The New Mexico Wildcats have a venue and a head coach — and now they’ve even got their first player.

Head coach Floyd Johnson announced Wednesday that the Wildcats, who’ll play the 2008 season at Santa Ana Star Center as the 16th member of the American Indoor Football Association, have signed former University of New Mexico fullback Landrick Brody.

Brody, 27, came to UNM in 2001 after being the starting fullback for three years at Lancaster High in Dallas. Able to “squat” 565 pounds at UNM, where his 5-11, 246-pound frame earned him the nickname “Train,” he was a capable lead-blocking back for tailback DonTrell Moore. Brody played four seasons with UNM, seeing action in 45 games, including two as a starter in his sophomore year.

“He looks like he’s going to be a good running back for us,” Johnson said. “Everybody speaks highly of him; I saw some old tape.”

Brody played for the Rio Grande Valley Dorados in af2 in 2006, appearing in seven games and carrying the ball 11 times for 26 yards and a TD. On defense, he made six tackles and had a sack. Johnson said Brody was with the New Mexico Crush of the New Mexico Football League.

Brody should fit the mold for Johnson, who said he’s seeking “pretty much guys that have discipline and a hard-work ethic, guys that are looking to go to the next level, (they) probably some college experience, but if they’ve got some talent and don’t have any college, we’ll still take a look at them.”

What is he looking for?

“Pretty much guys that have discipline and a hard-work ethic, guys that are looking to go to the next level,” he replied. “Probably some college experience, but if they’ve got some talent and don’t have any college, we’ll still take a look at them.”

Tryouts, two or three probably, will be held soon. Johnson has been talking to football coaches at UNM, NMSU and New Mexico Highlands.

Johnson expects to have a small staff of assistants, “about three to five guys.” He’s already been working to assemble his staff, he said.

Tryouts, two or three probably, will be held soon. Johnson has been talking to football coaches at UNM, NMSU and New Mexico Highlands.

Johnson expects to have a small staff of assistants, “about three to five guys.” He’s already been working to assemble his staff, he said.

“We’ve got to scramble to get the uniforms and the equipment,” Johnson said.