Lobos get commit from Boise State linebacker

Another once-highly-rated recruit is set to join the Lobos.

Boise State transfer linebacker Clay Martineau has committed to New Mexico out of the transfer portal, the Journal learned Tuesday.

A former four-star prospect, the 6-foot-3, 227-pound sophomore appeared in 17 games with the Broncos over the last two seasons. He represents the 18th known commit the Lobos have gained this portal cycle, and the second former four-star recruit in UNM’s transfer class.

24/7 Sports was the first to report Martineau’s commitment Tuesday. He joins the Lobos with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

An Oregon native, Martineau made 107 total tackles, seven sacks and three interceptions with 68 catches for 959 yards in his final two seasons at Oregon City (Ore.) High School. He was the top-rated prospect in Boise State’s class of 2024 after 24/7 Sports rated him as a four-star recruit; Rivals and On3 rated him as a three-star.

“(Martineau) puts combine athleticism to good use on the field as a playmaking receiver and versatile defensive piece who can cover space or rush the passer,” 24/7 Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks wrote in 2024. “(He) displays impressive sudden acceleration and redirecting ability. Has some build-up speed as well … Appears to be a high-ceiling developmental linebacker prospect who fits the modern game.”

Martineau went on to appear in 14 games with Boise State as a true freshman, primarily playing on special teams. His usage decreased last season, one that saw him only appear in three games before leaving the program prior to the Mountain West Championship game in early December.

Upon entering the portal, Martineau announced offers from Sacramento State and UNM, committing to the latter this week.

Here's a look at some other Lobo commits from the last week:

WR Miles Williams

Summary: The 6-0, 191-pound redshirt sophomore led Eastern Washington in receiving last season, making 41 catches for 524 yards and two touchdowns. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

OL Cole Millward

Summary: The 6-6, 275-pound redshirt sophomore did not allow over 12 games with Weber State last season and was the highest rated pass blocker on the team, per Pro Football Focus. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

RB Kiefer Sibley

Summary: The 5-9, 179-pound sophomore rushed for 274 yards and five touchdowns in eight games with North Texas last season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

TE Bear Tenney

Summary: The 6-6, 269-pound freshman appeared in four games with Sacramento State last season, catching two passes for 40 yards and one touchdown. He has four years of eligibility remaining.

DB KJ Battle

Summary: The 6-1, 185-pound freshman made one tackle in four games with Towson University last season. He has four years of eligibility remaining.

K Nicholas Romero

Summary: The 5-9, 192-pound freshman made 13 of 14 attempted field goals last season with Wagner. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

K Konner Olson

Summary: The 6-0, 210-pound graduate student spent last season at Western Kentucky, where he did not attempt a field goal or point after attempt.

LS Lincoln Epstein

Summary: The 5-10, 230-pound redshirt freshman appeared in three games last season with Central Michigan. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

Back for more

After the portal closed over the weekend, it’s relatively easy to discern which Lobos will and won't be coming back next season – after all, if a given player wasn’t among the 16 that entered while the portal was open, they’re probably a safe bet to be back next season.

In any case, UNM recently made it official with two more players: cornerback Abraham Williams and punter Charles Steinkamp have re-signed with the Lobos for their final years of eligibility, the program announced via social media this week.

Williams, a 6-1, 186-pound redshirt senior, made 17 total tackles in seven games last year with UNM before a lower body injury effectively ended his season. He is expected to compete for a starting role at field corner and continue returning kicks.

“Excited to get back to work,” Williams said in a statement provided by the program Sunday.

Steinkamp, a 6-5, 211-pound redshirt junior, served as UNM’s backup punter last season in addition to kicking off 26 times for 17 touchbacks. He is expected to be the frontrunner to start at punter after Daniel Hughes transferred to Florida State.

“Built in 505, staying in the 505!” the Los Alamos native said in a statement provided by the program Tuesday.

UNM has now announced 18 player returns since December. 

Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider.