OMaury Samuels, New Mexico State Football News: Draft Scout Player News

07/17/22 - RB OMaury Samuels, rSr/2023, New Mexico State

New Mexico State's offense has featured talented running backs, but depth at the position was not a priority as the Aggies' focus was primarily throwing the football under previous head coach Doug Martin. The Aggies averaged 30 attempts per game last season and averaged 3.3 yards per rush. Jerry Kill's last stop, Texas Christian, averaged 39 rush attempts last season for five yards per carry. TCU had six players with at least 20 carries last season with four players rushing for over 350 yards last year. The Aggies had three players with over 60 carries last season, but leading rusher Juwaun Price (135 attempts for 693 yards) and quarterback Jonah Johnson (130 attempts for 166 yards) have transferred.

Depth in the backfield is a priority in Kill's offense and the Aggies have added talent accordingly. "I think by the time fall camp rolls around, there will be three or four running backs who will cause some problems for teams," Aggies offensive coordinator Tim Beck said. O'Maury Samuels is the Aggies leading returning rusher and Alex Escobar has limited experience, as well. But Kill addressed the running back position in recruiting. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M transfer Jamoni Jones and TCU transfer Ahmonte Watkins stood out during spring practice. The Aggies have added Coffeyville Community College transfer Star Thomas since spring practice and freshman Makhilyn Young signed in February and will be on the field when fall camp begins on July 29. "They have put a great running game together and we have nine running backs and I can tell you 100 percent that all of us can play," Jones said. "They want you to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield, line up in the slot and go block a defensive end, so you have to be versatile." - Las Cruces Sun News

rSr/2023