The University of New Mexico linebacking corps has major inexperience, especially after losing senior Reco Hannah to what is likely a season-ending knee injury.
The UNM linebackers include four players — Ray Leutele, Syaire Riley, Cody Moon and Dion Hunter — who saw their first college football action last year during a 2-5 season.
They believe they can step up in a big-time college venue: at Texas A&M, ranked No. 5 in the coaches’ poll and No. 7 in the Associated Press poll and a 27-point favorite on Saturday.
Riley, who is from Inglewood, Calif, recorded just six tackles last season when he played mostly special teams.