Jake Schoellkopf/Special to the Tribune

University of New Mexico sophomore offensive lineman Erik Cook (middle right) is the younger brother of former Lobos center Ryan Cook, who is now starting for the Minnesota Vikings. Erik says he talks often to his older brother, seeking advice.

Jake Schoellkopf/Special to the Tribune

UNM linebacker Zach Arnett (middle) reacts after making a tackle against Sacramento State. Arnett's grandfather, Bob Arnett, played at UNM in the 1950s. This year's Lobos feature seven players with at least one other family member having played at UNM.

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They can say Lobos cherry and silver flows in their blood.

Seven current University of New Mexico football players own the distinction of being at least the second members of their families to don a Lobos uniform.

For most, it means their ties to the program run deeper than any of their teammates can understand.

"It's just special," senior linebacker George Carter said. "It's a little hard to explain to people who didn't grow up part of the Lobo family."

The seven Lobo legacies may be a small tally compared to a powerhouse program like Saturday's homecoming opponent, BYU, but UNM coach Rocky Long said it's a good start.

"I think it says great things about our program that players whose family members once played here want to come to school here," Long said. "I'm glad they want to come back here and be part of the program we are building in New Mexico."

Zach Arnett grew up knowing Lobos football was part of his heritage.

His grandfather, Bob Arnett, played football at UNM in the early 1950s.

"I didn't know too much about his experience playing here, but I did know I had someone in my family who got to wear the uniform," Arnett said.

The family ties didn't tug hard at Arnett when he was deciding on a college.

The chance to play alongside his other brothers of another sort - five former La Cueva High teammates - were a much bigger selling point.

"I was more excited about coming to UNM because so many of my high school teammates and best friends were coming here or being recruited by the school," he said.

Arnett, now a junior linebacker at UNM, grew up watching the Lobos and saw the program evolve from perennial doormat to Mountain West Conference contender.

He said he hopes UNM football means something special to every member of the Arnett family.

"It would be so awesome if some other people in my family ended up playing football at UNM," he said. "I'm a long way from starting a family, but I know nothing would make me prouder than having another Arnett play here."

Jake Bowe calls them war stories.

His father, Sam Bowe, played football at UNM in the early 1970s and talked about what it meant to be a Lobo.

The lessons were so ingrained, Bowe, a junior who plays the roving safety Lobo position, never considered attending another college by the time he reached his senior year at La Cueva High.

"This was it," he said. "I was going to be a Lobo. It's the team my dad played for and the team I grew up watching. It was perfect for me."

Bowe hasn't logged a lot of playing time during his career, but he said every time he steps on the field for special teams coverage is special.

He said nothing compares to the magic of a home game at University Stadium.

"It means a lot to have all your friends and family screaming your name," he said. "And on top of that, it's something special I will always share with my dad. I can't even really describe how important all of that is to me."

George Carter remembers barely being able to contain his excitement watching the UNM football team play Hawaii.

His family moved from Albuquerque to Hawaii for much of his childhood, meaning Carter only got to see or hear the Lobos on the radio once a year.

His uncle, Mike Carter, was a standout running back from 1978-82 and is still on UNM's top 10 all-time rushing list.

"I absolutely loved the Lobos," he said. "They weren't very good back then, but I just loved them so much because of my uncle Mike and because they reminded me of the rest of my family back in Albuquerque."

Carter, a senior, worked his way up from ecstatic Lobos fan to starting linebacker, playing a major role on UNM's defense this season.

Dozens of his family members pack every home game, and his uncle Mike calls to talk about the team.

"Being a Lobo is really special to me," Carter said. "It's a dream come true."

After every UNM football game, Erik Cook's cell phone lights up.

After every Minnesota Vikings game, Ryan Cook's cell phone lights up.

The brothers are quick to consult each other and talk shop.

They review each other's games, identifying strengths and weaknesses. It's as though they never left their home in Albuquerque, where they honed their football skills and pushed each other to get better.

It would be easy for the younger Cook to hate the idea of being a Lobo, especially with a big brother who casts such a large shadow.

Ryan was a Cibola High standout who walked on to the UNM football team. He went on to be a star center for the Lobos and was selected by Minnesota in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft.

Erik, a sophomore, has played at four spots on the offensive line this season. He said he doesn't mind following in his brothers' footsteps.

"I love my brother, and he makes me a better football player," Erik Cook said. "He's a big part of why I wanted to come to UNM. I grew up a Lobo fan, but he made it really special to play here."

UNM football was part of every Forrest family gathering.

Bubba Forrest remembers his father and cousins all trading stories about their time as Lobos. He has four relatives who played at UNM and another two who played for rival Texas-El Paso.

"I can't really think of any of their stories, but I know they made it sound really great," he said.

Forrest, a freshman safety at UNM, was a standout at Carlsbad High. He was recruited by UTEP and New Mexico State, but Forrest stopped listening to other schools the moment UNM offered him a scholarship.

"There never really was any other school for me," he said. "My family was so excited when I decided to come here, and I was so excited when I got the offer. I think it's where I was meant to go to college."

He is redshirting this season, but Forrest said he still gets some advice from his family.

"They keep telling me not to get discouraged since I don't get to play this year," Forrest said. "I think I'm going to get a lot better because I'm sitting this year out, but it's good to have them encouraging me."

Abdullah Konte's most frustrating moment as a Lobo was watching his teammates bowl a few games against San Jose State during the New Mexico Bowl last year.

"It was the worst feeling because they said there wasn't enough space and the walk-ons just had to sit and watch," said Konte, a redshirt freshman cornerback. "It was hard not feeling like I was part of the team, and I promised myself I would work really hard so that it wouldn't happen again."

Konte's brothers endured similar slights as they worked they way up from walk-ons to key members of the football team.

Mohammed was a linebacker and Sulayman was a fullback during their senior seasons in 2001.

"They did so much here, that it pushes me a lot harder," Abdullah Konte said. "I feel like I don't just have to prove myself to my teammates, I have to prove myself to my family. If I don't do as well as they did, then I will be really disappointed. I just want to live up to my family's name and make them proud."

Once Reece Zunker decided to try his hand at being a college kicker, there was no doubt in his mind where he should go to school.

Zunker left New Braunfels, Texas, and walked on to the UNM football team.

"It was an easy decision," said the freshman kicker. "My brother had a great experience here, and I knew all about the football program. It wasn't really taking a chance when I knew I would get to play if I proved myself."

Reece's older brother, Wes Zunker, is one of the most successful kickers in UNM history. Wes was a fan favorite who booted game-winning kicks over Texas Tech and Colorado State.

The Zunker brothers grew up playing soccer, and Wes was the first to take up football.

"One day when I was in middle school, Wes asked me to go out with him and kick a field goal," Reece Zunker said. "It turns out I was pretty good at it. That's how I got started kicking."

The younger Zunker said he doesn't mind shouldering big-time expectations thanks to his brother's success.

"I don't mind being pushed to be the best," Zunker said. "If I can do a good job and be trusted like he was, then I'll be very happy."