The University of New Mexico celebrated a notable achievement in college football as head coach Jason Eck was named the Mountain West Conference’s Coach of the Year. In a remarkable twist, his son, linebacker Jaxton Eck, shared the Defensive Player of the Year honors with Chris Johnson from San Diego State. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as it is believed to be the first instance in NCAA Division I history where a father and son have received the top coaching and defensive awards in the same season.
The honor for Jason Eck comes after a transformative year for the Lobos, who currently hold a record of 9-3 and are poised for a bowl game. This season has been especially significant, as it marks the first time since Rocky Long in 2002 that a Lobos coach has received this accolade. Long remains the only coach in Mountain West history to have won the award without achieving a winning record.
Jaxton Eck, who transferred to New Mexico after starting his career at Idaho, has emerged as a standout player. Leading the team with 126 tackles, he also contributed with a safety and a pass completion on a fake punt. He is the first Lobos player to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors since Johnny Jackson in 1982.
Historic Achievements and Team Recognition
The Lobos’ success has not gone unnoticed, as several players received recognition from the Mountain West Conference. In addition to Jaxton Eck’s first-team defensive selection, edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby was recognized for his impressive performance, which included a team-high eight sacks and two forced fumbles. Tight end Dorian Thomas, who recorded 53 catches for 545 yards and four touchdowns, earned a spot on the first-team offense, while offensive lineman Kaden Robnett was named to the second team, notable for not allowing any sacks this season.
Special teams also shone brightly, with Damon Bankston earning the title of the league’s top kick returner, averaging 30.4 yards per return and scoring a touchdown on a 100-yard kickoff return. Other players, including Brian Booker (defensive line), Luke Drzewiecki (kicker), Daniel Hughes (punter), Keagan Johnson (receiver), and Brett Karhu (defensive end), received honorable mention.
Drzewiecki has made history as the top-scoring kicker in UNM history, while Hughes has garnered attention on social media for his engaging posts about life as an Australian-born kicker and the oldest player on the team.
Looking Ahead: Bowl Game and Future Prospects
The Lobos are set to participate in the New Mexico Bowl against a Conference USA opponent on December 27, 2023. This game presents an opportunity for the team to equal the school record for wins in a season, which stands at ten, achieved by the 1982 team.
The accolades received this season highlight not only the individual talents but also the resilience of a program that has undergone significant changes. With over 70 players added to the roster since Jason Eck took over as head coach just a year ago, the Lobos have shown remarkable progress after years of underperformance.
In a league where ten different schools have won the Mountain West Coach of the Year award in the last twelve years, Eck’s achievement stands out. Notably, Urban Meyer (Utah) and Sonny Lubick (Colorado State) are among the coaches who have won the award multiple times, showcasing the competitive nature of the conference.
As the Lobos look to build on this successful season, the achievement of both Jason and Jaxton Eck marks a historic moment in New Mexico football, setting the stage for future successes.
