NMSU adds 25 on National Signing Day

New Mexico State announced the addition of 25 signees to the team on National Signing Day, including three players with ties to El Paso and Las Cruces.

Head coach Doug Martin said the focus this year was on recruiting junior college players and those who could immediately help out on the defensive side of the ball.

“There’s a couple reasons for that,” said Martin. “One was that defensively, and most of that was on the defensive side of the ball, we’ve got to make up some ground to win. Offensively, we really feel like we’ve made the strides. We’re where we need to be.”

More than half (13) of the players signed by NMSU were JUCO transfers.

NMSU also signed two high school players from Las Cruces. Wide receiver Gaven Swinson of Mayfield had been a commit since the beginning of the season, as had Onate linebacker Matt Young, who is the son of NMSU legend Fredd Young.

Both officially signed on to play with the Aggies on Wednesday.

NMSU also added Jon Vogt, a junior college transfer who played at Canutillo High School.

The 2016 Gatorade Player of the Year in New Mexico, Josh Foley, also signed to play with NMSU after announcing his decision last week. Foley helped lead Rio Rancho High School to the 6A state title this past season.

The Aggies will host an official signing day event on Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the Barbara Hubbard Room prior to the men’s basketball game at the Pan American Center.