1,329 miles is quite a way from his hometown of Addison, Illinois, but that hasn’t stopped Carmen Messina from focusing on the one thing that he loves -- football. The game of football has come easy for Carmen ever since he can remember and now he gets the opportunity that so many kids dream of with the University of New Mexico. Besides his leading the nation in tackles per game, that seems to be the last thing on his mind. Winning and being a role model is what makes him tick. As Carmen told me "stats change weekly," this coming off an 11 tackle game in last weeks game against the University of Wyoming.

When camp started this summer, Carmen was given the opportunity to be the Lobo’s starting middle linebacker. Messina had a chance to be on the field last year but with a senior in front of him, his talent was put to the side for one year. Now Messina considers himself the quarterback of the defense and doesn’t mind the pressure of this role. According to him he welcomes the responsibility. From watching extra film or making sure he never misses a meeting he knows the team leans on him for motivation and the guy to light a spark under their butts. It didn’t come easy however, being a sophomore he’s an underclassman who has the job that most seniors are given in college football. The team however doesn’t seem to mind that, Messina currently leads the nation in tackles averaging just over 13 per game. He has racked up 80 tackles through 6 games and that’s enough to make your team know you mean business.

As a sophomore, Carmen still has plenty of time to think about the future and what lies ahead. Messina plans on staying around for 4 years and graduating, but for any of us who have dreamed of going to the next level, Carmen is hoping to have a chance to play on Sundays someday. It’s been a dream of his and continues to be one. Of course if plans change, he has an interest in law enforcement, and with nicknames like "pipes" "Arnold" and "arms," I think you can and would respect his authority if he asked you for your license and registration! The family support he has gives him the support he needs and always back his decisions. Carmen’s two brothers have played major roles in his success. He thanks his older brother Tim who has been an idol to him. Growing up he always wanted to follow in his footsteps and Tim has been there for him whenever something was needed. On most weekend’s you can find Tim out in Albuquerque, cheering for his younger brother. Back home Carmen has another brother who is younger. Anthony is following in his footsteps playing football at Addison Trail High School and Carmen wants to be nothing more then a role model both on the field and off. Exactly the same way Tim was for him.

While talking to Carmen I had a chance to ask him what is it like to play for a major university on Saturdays. He pointed out a story about the first time he ran through that tunnel at University Stadium. As Carmen will tell, "there’s nothing like 40,000 screaming fans who are there to support you. It was the most amazing feeling ever and an experience like no other."

With the Lobo’s currently winless this season and games still remaining against Utah, TCU, and BYU, Carmen knows this will not be an easy task. The Lobo’s offense probably hasn’t been what first year coach Mike Locksley was hoping for. Messina however knows his job and will continue to lead the defense and continue to fight every week. He continues to go out there and prove he belongs and to make a name for himself.

With six games already done, Messina has put up numbers of double digits tackles in 5 of his 6 games and doesn’t let that get to his head. He hears people always telling him, do you know you lead the nation in tackles, but that means nothing without victories. Carmen is out there to play football, not pad his stats.

1,329 miles away is home, but waking up to mountains and nice weather will do for now. As long as he has the support of family and friends back home, really 1,300 miles is just a phone call away and that’s what will keep him going for this season and the ones still come.

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