Former Rio Rancho QB will walk on at UNM
Tim Foley feels he has something to prove, and the University of New Mexico is the place he has chosen to prove it.
Foley, a senior at Rio Rancho High, has decided that he will go to UNM next fall and walk on as a Lobo football player.
Advertisement
"I feel like I have the ability to play there. I feel like I have the ability to make an impact," says Foley.
As a Rio Rancho Ram, Foley filled several roles. He was a quarterback, a defensive back and a return specialist. He's counting on his ability to return punts and kickoffs to get him noticed and playing time with the Lobos.
"I'm a defensive back. I played quarterback because they needed me to. I'd rather play on just one side of the ball instead of going both ways," explains Foley, who is 5-foot-8 and weighs 180 pounds. He runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds.
He'll compete in the 100 and 220 for Rio Rancho's track team this spring.
"I always wanted to go somewhere they wanted me. I have the ability to play D-I. I feel I have something to prove."
All Foley is asking for is a chance, and his real opportunity probably will come in his ability to return kicks.
"They said that at first I could help them in the return game," Foley says. "I don't muff punts. Teams usually kick away from me."
The highlight of Foley's season last fall came in a game against Volcano Vista.
"We usually had two players deep on punt returns. The other guy was hurt, so I convinced them to let me go back by myself," he says. "They kicked to me, and I went for six (a touchdown). I think it was 70 yards. I really enjoyed it."
The Lobos have won only two games over the last two seasons, but that helped make Foley even more determined that he wanted to play for New Mexico.
"I think I can help them," Foley says. "I'm a real fan."
Foley will be a preferred walk-on for coach Mike Locksley. That means that if an extra scholarship is available, Foley would receive it.
He turned down full rides from Eastern Arizona, New Mexico Military and Ft. Lewis to roll the dice at UNM. He also was invited to walk on at Boise State and Texas State.
"It's a lot easier to train now that I know where I'm going and what I'm going to do. My parents have supported me 100 percent in my decision. They left it up to me," Foley points out.