Notre Dame Football: Four Problematic New Mexico Players

New Mexico might not be a threat to Notre Dame, but if these guys have big games, it could be Ball State 2018 all over again.

The Lobos of New Mexico come into this matchup with Notre Dame with a record of 1-0, but down one of the most important people in the program: their head coach.

Bob Davie won’t be returning to the sidelines he called home from 1994-2001. He’s recovering from a health scare that thankfully was just that — a scare.

As for the guys on the field, New Mexico comes in as a team that has some talent, but is clearly overmatched. The Lobos have nothing to lose — and that could make them dangerous.

Sheriron Jones, QB

The former Tennessee quarterback is being thrown right into the fire this week, as season starter Brandt Hughes is out. Jones played in 11 games last season, and has a 54.8% completion percentage with 1541 yards and a 13-12 Touchdown to Interception ratio in his career. He’s not a bad quarterback by any means, but he definitely leaves you wanting more through the air.

The former 4-star recruit has also shown that he can run, which should help against a Notre Dame defense that struggled against the run vs. Louisville. As with most quarterbacks, Jones could be what makes the Lobo offense go.

Ahmari Davis, RB

As previously mentioned, the Irish struggled last week to stop Louisville’s rushing attack. The former junior college player is now fully adjusted to Division 1, but he’s yet to play against a team like Notre Dame. If Davis can have a repeat of his season opener, it could be a carbon copy of Labor Day. Davis had 16 carries for 107 yards along with two catches for 58 yards.

All together, he averaged 9.2 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Davis doesn’t have eye-popping numbers through his career, with only one 100-yard game. But he showed last week that he’s not a player that can be taken lightly. If he is, the Irish could be in trouble.

Alex Hart, LB

Hart, a redshirt senior, has been through it all with New Mexico. From a 9-win season and a bowl victory to 3-9 last season, Hart knows what it takes to not only win at New Mexico, but also the pain of losing. His experience, although somewhat limited in actual game performances, is key to make other players around him better.

Over his five years (but only 28 games,) Hart has 112 total tackles. His best game game came in 2017 against Air Force, where he had 9 tackles with a sack and a force fumble. He also had an impressive 13 tackles against Wisconsin last season. At 6’3″, 235 pounds, Hart has the potential to make it a long day for the likes of Tony Jones Jr. and Jahmir Smith.

De’Jon Rogers, DB

Rogers had a good game against Sam Houston State, with a forced fumble to go along with his seven tackles. On his career, Rogers has only 33 tackles. The senior is yet another “young guy” being broken into the Lobos defense. Expect Rogers to see plenty of time against Chase Claypool.

Rogers also returned punts last week for the first time in his career. He returned five for 47 yards, which puts him just outside the Top 20 nationally, even though he’s only played in one game. Rogers should be all over the field for the Lobos and making an impact against Notre Dame in many different ways.