UNM position preview: Remade defensive line 'headed in right direction'

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Defensive line

To the staff, and to his completely remade position group, Hebron Fangupo is better known by a different name: Coach Loni.

“My name, Hebron, in Tongan is translated to Hepeloni,” he said Wednesday. “So when my mom’s mad at me — ‘LONI!’” That’s how we got 'Loni'.”

But at least for now, his title might be the bigger deal. As New Mexico’s defensive line coach, Fangupo is the leader of a group that could reverse dire trends of years past for UNM; a program that’s finished at or near the bottom of the country in sacks and rushing defense over the last two seasons.

For now, Fangupo has liked what he’s seen.

“Their bond is growing, their confidence is growing, and I think we’re headed in the right direction,” he said. “As coaches, (we) just got to keep pouring gas and keep pushing them to elevate to the next level.”

Part of that improvement lies in the addition of a ready-made star. Idaho transfer, defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby is expected to start at Jack — the Lobos’ boundary end position — after making 10.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles with the Vandals last season.

“He’s really taken on the leadership role. (He's) taking in the young guys and taking the time to coach them up, (to) help them with the playbook and stuff like that,” Fangupo said. “But one thing that makes Key special is he has a baby coming … I challenge him to work hard. He always asks me, am I happy? Was it good?

“Like, no, you gotta go faster. Because your little girl is going to need you to go faster.”

On the other end of the line, a different Idaho transfer is expected to start: Xavier Slayton.

“He’s grown,” Fangupo said. “Coaches have challenged him a lot and he’s responding every day. He can rush the passer, that’s what comes natural to him. (But) him playing the run is improving every day, so I’m proud of him.”

On the interior, UNM will largely work with returners Gabe Lopez and Okiki Olorunfunmi, and transfers Brian Booker (Texas Southern) and Jalen McIver (Jones College). To emphasize speed up front, Lopez and Olorunfunmi — previously edge rushers — were moved to the inside this offseason.

“Inside, we want more athletic guys versus heavier set (offensive) linemen … Everything, all our movements, we got to have them crisp and fast,” Fangupo said.

UNM will rotate a good deal, though. One rotational player who stood out throughout fall camp was Memphis transfer Brett Karhu, an undersized, but quick, 6-foot-1, 226-pound Jack.

“He’s the heart, man. He’s the heartbeat,” Fangupo said. “You can see the (lack of) size out there, but man, his heart’s bigger than the people he’s lining up against.”