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National Signing Day: Could Cyrus Kouandjio Go To New Mexico?

It looked like DeMatha defensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio would be down to SEC rivals Auburn and Alabama when he eventually makes his National Signing Day decision at noon on ESPNU. However, a darkhorse has emerged late: New Mexico, a team that finished 1-11 last season.

Yes, it's true. According to Andrea Adelson of ESPN, Kouandjio's final three teams are Auburn, Alabama and, yes, New Mexico. Despite consecutive 1-11 seasons, New Mexico coach Mike Locksley has local ties, and that may be enough to pull off a shocker and steal Kouandjio away from the SEC powers. If so, it would be a real shot in the arm for a floundering program.

Of course, it won't be the first time New Mexico pulled off a Signing Day shocker. Last year, they stole four-star defensive tackle Calvin Smith from a verbal commitment to Tennessee. In front of a live audience on ESPNU, Smith shocked everyone and chose New Mexico over Tennessee, Alabama and North Carolina, taking him away when Lane Kiffin bolted to USC. In a few minutes, there's a small chance we may see a similar shocker with Kouandjio.