ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – In his first season at UNM, Noa Pola-Gates’ side of the field was targeted a lot by opposing offenses. The UNM defensive back struggled with penalties in a unit that led the entire country in drawing flags.
After some time on the bench and a change in coaching staff, Pola-Gates was called upon due to an injury and performed well against No. 21 Arizona. He recorded two pass break ups and six total tackles.
“Noa got a chance and was ready and made the most of it, which I think is the message,” said head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “That doesn’t mean he’s jumped, it doesn’t mean he’s arrived, it doesn’t mean now he’s blossomed, but man did he make the most of an opportunity through diligence and really hard work.”
This season, Pola-Gates feels confident in his abilities and credits the new coaching staff for allowing him to play a style that he feels fosters his success.
“I feel like there is more technique now compared to last yea,” Pola-Gates said. “I feel like [the coaches] have done a good plan, executing their plan and teaching us real football and how to play football.”
