Yobbi: Two more Lobos hope to land in NFL

Lee Yobbi | The New Mexican

4/26/2008 - 4/27/08

Travis Brown and Marcus Smith are waiting, anxiously, today, to walk down a path that is becoming more and more worn with Lobo tracks.

The two first-team all-Mountain West Conference receivers — Smith a two-time selection — from The University of New Mexico won't stray from earshot of their cell phones for the next several hours. It is their future that will be on the other end. The call, should it come as expected, will signify a precious opportunity as the NFL Draft concludes today with rounds three through seven.

"I believe that everybody who plays college football has the hope to be in the draft," says current UNM receiver Roland Bruno. "Travis and Marcus are getting that chance. People at least are coming to look at us."

New Mexico has had only 62 players selected since the draft's inception in 1936. Notre Dame, by comparison, has had more than 450. UNM has never been known as a football factory, but it is increasingly producing NFL-quality players. This a Golden Age for New Mexico. Before the start of the 2007 season, five former Lobos were active in the league as products of the draft, and five others were playing after being signed as free agents.

The most famous UNM football alumnus is Brian Urlacher, the Chicago Bears' six-time all-pro linebacker and The Associated Press' 2005 Defensive Player of the Year. Urlacher broke into the league and racked up 165 tackles with eight sacks after being selected by Chicago with the ninth overall pick in 2000. He remains the highest drafted Lobo ever.

But the player that might help Brown and Smith get their numbers called, ironically, was never drafted at all. Hank Baskett III was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles after signing as a free agent with Minnesota before the 2006 season. Baskett not only made the Eagles, but snagged 22 balls for 464 yards in his rookie season. His first touchdown was a delight to the Philly faithful. It made even the iciest fan melt in place where Santa Claus was once booed. Baskett pulled in an 87-yard reception for a score against the hated Dallas Cowboys in a 38-24 Eagles win.

"Hank paved the way for success, he paved the way for us," says Lobos wideout Jermaine McQueen. "All we have to do now is step up."

The Lobos now play with an eye toward the future because of the recent influx of UNM players in the league.

UNM has sustained a reputation for defense under 11th-year head coach Rocky Long, and its draftees have reflected that. Of the nine players drafted since 2000, including Urlacher, five were defensive. The Lobos' schemes highlight linebackers and safeties with multiple formations and aggressive blitz packages. But now it's a pair of receivers that are waiting to hear the call.

Smith edged out Brown to be the Lobos best statistical receiver, but it was almost a dead heat. Smith amassed 1,125 yards on 91 receptions with four touchdowns. Brown racked up 1,031 yards on 76 catches with six touchdowns. Smith is 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, Brown is 6-3, 202. They stack up evenly in a lot of ways. Now, they hope to add another set of numbers next to their names — the round and pick they were drafted.