Aug. 14—New Mexico is opening its second scrimmage of fall camp Friday to the general public, inviting followers to take a look at the crew from 1-3 p.m. at College Stadium.
Eight gamers to observe throughout what's anticipated to be the Lobos' final scrimmage of camp:
1. QB Jack Layne
Layne represents one half of UNM's quarterback competitors, a multi-week battle set to finish quickly. Head coach Jason Eck mentioned at first of camp that they'd want to call a starter by Monday. The 6-foot-2, 206-pound Idaho switch has essentially the most expertise with this offense, and has appeared comfy operating it via two weeks of practices.
Will that be sufficient for him to win the beginning job?
2. QB James Laubstein
The one quarterback from final yr's crew, Laubstein — 6-3, 211-pound senior — served as UNM's de facto QB1 throughout spring follow whereas Layne was sidelined with an elbow damage. Now, he represents the opposite half of the Lobos' quarterback competitors, holding his personal in opposition to Layne in some of the notable storylines of camp.
"You’ll be able to't not give it some thought, proper?" Laubstein mentioned of the competitors at first of camp. "However I believe the largest factor for me is (to) simply be myself. And I really feel like if I do this and be myself the very best I can, all the pieces will play itself out — whether or not that's in Jack's favor, or my favor."
3. DE Keyshawn James-Newby
After lacking spring follow to get better from a labrum damage, James-Newby has shined in his first prolonged run as a Lobo. The 6-2, 244-pound senior has been (arguably) the very best participant on the protection all through camp, showcasing a move dashing talent set this system hasn't had in years.
"I would like 16 sacks. It's actually my objective," James-Newby mentioned at first of camp. "If I can't get that, I simply wanna … be a double-digit man from this level on. If I (have) knowledgeable profession, I wanna be a double-digit man."
4. CB Abe Williams
A preseason All-Mountain West kick returner, the 6-1, 186-pound Williams successfully gained one in all UNM's beginning spots this spring, and has emerged as a "full" nook in his coach's eyes.
"I believe he's, by far, our greatest nook," Eck mentioned Wednesday. "He's bought nice size. He actually runs nicely. … He may also change course. I believe he's good and he's bodily. He's not afraid to return up and sort out guys."
5. WR Zhaiel Smith
When requested about Smith over the summer season, Eck and offensive coordinator Luke Schleusner mentioned they anticipated the freshman from Portland, Oregon to play instantly. He's lived as much as that expectation — after which some — working his means as much as UNM's first crew offense within the wake of accidents to fellow receivers Keagan Johnson, Kader Diop and Isaiah Blair.
6. OL Isaiah Sillemon
After taking part in final season out of place, Sillemon battled Kaden Robnett all through spring and the early a part of camp to start out at heart. The 6-1, 310-pound redshirt senior misplaced, however now finds himself in one other place battle with Nevell Brown for beginning proper sort out duties after taking part in the vast majority of his profession on the inside.
"Being just a little on the shorter aspect of the offensive line, you gotta play totally different. You gotta use what you understand greatest to get in a sure spot (and) know the place your spot is," Sillemon mentioned Wednesday of the shift to sort out. "You don't have as a lot assist as (guards). It's lots of one-on-one, so (I'm) simply honing in on that and profitable one-on-ones on the finish of the day."
7. LB Jaxton Eck
One among UNM's two beginning linebackers, Eck has had a robust camp, routinely making performs in opposition to the move and run. The 6-1, 224-pound junior Idaho switch has additionally proven a knack for developing with stops on late downs; a top quality the Lobos have lacked during the last couple seasons.
8. S Tavian Combs
The longest tenured participant on UNM's roster, Combs has seen a little bit of a profession resurgence throughout camp. The sixth-year senior has "firmly" earned beginning boundary security duties, Eck mentioned, after battling accidents for the previous few seasons.
"Within the spring, (there have been) days we needed to restrict him, however I believe he hasn't missed a follow (in fall camp)," Eck mentioned Wednesday. "He's been a man who's been very sturdy (and) good. Credit score to him; we introduced in fairly just a few transfers at security to form of compete (with) him."
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