New Mexico sleeper picks up yards
Wide receiver Nicky Lawson isn't the only player from Albuquerque (N.M.) Manzano who has attracted some D-I attention. Manzano high school is home for a back who plays in a one-back system and he dominated the opposition in 2004.
The athlete in question is Jered Metzgar (6-2, 175, 4.6). Though Metzgar was the featured back for Manzano he probably projects as a fullback on the D-I level.
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Metzgar earned second-team all-state, first-team all-city and first-team all-league honors as a junior after rushing for 1,450 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Metzgar started five games as a linebacker as a junior and played in situational defense when he didn't start. He will likely start both ways in 2005.
"I think he's one of the best running backs in the state," Manzano coach Aaron Ocampo said. "He's a big, fast, and athletic kid."
"Usually when an athlete has all of Jered's qualities he's going to be recruited," Ocampo said. "He is also pretty strong."
One opposing coach told Rivals.com that Metzgar killed his team in 2004. "Jered is definite hard nose bruiser."
Metzgar is a sleeper from a state that doesn't get a lot of attention in the recruiting trail.
Interesting enough he getting looks from three schools that recruit the Land of Enchantment better than anyone else.
You would hope and expect New Mexico and New Mexico State to do a thorough job recruiting their home state and they do. Both in-state schools have showed recruiting interest in Metzgar.
The third school showing interest is Texas Tech.
The scouting report on Metzgar is he's very fluid and runs like running back in a fullback's body.
One to watch this fall.