Las Vegas, New Mexico - In a stunning display of recruiting prowess, the New Mexico Highlands University Football program has emerged as the undisputed leader in college football signings in the state of New Mexico, with more than 20 in state recruits inked during this year's signing day. NMHU Football is aiming to set the bar for NM programs, not only with in-state recruits but also with diversity from coast to coast. This incoming class includes talent from across the country, with players hailing from Texas, Florida, and American Samoa, showcasing the university's growing national reach and commitment to building a competitive team. As Highlands continues to make waves on the recruiting trail, it's clear that the school's football program is positioned for success in the years to come.
According to NMHU Head Football Coach, Kurt Taufa'asau, the strategy for building a competitive football program centers around recruiting local talent from New Mexico, and prioritizing athletes who excel both on the field.
Coach Kurt stated, "We believe that homegrown players bring pride and accountability to the team, fostering a strong culture of success. Additionally, we focused on bringing in high-character athletes who value academics, ensuring our program is built on strong work ethics and good grades.
"Another major focus was creating stability in the quarterback room," Coach Kurt continued, "The QB position is the foundation of any offense, and we made it a priority to recruit leaders who could provide long-term consistency and guide the team. We also worked to solidify our kicking game, recognizing that a reliable kicker is crucial for our success on special teams to be consistent throughout the season."
Another key element was establishing a pipeline to American Samoa, known for producing exceptional football talent. Coach Kurt Taufaasau and Coach Ben Langford took the lead by visiting American Samoa to build relationships and scout athletes who could bring their unique skills and physicality to this program. Although, they have more work to do in recruiting with a few spots to sew up, Coach Taufa'asau and the rest of the NMHU Football coaches are excited about the trajectory of New Mexico Highlands Football Program.
Meet The Newest Cowboys
Ryan Alfaro – 5'11 180 – QB – NM – Deming HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16315846/675a45c9dd7bac03f616ebf8
Alfredo Andrade – 5'8 170 – RB – NM – Gadsden HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17682285/66fefcce3258113e216ccad5
JJ Arellano – 6' 180 – QB – NM – Rio Rancho HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16362465/675c6118ea08dba528609740
Estevan Baca – 6'2 285 – OL – NM – Albuquerque HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16077316/6779df27be38c7d23a01ab3c
Ashton Bradford – 5'10 180 – RB – TX – Rockwall Heath HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19300709/66f1a60fb74c1372f352ee25
Ethyn Boyd – 6'3 255 – OL – NM – Pojoaque HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16355757/660319c41109cff06c822fac
Davis Coyle – 6' 185 – LS – NM – Mesilla Valley Christian
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15543391/6709632a37226bdf3ad9119e
Daniel Estrada – 5'10 175 – K – TX – Rockwall HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16285951/66ed79924a004855a5790175
Kyle Evenhus – 6' 188 – QB – NM – Los Alamos HS
https://x.com/kyle_evenhus/status/1864768750269968841
Javier Filerio – 6'3 290 – OL – NM – Gadsden HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16247783/674f77d911000ebc6af948ae
Brenden Franco – 6'5 300 – DT – NM – Las Cruces HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18248499/673d34774d2691bd2dd36308
Isaac Houlihan – 5'11 182 – WR/ATH – NM – Albuquerque HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16066029/67268bcfb66cc40f79294498
Ifeanyi Iwunze – 6'2 300 – OL – TX – Rockwall HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16635775/66d2aeec181c7dbcdda39eed
Blake Johnson – 6'2 205 – QB – FL – Bartow HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14592895/66feb9b1a059f6333abfb335
Grant Johnson – 6'0 205 – LB – NM – Artesia HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16703407/670c67f87735344ee011fa70
Luke Linnan – 5'10 173 – WR/ATH – NM – Mayfield HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17789899/672c1a8bea00f6f83ae2bd84
Jordan Lucas – 5'10 175 – WR – NM – Centennial HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16162912/6743ef66230aa01fb3ace85f
Ke'Maurion Morrall – 6'2 220 – LB – NM – Alamogordo HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19340883/67129762fd2dd1992d07877f
Juan Munoz – 5'10 181 – RB – NM – Cleveland HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16157232/673f9cc1a403a89648996988
Dontaivious Nelson – 6'2 210 – OLB – FL – Boca Ciega HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18604527/66f46ea6291a681410ea0caa
Malachi Releford – 5'9 155 – WR – TX – North Crowley HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16386966/66f09457624a8f95c1c3bfae
Patrick Rodriguez Jr – 5'9 160 – ATH – NM – West Las Vegas HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19898152/6749f004c5646942d518796f
Orrin Russell – 6'1 220 – FB/TE – NM – Hatch HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12953801/674127354d6c6b59f3c8da93
Collin Stucki – 6'0 170 – QB – TX – Randoph HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16588373/673ec81f6536928fd4ac267f
De'Von Turner – 6'4 217 – DE – TX – Rockwall Heath HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17581467/67338cecc919fbbfde4cdf04
Adrius Vigil – 6'4 280 – OL – NM – Tularosa HS
http://www.hudl.com/v/2RMvt2
Cru Wilder – 5'10 190 – LB – NM – Española Valley HS
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17365681/674ab8cee429f4576623ef56
