LAS VEGAS — For a defense as talented and deep as New Mexico's, one key question remains with fall camp less than two weeks away: After since-departed defensive linemen Keyshawn James-Newby and Brett Karhu terrorized opposing offenses to the tune of 16.5 sacks last season — nearly half of UNM's league-leading 36 — what Lobos can help replace that staggering level of production?
Last week, Brian Booker made one thing clear: He wants to be a big part of the answer.
Speaking at Mountain West Media Days, UNM's fifth-year interior defensive lineman said he's hoping to make more plays than last season while still serving as one of the Lobos' most effective run defenders.
A preseason All-Mountain West honoree, the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Booker made 19 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in a starting role last season after transferring to UNM from Texas Southern. But if the Mansfield, Texas native was more than adequate playing the run, Booker entered the offseason feeling he left a "lot of meat on the table."
"I could have had so much (more)," he said last Wednesday at Palms Casino Resort. "… I gave it all I could give, but sometimes it didn't pay off, you know what I'm saying? It's just a more personal thing for me — I left a lot of plays on the table, a lot of sacks, a lot of (tackles for loss), that kind of thing."

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