plays for Lobos
He is averaging 29.2 yards on his 14 catches
There were a couple deep balls that quarterback Tevaka Tuioti threw that were off target with wide receiver Jordan Kress open and in the clear for a would-be touchdown reception against Hawaii last Saturday.
Kress, the Lobos’ top receiver, admitted the initial reactions to those missed opportunities are anger and frustration. But after assessing the situation, the competitive junior realized he and Tuioti just weren’t on the same page.
They also make Kress hungrier to take advantage of those opportunities when they come his way again.
“We just have to get back to the film room and study together and see how we can figure it out,” said Kress, a 6-foot, 197-pound junior college transfer from Butte College in California, who has 409 yards receiving and four touchdowns on 14 catches (29.2 yards per catch). “It was some missed opportunities for sure, but I’m ready to bite the bullet and get back to it.”
Kress has shown what he can do with the ball in his hands. His 29.2 yards per catch would lead the nation in that category, but he must average at least two receptions per game to qualify.
He did eventually get on the same page with Tuioti against the Rainbow Warriors for a 59-yard touchdown reception late in the Lobos’ 45-31 home loss. Now, Kress believes there will be more opportunities when UNM (2-6, 0-4 in Mountain West Conference) plays at
Nevada (4-4, 1-3) on Saturday night. The Wolf Pack is allowing 229.8 passing yards per game, seventh in the conference.
“They’re more of a stiff team; not too great on their technique,” Kress said. “I should be able to beat them over the top, and I should be able to get some deep balls if possible. Also, in the (underneath) game. We’ve added a few plays this week. I’m hoping we can get some short game as well.”
Kress said he has gotten used to playing at the NCAA Division I level and at a fast pace. He said he’s ready to contribute more so that the Lobos can end
a five-game losing skid.
UNM coach Bob Davie is stressing balance because the Lobos can also go to their run game with running back Ahmari Davis, who leads the MWC in rushing (759 yards).
But Davie also believes there will be opportunities for Kress and the receivers.
“He’s taken advantage of every opportunity that he’s been given,” Davie said of Kress. “He has some bigplay capability. He’s faster than what he looks at times. He’s able to run away from people. He has really strong hands. Works at the game, very serious about his craft, very serious about playing football.”
Apollo Wright, UNM’s running backs coach who was the quarterbacks coach, recruited Lobo quarterback Brandt Hughes and Kress while they were at Butte, Davie said.
Wright noticed Hughes’ big arm and his ability to get the ball out quick. Hughes, who won the UNM starting spot out of preseason camp, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the season opener.
Kress’ deceptive speed jumped out too as did his knack for turning on a different speed when he got the ball.
“Once I touch the ball, I don’t know what it is, I just get this switch to it,” Kress said “I just want to get to the zone. Whenever I feel the ball is secure and I’m going, I just want to get to the zone.”
Kress said he gained more moves and better vision with the ball because he played running back while at Mountain View High in Loveland, Colorado. After going the junior college route, he would have liked to have signed with Colorado State, but he really just wanted an opportunity. He said the Rams weren’t really interested, and UNM was his one main offer.
Davie said he was grateful that Kress was “under the radar,” during the recruiting process, but late in the game, Kress garnered more interest.
“I’m glad how it all came out,” said Kress, who has had two 100-yard games and is the first Lobo to have two in one season since 2011. “I never got an offer from Colorado State. I got an offer from University of Northern Colorado. No other programs, really. After I sent my letter of intent, I started getting some phone calls. But this was my biggest FBS offer, so I took it and ran with it.”