Albuquerque Bulldogs head football coach Tim Johnson believes that his program is well-stocked for years to come.

Johnson enjoyed having a deep, talented roster last year, with 2021 looking to be no different.

“I think we will be very, very competitive with the other teams in our district given the talent and the experience that we do have in coming back this year,” Johnson told KRQE’s New Mexico Football Friday Night. “I’m looking forward to it.”

He added that an influx of upperclassmen will benefit the Bulldogs in the long run, stating the team is ready to move beyond average.

“We’re trying to take the program to the next level,” Johnson said.

He told the New Mexico Sun that the lineman will – figuratively and literally – be the biggest story for Albuquerque this season.

“Our biggest strengths this year are our linemen on both sides of the ball,” Johnson said. “We are big, athletic, and mesh well together.”

Evoking the notion that “bigger is better”, Johnson touted 6-foot-4, 235-pound senior defensive end Landon Williams and 6-foot-4, 310-pound offensive lineman Timothy Felder as the players to watch for the Bulldogs.

With six years of varsity experience between them, Williams and Felder are attracting attention from numerous colleges.

While Williams will anchor the defense, Felder has the responsibility of opening lanes for up-and-coming sophomore running back Andreas Aguirre.

Described by Johnson as an “exceptional athlete”, Aguirre rushed for over 300 yards in three games as a freshman last season.

Albuquerque’s season opener is on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. against Eldorado.

“I look forward to every match-up,” Johnson told the New Mexico Sun. "We take no opponent lightly. Every time we take the field there is a 50/50 chance of winning or losing. As a coaching staff all we expect from our athletes is to be committed to the team, give 100 percent at all times and be competitive in every game."