Monte Watkins injury update: Latest news on New Mexico State RB after brutal hit

New Mexico State Aggies running back Monte Watkins was taken off the field on a stretcher following a brutal hit he sustained midway through the second quarter of their game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Wednesday.

Watkins received a direct snap but lost possession of the football. As he tried to recover it, he got hit by two Jacksonville State players. Watkins stayed down for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher and trainsported in an ambulance.

Following the game, New Mexico State football reporter Thomas Ashworth reported that Watkins has feeling in all his extremities.

"We've been told New Mexico State running back Monte Watkins has feeling in all of his extremities. He left the first half with paramedics after taking a brutal hit," Ashworth reported.

Aggies coach Tony Sanchez also reported after the game that Watkins was okay.

"He's OK," Sanchez said (via Las Cruces Sun News). "He was able to squeeze (his hands) and communicate."

It's great news that Monte Watkins can feel in all of his extremities after the concerning incident. The running back had two carries for 14 yards before the injury. This season, Watkins has tallied 66 yards on 16 carries, along with 77 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Watkins was a four-star recruit out of high school. He is in his fourth year of college football and third at New Mexico State.

New Mexico State coach says team is not very good

After losing Monte Watkins to injury, New Mexico State ended up getting blown out 54-13 on the road by Jacksonville State.

The loss dropped the Aggies to 1-5 on the season, and Sanchez expressed dissatisfaction with his team's effort.

"Honestly, it's an embarrassing performance," Sanchez said. "That's my fault. I'm the head coach. I'll take full responsibility for it. I got to do a better job of preparing these guys... We're not a very good football team right now. That's on me. I'm the guy in charge."

The Aggies have lost five straight games since winning its season opener against SEMO on Aug. 31.

New Mexico State will return to the field on Oct. 15 against Louisiana Tech. The Aggies will need to win five of their remaining six games to become bowl-eligible.