THE BOARD: New Mexico Football

The number

22 — Twenty-two offers for cornerback Bryson Fleming out of North Forney, Texas. Fleming chose New Mexico over 21 other programs. Edge rusher Ar'Modd Alexander, also from North Forney, held 18 offers. When two players from the same Texas high school pick New Mexico, the staff has a pipeline — not a flier.

The fit

Jason Eck took over the Lobos in December 2024 and went 9-4 in his first season, reaching the Rate Bowl. Now his staff is recruiting coast to coast. Three commits from California, three from Texas, one from Georgia, one from Washington, one from Arizona, one from Minnesota, one from New Mexico. The average distance is 691 miles — the Lobos are not recruiting their backyard. They are recruiting where the talent is and selling an ascending program.

The defensive emphasis is clear. Ten of the 15 commits play defense — three defensive ends, two cornerbacks, two linebackers, two edge rushers and a safety. Eck's Idaho teams made the FCS Playoffs three straight years. This class is built on the same side of the ball.

The California pipeline stands out. Dailon Clanton (LB, Mater Dei), Bradley Cassier (QB, Saint Monica) and Collin Benninger (TE, Central Catholic) give New Mexico three from the state. Clanton's Mater Dei pedigree brings immediate credibility. Cassier is the class's only quarterback — a 6-4 passer with eight offers.

The commits

Bryson Fleming — CB, 5-11, 170, North Forney HS, Forney, Texas. Grade: 65.41. Stars: 3.2. Offers: 22. Highest-rated commit in the class. National rank: 1,521.

Dailon Clanton — LB, 6-1, 210, Mater Dei HS, Santa Ana, Calif. Grade: 65.34. Stars: 3.2. Offers: 8. Mater Dei product.

Bradley Cassier — QB, 6-4, 200, St. Monica Catholic, Santa Monica, Calif. Grade: 60.17. Stars: 3.1. Offers: 8. Only quarterback in the class.

Dontae Moore — CB, 5-11, 170, New Manchester HS, Douglasville, Ga. Grade: 59.42. Stars: 3.0. Offers: 14.

Ar'Modd Alexander — Edge, 6-3, 225, North Forney HS, Texas. Grade: 57.61. Stars: 2.9. Offers: 18. Second North Forney commit.

Tayven Collins — SAF, 5-10, 180, Puyallup HS, Puyallup, Wash. Grade: 55.92. Stars: 2.9. Offers: 6.

Collin Benninger — TE, 6-4, 215, Central Catholic HS, Calif. Grade: 45.64. Stars: 2.8. Offers: 6.

Ryder Molchanoff — Edge, 6-4, 230, Cathedral Catholic HS, Calif. Grade: 44.42. Stars: 2.8. Offers: 5.

Tighe Williams — DE, 6-2, 270, Creekside HS, Ga. Grade: 41.81. Stars: 2.7. Offers: 7.

Ilias Williams — IOL, 6-4, 260, San Jacinto HS, Calif. Grade: 40.55. Stars: 2.7. Offers: 1.

Hudson Clarksean — LB, 6-2, 215, Mankato West HS, Minn. Grade: 40.53. Stars: 2.7. Offers: 1.

Zade Brown — DE, 6-4, 250, Valley Vista HS, Surprise, Ariz. Grade: 39.90. Stars: 2.7. Offers: 3.

Gunner Edwards — DE, 6-5, 245, Frenship HS, Texas. Grade: 38.69. Stars: 2.7. Offers: 2.

Hershul Olloway Jr. — RB, 5-7, 170, St. Pius HS, N.M. Grade: 38.63. Stars: 2.7. Offers: 3. Lone in-state commit.

Evan Macken — TE, 6-5, 230, Coppell HS, Texas. Grade: 38.22. Stars: 2.6. Offers: 4.

The targets

New Mexico's class ranks 114th nationally and sixth in the Mountain West per Profile. The Lobos' average rating (48.8) ranks 119th nationally. The class is defensive-heavy and geographically spread — expect the staff to target offensive skill players and in-state prospects when the calendar opens back up.

College football's Dead Period began June 22 and runs through July 31. Coaches cannot have in-person contact with recruits during this window. This is a check-in on where the Lobos' class stands as the Dead Period begins.