Six key returners for New Mexico State football to look out for in 2023

LAS CRUCES — New Mexico State football opens fall camp in late July following a 7-6 record and bowl game victory last season.

The Aggies beat Bowling Green in the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit to end Jerry Kill's first season.

Returning players such as quarterback Diego Pavia and defensive back Andre Seldon played a key role in last season's success — both are expected to be significant contributors again.

Here is a list of six returning players who contributed last season, but will have to take another step for the Aggies to be successful in 2023:

More: Five things learned from New Mexico State spring football

Ahmonte Watkins, running back: The Aggies running back room is the best position group on the offensive side of the ball. Power back Star Thomas and Jamoni Jones had the bulk of the carries last season — and could this year as well — but if Watkins takes a step forward in his second year, the Aggies' offense will be tough to stop. If he doesn't, redshirt freshman Makhilyn Young will be ready to provide that explosive element.

Watkins flashed at times during the regular season, making a 22-yard touchdown reception against New Mexico and running away from Power 5 defenders at Wisconsin; however, his Quick Lane Bowl performance stood out. Watkins had a season-high nine carries for 76 yards and a 45-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter that proved to be important — putting the Aggies up 24-7 in a 24-19 win over Bowling Green. Watkins finished the season with 248 rushing yards and four touchdowns, as well as five receptions and a touchdown as a receiver in his first year after transferring from TCU. Expect all of those numbers to increase.

More: Ranking New Mexico State's 2023 road games from easiest to hardest

Jonathan Brady, wide receiver: Brady had a great year as a true freshman and he looked good in spring practice. Brady was second on the team with 23 receptions and three touchdowns, finishing with 310 yards.

Brady moved around last year but proved to be a valuable inside receiver. As the season wore on, Brady and quarterback Diego Pavia seemed to take their chemistry to the next level with 16 receptions for 225 yards and three touchdowns in the Aggies' final five games that included wins over Liberty and Bowling Green.

AJ Viapulu, offensive line: Viapulu emerged as a starter last season at left guard as a true freshman and he hasn't relinquished his spot atop the depth chart.

The 6-foot-2, 285-pound sophomore from California is one of three returning starters up front on the offensive line and was named a Conference USA third-team selection by Phil Steele. Aggies offensive line coach Andrew Mitchell said the Aggies want to run the football better this season and with another year of experience, the team returns all three starters on the left side of the line to lead the Aggies into the season.

Keyshaun Elliot, linebacker: As the Aggies enter Conference USA, where they will face heavy pass offenses such as Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky, the Aggies' middle linebackers will be asked to cover more space in pass defense. Elliot played in 12 games with 27 tackles and a fumble recovery as a freshman last season. He will replace multiple-year starter Trevor Brohard at middle linebacker as the Aggies are replacing nine starters on the defensive side of the ball, including all four linebacker positions.

Elliot, Penn State transfer Jamari Buddin and TCU transfer Jayvhion Gipson are different body types than Brohard and Chris Ojoh; defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling believes the two linebackers in the middle need to be faster and more fluid laterally as the Aggies enter CUSA.

Gabe Peterson, linebacker: Peterson played in nine games as a true freshman last year with a pair of sacks. He left spring practice ahead of fellow sophomore Buddha Peleti at outside linebacker, looking to replace Lazarus Williams. Williams was sixth on the team last year with 42 tackles and he led the Aggies with 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, playing from the boundary. The experience certainly drops off, but Peterson and Peleti will need to at least match the production of Williams.

Sterling Webb, defensive line: Webb is another sophomore who played meaningful snaps last year as a true freshman. Webb had three tackles and a sack against Florida International and forced fumbles against Lamar and Missouri. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound sophomore will be in the rotation for a deep defensive line group that also features returner Izaiah Reed and Arizona transfer Dion Wilson.

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: Six key returners for New Mexico State football in 2023