New Mexico State football: Five things to watch in Aggies fall camp

LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico State football team opens fall camp on Wednesday just about a month before the season opener against Massachusetts on Aug. 26 at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

The Aggies were picked fifth in the Conference USA preseason media poll last week coming off a 7-6 record and victory over Bowling Green in the Quick Lane Bowl to cap Jerry Kill's first season in Las Cruces.

With Kill back for his second season and a number of key returners, the Aggies look to return to bowl eligibility as part of a FBS conference for the first time since 2017.

Here are five things to watch as the Aggies open practice:

More: New Mexico State football coach Jerry Kill optimistic entering Year 2

Offensive line improvement

While the Aggies offensive line is not necessarily a question mark like it was entering last season, it is a key group if the Aggies want to take a step forward offensively under second-year offensive coordinator Tim Beck.

The Aggies return four players up front with starting experience in an Aggies uniform. The Aggies seemed to finish spring break with a clear idea of the top five up front with left tackle Shiyazh Pete, left guard AJ Vaipulu, center Canaan Yarro, right guard Isaiah Mursalat and Boise State transfer Jacob Golden at right tackle.

The Aggies return all skill positions from last season, so they should improve upon the 331 yards per game and 162 rushing yards per game from last year depending on the matchups. While the goal is 200 rushing yards per game and 4.75 yards per carry, the Aggies' ability to be more versatile offensively rests with the production up front.

NM State's rushing attack was primarily inside zone and outside zone last year with little power run schemes up front. With more familiarity this season, the Aggies could be harder to defend but it all starts with the offensive line improving.

Can Diego Pavia take his game to another level?

In order for the Aggies to rattle off a 6-1 record to close last season, Pavia was the best player on the team.

The New Mexico Military Institute transfer looked more comfortable during spring practice despite talent in the QB room. Pavia finished last season with 1,450 passing yards and 13 touchdowns with a 53% completion rate and six interceptions. Pavia's mobility makes him deadly as he showed in a game-sealing drive to run the clock out against Bowling Green. With returners at receiver and running back, Pavia's numbers should improve across the board and allow the Aggies to move the football on the ground and through the air.

Can defense overcome inexperience?

The Aggies were a senior-dominated unit on defense last year and finished No. 30 in FBS total defense — a remarkable turnaround under first-year defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling.

Dreiling and the Aggies coaches believe the talent level and depth have increased over last year's group, but they will lack experience at the Division I level.

NM State lost its top four tacklers and six of its leading eight tacklers, including all four linebackers.

The Aggies did a good job in the transfer portal upgrading the defensive line and secondary and Dreiling is confident in sophomores who did play meaningful snaps at linebacker last season. Sophomore Keyshaun Elliot will start at middle linebacker and outside linebackers Gabe Peterson, Noah Arinze, Buddha Peleti and Nikhil Webb Walker all played last year.

"We were pretty senior loaded last year," Dreiling said. "We are just getting everyone comfortable playing with the new faces and understanding chemistry. Whether or not we will get off to a good start, we need to. There will be a learning curve, but that is why the reps in camps and scrimmages will be huge for us."

What is the defensive identity?

Dreiling believes the added athletic ability and depth will help the Aggies turn up the pressure on some of the pass-happy offenses the Aggies will play in Conference USA.

Last year's defensive approach was to limit big plays, make the offense continue to take snaps and wait for a mistake. Dreiling wants to improve on tackles for loss (75 last year), sacks (28 last year) and forced turnovers (seven interceptions, seven recovered fumbles).

"We want to be more aggressive," Dreiling said. "Sacks, turnovers and tackles for loss will be the main priority going into camp. I think we are more talented, but at the same time, we have higher standards. There is no reason for us to take a step back. We want to put our offense in better spots and the way you do that is with sacks and turnovers."

Intriguing position group battles

Defensive line: The Aggies added legitimate size across the defensive line that will hopefully create penetration in pass defense and limit the run game. Arizona transfer Dion Wilson stood out in spring practice from a production and leadership standpoint. Junior college transfer Gabriel Iniguez and returners Izaiah Reed and Sterling Webb give the Aggies a solid top four up front. The Aggies also added junior college transfer Denver Warren and veterans Tyriece Thomas and Marcus Buckley giving the defensive line group depth and size that is rare for a Group of 5 program.

Running back: The running back room is the best offensive unit from top to bottom and the Aggies did a good job utilizing three players throughout last season. Returners Star Thomas and Jamoni Jones seem to get the first chance during a game to catch the hot hand; however, it was speedster Ahmonte Watkins with his best game of the season against Bowling Green. If there is a lead back in the group, it could be Thomas — who has slimmed down and looks to build on last season — where he led the Aggies with 520 yards on five yards per carry. Watkins has loads of potential as an explosive option, but Aggies coaches are also high on redshirt freshman Makhliyn Young, who will play a role in his second year.

Inside linebacker: Dreiling believes Elliot will be the face of the Aggies defense for the next three seasons due to his ability to tackle in space, cover and leadership. But who will play next to him? In spring practice, Penn State transfer Jamari Buddin and returner Jayvhion Gipson stood out with their speed as the Aggies look to replace standout Chris Ojoh at the position.

Tight end: The Aggies seem to have a good mix of players who can block or stretch the field. Senior Thomaz Whitford is in his third year at NM State. Whitford had 12 receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns last year. The Aggies added Utah State transfer Ron Tiavaasue as a physical presence and Stony Brook transfer Tyler Devera, who Devera had 22 receptions for 308 yards and three touchdowns for Stony Brook last season. Sophomore Trevor Stephens looked good in spring practice and gives offensive coordinator Tim Beck multiple options for two tight end personnel packages this season.

Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459 or jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on Twitter @jpgroves.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico State football: Five things to watch in Aggies fall camp