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Erik Cook is the Lobos' ultimate utility player.

Name a position on the offensive line, and Cook can play it.

He is a backup center, but Cook already has logged significant time at right guard and left tackle during the University of New Mexico's first three games this season.

"I feel like I have to be ready to do anything to help the team," Cook said.

Offensive line coach Jason Lenzmeier has demanded that kind of versatility from Cook.

"He told me if anyone goes down, I'm the one who is going in," Cook said. "If anything happens, I have to be ready to step up."

After spelling starters, Cook was asked to step up in a big way at Arizona.

Left tackle Sylvester Hatten went down with a back injury and Cook stepped in to take his place.

It was a huge responsibility for Cook, who often was the only thing protecting Arizona's defensive line from blindsiding right-handed UNM quarterback Donovan Porterie. Left tackles are a hot commodity and among the highest paid linemen in the NFL because they are integral to preventing quarterback injuries.

"I was definitely a little nervous and too cautious at first because I didn't want to mess up," Cook said. "I actually don't know left tackle as well as the other spots. I'm always better handling people on the right since I'm right-handed. After a few plays, I calmed down and decided to just have fun out there. It was a big game and a chance to do something special, so I realized I needed to just enjoy it."

Cook said his favorite spot on the line is right guard, but he is quick to add that he is content helping the team anywhere he is needed on the line.

"I love getting a good jump on guys and taking it to them," Cook said. "I feel like I do that the best when I'm on the right side."

The offensive line was supposed to be one of the Lobos' biggest liabilities entering this season. The group struggled adapting to Bob Toledo's offense and the style of offensive line coach Bob Stanley.

It looked like more trouble was brewing this year with the group learning Dave Baldwin's new offense and Lenzmeier taking over leading the line with no previous coaching experience. The team also lost two veteran starters in Bo Greer and Robert Turner, who earned a spot on the New York Jets' practice squad.

This year's linemen have emphatically swatted any skepticism.

UNM did not give up any sacks in the first two games. Arizona sacked Porterie three times, but the quarterback deserves some of the blame for hanging onto the ball for too long.

The Lobos are averaging 443 yards total offense and 147 rushing yards per game, feats Porterie attributes to the offensive line.

"They do a great job protecting me and give me a lot of time to make things happen," Porterie said. "They're really doing a great job this year, and they're making me look good."

Cook said the linemen are proud of their first three games but are focused on improving.

"I know a lot of people doubted us, but we're a closer group this year and we're focused on doing a good job," Cook said. "We play with a lot of fire. Our goals are to protect the quarterback, create the holes for Rodney (Ferguson) and all our running backs, and really attack the defense. And we really don't want to give up any more sacks this year."

Injury report: Hatten and cornerback Jerome Jenkins both practiced Monday night.

Hatten suffered a back injury at Arizona, but doctors cleared him to play this week.

Jenkins, who also is a starter, suffered a mild concussion but did not have any lingering side effects. UNM head trainer Dave Binder said Jenkins will be evaluated daily to make sure he doesn't suffer another head injury but Jenkins should be able to play against Sacramento State on Saturday.

Quin still ailing: Sophomore cornerback Glover Quin did not see a specialist as planned Monday and is still dealing with a groin injury he suffered during the second half against New Mexico State.

Binder said Quin is restricted to upper-body weight-lifting exercises. Some of the swelling in Quin's groin has gone down, but Binder said the cornerback is still in pain and is eagerly awaiting a diagnosis so he can begin his recovery.