Hounds well-stocked heading into signing day

CMI staff

Eastern New Mexico University’s football program has rarely, if ever, been in this position before.

Coming off a Lone Star Conference co-championship last fall, the Greyhounds head into today’s signing day actually well-stocked for next season in most positions.

Third-year ENMU coach Josh Lynn said the Hounds (7-3, 5-1 LSC last year) expect to return 18 of 22 starters, plus their two kickers, to next year’s team.

“It’s not going to be as big (of a class) as we’ve had the last two years because we’ve got a lot of guys coming back,” he said. “And that’s kind of nice.”

The only losses to graduation among the first units are fullback Christian Long, left tackle Kevin Smith and right guard John Mendoza on offense, and end Bracy McCoy on defense.

Even much of the depth will be seniors in the fall, so the Hounds may be looking to build beyond next season.

Lynn said the Hounds have started to shift their recruiting emphasis a bit, away from the Dallas area and towards west Texas, New Mexico and Colorado.

“There’s been a change in our mentality,” he said. “Those kids (in east Texas) will have to pass through every school in the conference (to get to ENMU).”

The Hounds went on a wild ride to gain a share of the LSC title with Tarleton State last fall, posting one-point wins at Angelo State and at West Texas A&M after trailing by at least 20 points in both games and then stunning nationally-ranked Midwestern State 40-21 at home late in the season.

Lynn knows a repeat of that nature won’t be easy, never mind that most of the team returns.

“We have to be real careful,” he said. “I think a lot of teams may have overlooked us last year, and they probably won’t do that again.”

Lynn said he hopes to be able to sign 15-20 prospects today.

“Fullback is the big need for us,” he said. “And we want to get some help junior college-wise in our offensive line.”