NMSU coaches, players talk upcoming season as camp approaches

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State football head coach Doug Martin, defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani and several players met with members of themediaonWednesdayfor NM StateMediaDayto kick off Fall Camp for the 2016 season.

Martin opened with a statement about the season and then answered questions for themediamembers. Spaziani and players also spent time with themedia.

Football student-athletes reported back to campus onTuesdayand will begin practicesThursdayafternoon. Practices begin at 3 p.m. and are open to the public and themediauntil approximately 4 p.m.

The Aggies kick off the 2016 season as they take on Battle of I-10 rival UTEP on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. in El Paso, Texas. The game will be televised on BeIN Sports.

Head Coach Doug Martin and Defensive Coordinator Frank Spaziani:Click Here

Senior LB Derek Ibekwe

On how his game has progressed the past two seasons…

“I feel like I’m smarter than I’ve been in the years before. I’m stronger and I’m faster. Now I just know what I’m doing. I’m more comfortable.”

On the impact of coach Spaziani on the defense…

“I feel like he’s had a great impact. He actually teaches us a lot, more than I’ve ever known. He’s helping me with my zone coverage and pass coverage so I feel like I’ve gotten better with that.”

Sophomore LB Terrill Hanks

On how he played his first year…

“I just wanted to be a role player and lead by example. From sideline to sideline, I just wanted to make plays for my team.”

On working with coach Spaziani…

“That experience has been really great for us as a team. We’ve stayed in the film room. We’ve soaked up a bunch of knowledge from him and all his past coaching at BC [Boston College]. We are pretty confident on the defensive side right now.”

On this season…

“Get ready for the ride. If you were with us back then, and you are with us now, get prepared to celebrate.”

Junior RB Larry Rose III

On if the all the attention gets distracting…

“It doesn’t really. My parents did a great job of raising me, keeping me humble and keeping me grounded, so I don’t really think it is a distraction. I feel like everything I go through in life I’m built for and designed for, so all of the attention is what comes with success. Everything I do, I do to be successful. I don’t see attention as a surprise or something I need to focus on, because I know it comes with what I’m trying to do.”

On the offseason…

“This past offseason was rough. Coach Decker and Coach Martin put us through a real hard offseason. It was the hardest offseason I’ve been through. It was hard, but it was a good hard because nothing comes out of it but positive results. While the offseason was tough, now when we step on the field we know that other teams don’t belong on there with us because they didn’t go through what we went through.”

Graduate QB Tyler Matthews

On why he chose NM State…

“I saw a good opportunity and got in touch with Coach Martin. I had a good feeling about this place, and saw all of the potential here.”

On learning the offense…

“At first it was [challenging]. When it really comes down to it, most schools do the same things, it’s just a different lingo and verbiage when it comes to the offense. Coach Martin has done a great job of getting me in and helping me learn the offense. I’ve learned the complete offense and it’s only been a month or two since I got here. I feel really comfortable with the offense right now.”

Senior QB Tyler Rogers

On the quarterback position and what he has learned in the last two years…

“I don’t think the fundamentals have changed at all in the last two years. I think it is still about going out there and being a leader and trying to learn the offense. It’s mostly leading by example and always having a good attitude because you are the quarterback. I think, personally, I have matured and taken things more seriously.”

On learning from a head coach who was a quarterback…

“It has been really beneficial. I have learned a lot and gotten a lot of information. [Coach Martin] really explains the ins and outs and details of the position. Things like footwork technique and picking up on reads.”