The University of New Mexico’s football program celebrated significant achievements on December 5, 2023, as head coach Jason Eck was honored as the Mountain West Conference’s Coach of the Year. In a remarkable parallel, his son, linebacker Jaxton Eck, shared the Defensive Player of the Year award with Chris Johnson from San Diego State. This historic recognition marks a potential first in NCAA Division I history, where a father and son have garnered the top coaching and defensive accolades in the same season.
The background of this achievement is notable. Previous instances of familial recognition include Deion Sanders, who was the SWAC’s top coach in 2022 while his son, Shedeur Sanders, received the Offensive Player of the Year award at Jackson State. Similarly, Jim Sweeney won Coach of the Year in the PCAA in 1985, coinciding with his son’s accolade as a top player. Yet, the Ecks’ dual success in the Mountain West stands out in its uniqueness.
Jaxton Eck has made an impressive impact this season, leading the Lobos with a total of 126 tackles, as well as recording a safety and completing a pass on a fake punt. His achievement as Defensive Player of the Year is particularly significant; he is the first player from the Lobos to earn this honor since Johnny Jackson in 1982, when the team was still part of the Western Athletic Conference.
Honors and Team Performance
The Lobos have not only seen individual accolades but also collective success on the field. They currently hold a 9-3 record and are tied for first place in the Mountain West as they approach bowl selection weekend. It is anticipated that they will receive an invitation to play in the New Mexico Bowl against a Conference USA opponent on December 27, 2023. This season marks a significant turnaround for the program, which has experienced challenges in recent years, including a coaching transition in each of the last three seasons.
Alongside the Ecks, several other players have been recognized for their outstanding performances. Edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby, who led the team with eight sacks and two forced fumbles, received first-team honors. On offense, tight end Dorian Thomas was also named to the first team, having recorded 53 catches for 545 yards and four touchdowns. Offensive lineman Kaden Robnett, who did not allow any sacks, earned a spot on the second team.
The Lobos also celebrated the recognition of Damon Bankston, who was named the league’s top kick returner following an impressive average of 30.4 yards and a touchdown on a 100-yard kickoff return. Other players, including Brian Booker, Luke Drzewiecki, Daniel Hughes, Keagan Johnson, and Brett Karhu, received honorable mentions for their contributions to the team.
A Season of Revival and Legacy
The accolades reflect a revival for New Mexico football, which has seen a significant roster overhaul since Jason Eck took over as head coach last year. Over 70 players were added to the active roster, aiming to rebuild a program that had struggled for nearly a decade. The Lobos were previously underperforming, but the current season showcases their potential to match the historic 1982 team, which remains the only Lobos squad to win ten games in a single season.
Eck’s award is particularly meaningful as he becomes the first Lobos coach to win the Coach of the Year honor since Rocky Long in 2002. Notably, Long remains the only coach in Mountain West history to win this award without a winning record. The significance of this recognition extends beyond individual honors; it symbolizes a new chapter for the Lobos, marked by growth, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
This season, the Lobos have also demonstrated a potential shift in the landscape of the Mountain West. Over the past twelve years, ten different schools have received the Coach of the Year award, with only Air Force and Nevada remaining unrecognized. As the Lobos prepare for their bowl game, they aim to solidify their place as a competitive force in the conference, with a promising future ahead under the leadership of Jason Eck and the contributions of his son, Jaxton Eck.
