Ishmael Az-Zahir is a defensive back for the University of New Mexico, and his unique attributes make you wonder if he’s just a very small offensive lineman. While on the field, his jersey number is 77.
You can see him on the field during this play in the New Mexico vs. Montana State game, where Adam Jones broke away for a long touchdown. Trailing just behind him is Az-Zahir, and you can see the back of his jersey and number.
That’s a super peculiar number for any player who isn’t an offensive lineman to wear. That’s for a reason, too, as there are rules set in place that recommend what number each position group should be wearing.
According to the NCAA rulebook, it “strongly recommends” backs to be 0-49, centers 50-59, guards 60-69, tackles 70-79, ends 80-99, and every other player can be 0-99. So that’s why it’s such a weird and uncommon sight to see Az-Zahir, a defensive back wearing a number in the 70s.
Of course, though, if it’s just recommended that you follow those numbering rules, then technically, there’s nothing wrong with it or against the rules.
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Ishmael Az-Zahir Is Entering His Sixth NCAA Season
in the past few years, we have seen several college football players staying at the collegiate level for much longer than just the four years it takes to graduate.
Az-Zahir is another example, as he prepares to enter his sixth season at 24. In addition to New Mexico, he has also attended Texas Christian University and the University of Missouri.
He started his NCAA career in 2019 and hasn’t accumulated many statistics since then. Through his first five seasons and now the beginning of 2024, he’s accumulated 27 total tackles, zero interceptions, and zero pass deflections.
