The 2016 version of the Mountain West Connection top 50 football players countdown is here and the 33rd player on the list is New Mexico defensive lineman Nik D'Avanso.
The Lobos defense has not been great over the past few years but they took a step last year to move out of the bottom spot in most categories and they are likely to move up even more this year. D'Avanso is a key reason why the Lobos should have an improved defense.
The media placed D'Avanso in their preseason all-conference team and Phil Steele did the same.