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Lobos standout keeps roommate in check

Lobos redshirt freshman Jerome Jenkins doesn't mind getting picked on by his roommate.

Jenkins, who is stepping into a starting job at cornerback for the University of New Mexico, takes a beating from junior standout cornerback DeAndre Wright.

"We talk all the time at home. He always tells me what I did wrong, and I tell him what he did right," Jenkins said. "And that's the way it should be."

The Lobos are hoping Wright's skills rub off on Jenkins, who is replacing starter Glover Quin at least for the next three weeks while he recovers from a groin injury.

"I think it's working out great so far because I can keep DeAndre calm before a game so he can play his best, and he can teach me everything I need to know to be the best," Jenkins said. "I think he had a hard time against New Mexico State because he was on Chris Williams all night, and he got too intense about it. That's a tough assignment, but we both figured out you play so much better when you're calm."

The Lobos will be tested heavily again this weekend against Arizona.

The Wildcats run a replica of New Mexico State's pass-happy offense, with first-year offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes installing the system he learned as an assistant under Aggies coach Hal Mumme while both were at Kentucky.

"I love the challenge, and I know all we have to do is play smart," Jenkins said. "We know the secret to doing a good job is having good fundamentals and staying focused."

Jenkins looks to turn his man toward the sideline after a little bumping at the line scrimmage, veering even the most athletic receivers out of contention to make a play. He has to watch the opponent's hips to avoid biting on fakes and always be on his toes.

And Jenkins isn't above using a little trash talk to get an edge.

"I love to talk," he said. "I may be young, but I talk like I'm a veteran. My favorite thing to say is, `I can run too.' Guys always say, `I'm gonna run right by you,' like that's supposed to intimidate me. I just smile and say, `I can run too.' It makes them think for a second and lets them know they aren't throwing me off at all. It's perfect."

Baca gets a shot: La Cueva High standout Frankie Baca was willing to do anything to help his team.

But Baca has to admit it was getting a little frustrating mostly seeing action on special teams and biding his time as a third option at the Lobo position.

With Quin missing major time with his injury, the UNM coaches moved Baca back to cornerback.

Now he is fighting with other Lobos, including fellow Albuquerque area product Abdullah Konte, for a backup job at one of UNM's toughest positions.

"I feel really excited I have this opportunity to show the coaches I can help the team," Baca said. "It's really exciting to get a chance to make some plays."

Lineman leaves: Junior offensive lineman Tyler Boyett has left the University of New Mexico football team.

Boyett, a transfer from Mississippi Delta Community College, missed practice Monday and today without telling coaches he would be absent. UNM head coach Rocky Long asked the assistant coach who recruited Boyett to investigate his absence and learned from talking with Boyett's mother the player decided to leave the program.

Long said Boyett did not get accepted in UNM's X-ray technician program and opted to pursue certification in the field at home in Mississippi. His mother told the assistant coach who contacted her that she considered two years of football at UNM plus another year of study at home to get certification a waste of her son's time.

Boyett's departure counts against UNM's Academic Progress Rate ranking and could cost the Lobos scholarships next year.

Arizona's dugout: The Lobos will be entering especially hostile territory when they visit Arizona Stadium on Saturday.

The Wildcats boast a notoriously cramped visitors locker room often referred to as a bunker or dugout.

The Lobos will have to climb down several flights of stairs under the stadium to gather in very cramped quarters. UNM coaches recall the ceilings were about eight feet tall.

UNM head coach Rocky Long said the visiting digs shouldn't make any difference for the players.

"Our team is trained to be prepared for anything to happen on the road," he said.

Long's players don't expect a strict, structured road schedule. He said other coaches focus more on such details and any change in the schedule can derail the team's performance before the game even begins.

The Lobos proved their road mettle in 2003 when a massive snow storm made mincemeat of their travel plans, but they still managed to pull off a 26-3 win in Laramie, Wyo.