Aggies QB moves to wide receiver spot

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Paul Dombrowski`s college football career got off to a good start on a September night three years ago and it seemed he was headed for a long run as the Aggies` quarterback. - College Football -
Dombrowski, then a redshirt freshman, rushed for 136 yards in his first career start and led the Aggies to a 24-13 win over New Mexico in Las Cruces. He went on to set the school record for rushing yards (868) in a season by a quarterback and scored 12 touchdowns.
"That was an incredible night and I couldn`t have asked for more out of that first game," said Dombrowski. "That first season was awesome."
The next two seasons were not.

Dombrowski spent his sophomore and junior years platooning at quarterback with Buck Pierce. Both battled a series of injuries and last season former coach Tony Samuel also used Dombrowski at running back and wide receiver. - College Football -
Samuel was fired after the 2004 season and New Mexico State hired former Kentucky coach Hal Mumme. In Mumme`s wide open passing attack, Dombrowski has moved permanently to wide receiver and feels he`s finally found a home.
"I`m happy to be in one position only and know my role," said Dombrowski. "I feel like I`m a big part of this offense and that`s all I can ask for."
Dombrowski last year rushed for 161 yards, completed 12 of 40 passes for 247 yards and caught 28 passes for 392 yards and four touchdowns. His career stats headed into this season include 1,420 rushing yards and 2,395 passing yards. - College Football -
"Last year was difficult because I never really got to practice with the receivers much, but I was playing there in the games" Dombrowski said. "It was difficult (platooning). Now that`s totally out of my mind. In this offense, I feel like I`m going to get plenty of touches."
A good bet given that Mumme`s offense could easily average 50 or more passes a game.
New Mexico State, coming off back-to-back losing seasons, begins play in the Western Athletic Conference this season. The Aggies, as they have over much of the past three decades, are expected to struggle, but Dombrowski says the Aggies have plenty of reasons to believe the program is headed for better days. - College Football -
"It`s a whole new system, a whole new atmosphere" he said of the change in coaching staffs. "The strength program has been much tougher and we have new uniforms. The locker rooms have been redone and we`re getting into the WAC. You feel that you`re at a higher level program." - College Football -
Dombrowski, who is scheduled to graduate in December with a degree in family and child science, said despite all the changes he`s gone through on the field, he never considered quitting.
"I love to play football, I love the challenge," he said. "Being moved around gives you a chance to show your versatility and these guys (teammates) start to feel like your family. You can`t give up on people that you care about." - College Football -

Associated Press