Clovis adds fourth FBS commit as Lobos lock up LB

The Clovis Wildcats and head coach Cal Fullerton have reached rarefied air in the history of New Mexico high school football. Tuesday night, 6-foot-3, 215-pound 2021 linebacker Ernesto AcunaErnestoAcuna6'2" | LBClovis | 2021StateNM became the fourth Clovis player to sign or commit to a FBS program when he announced his commitment to New Mexico, joining DE Jaden PhillipsJadenPhillips6'2" | DLClovis | 2021StateNM (signed with UNM in December) and RB Jeston WebskowskiJestonWebskowski6'0" | RBClovis | 2021StateNM in Albuquerque. In addition, quarterback Chance HarrisChanceHarris6'0" | QBClovis | 2021StateNM signed with Colorado State, and is already attending classes there and participating in winter workouts. Acuna’s pledge culminates a stirring 2021 class for the Lobos and head coach Danny Gonzales in which they signed six in-state prospects, three from Clovis. Gonzales vowed to boost significantly the Lobos’ recruiting in New Mexico when he took the job in December 2019. So far, he has fulfilled that pledge. “I appreciate Coach Gonzales and his staff for taking a chance on these kids that haven’t even played a down of their senior season yet,” Fullerton told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “It says a lot about his loyalty to this state.” UNM pulled a Traditional Signing Day Eve surprise by offering Webskowski and Acuna – both Eastern New Mexico commits at the time – mere hours before they could have signed a letter of intent. Webskowski, the top running back in the state for the 2021 class, was also offered by several FCS schools, including Northern Arizona, Incarnate Word, Abilene Christian and Montana. In addition, Clovis offensive lineman Johnny JimenezJohnnyJimenez6'2" | OLClovis | 2021StateNM is verbally committed to Western New Mexico. But has yet to sign with the Mustangs as he and his family discuss his college football options. “We have a great group of student athletes in our locker room,” Fullerton said. “I’m proud for our community and school. Our parents let us coach these kids and are supportive of us. Our kids buy in and they deserve everything they get because of their determination and hard work.” NOTES: -- Three New Mexico players have officially been invited to play in the prestigious Blue-Gray All-American game on May 24 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas: DL Carlos Lovato (Albuquerque High), OL Larry LunaLarryLuna6'5" | OLGoddard | 2021StateNM (Goddard) and OL/DL Aaron DellerAaronDeller6'3" | OLSt. Pius X | 2021StateNM (St. Pius X). Several other players are on the Blue-Gray watch list. -- Fort Lewis College in Durango, Co. announced the signing of Santa Fe (NM) Capital RB Luke PadillaLukePadilla5'9" | RBCapital | 2021StateNM on Monday. -- 2022 Jal OL Roger CarreonRogerCarreon6'5" | OLJal | 2022StateNM was recently offered by Air Force.He holds previous offers from UNM, Illinois State & UNLV. Multiple Power 5 schools are expressing interest. -- The Los Lunas School Board voted 3-2 Tuesday night to stay in remote learning for the next several weeks, so Los Lunas and Valencia High Schools will not participate in the spring football season. In addition, per James Yodice of the Albuquerque Journal, Robertson and West Las Vegas High Schools in Las Vegas, NM have opted out as well. https://twitter.com/ernestoacuna2/status/1361824861077790723 https://twitter.com/rarestpook/status/1361715793835089921 https://twitter.com/TheFortFootball/status/1361409132021092353 https://twitter.com/AaronDeller/status/1360350550072598528