ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The start of his college football season didn’t go as well as previous years for UNM Lobos defensive end Darren Agu. “This is my first ever time I’ve had this issue,” said Agu. “Usually, back in the day, I would get my visa in like two days, but this time it took […]
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The start of his college football season didn’t go as well as previous years for UNM Lobos defensive end Darren Agu. “This is my first ever time I’ve had this issue,” said Agu. “Usually, back in the day, I would get my visa in like two days, but this time it took like three or four months.”
The London native and junior transfer from Vanderbilt missed fall training camp with his new team, the Lobos, because of the visa issues, and did the best he could to stay in shape by working out and doing drills at a park in London. Agu also had FaceTime meetings with Lobo coaches in an effort to learn the team’s defense.
He made it to New Mexico a day before the Lobos’ home opener against Idaho State. Agu even logged a few minutes in the Lobos’ 34-10 upset of UCLA. “I thought Darren Agu did a tremendous job,” said UNM head coach Jason Eck. “That’s a tough deal. It’s almost like the NFL. You know, he came in for about a week and got to get his legs up under him. I don’t know exactly how many plays he had; I think 20-something. I thought he did a nice job, and I hope his role will be able to keep growing.”
Agu had no doubt he could be useful despite missing fall camp. “I mean, I felt like I could plug in right away, but it was some stuff I needed to work on,” said Agu. “I’m still working on getting in complete game shape. I know there’s another level to my conditioning. I know I need to get in sync with some of my pass rush. I haven’t really rushed a live person in some time, but I’m picking up quick. It’s just minor little fixes, and I will be good.”
When he is at full speed, Agu says he does have a specialty. “Aggression,” said Agu. “You know, mainly, that’s what I feel like I have. Like, when I’m on my stuff, I know I can cause havoc and disruption. At the end of the day, we have to sack the QB, and that’s what I feel like I can do. I’m just excited to see how this season pans out. You know, we got a really good team. We got a bunch of potential. You know, we’re trying to have the fans come out and support this team because people want to support a team that can do wonderful things.”
New Mexico just wrapped up a bye week and returns to competition Sept. 27 when it hosts rival New Mexico State at 2:00 p.m. at University Stadium.
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