Running back Cameron Mathews approached the practice field Wednesday at approximately 8:45 a.m., shouting and yelling with excitement. But he wasn’t as loud as offensive lineman Malik Aliane, who roared “let’s go” as he jogged onto the field. Lobo football is back in action.
The New Mexico Lobos have completed the first two days of fall camp, including their second under head coach Jason Eck. The biggest takeaways from the first two practices may not entirely include action on the field, but rather who is back on it.
On Friday, July 31, a federal judge in Colorado ordered the NCAA to restore eligibility for all Class of 2022 athletes who exhausted their four seasons of eligibility this spring, issuing a class-wide preliminary injunction. This potentially opened the door for former Lobos defensive end Brett Karhu and defensive back Azariah Levells to return for an additional season.
“I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet,” Eck said after Wednesday’s practice regarding Karhu and Levells. “The NCAA is still gonna try and appeal, but it’s good to get them back out there. As of right now they’re eligible, and we’re gonna proceed that way until we hear different.”
Four-man race at signal caller
The Lobos are also proceeding with a true quarterback competition to start fall camp. Eck told reporters after Wednesday’s practice that quarterback Jack Layne would be out for “the near future” due to a nagging elbow injury that sidelined him the entire spring.
It’s worth noting Oregon transfer Luke Moga took the opening reps with the first-team offense during each team period through the first two days, though James Laubstein and Toa Fa’avae rotated with the starters as well.
Laubstein’s ability to throw on the run and evade pressure has been worth noting through the first two days. His veteran presence and familiarity within the offense makes him a viable option for the week one opener against Central Michigan.
“We have 24 practices left to sort it out,” Eck said of the starting quarterback position. “My hope would be in those first 14 (practices), you start really having somebody step ahead. I think we have a good quarterback room… but it’ll be a process.”
Left tackle appears to belong to the Weber State transfer
Redshirt junior Cole Millward has taken the majority of the snaps at left tackle for the first-team offense through the first two days of camp. The Lobos brought back four starters along their offensive line from last season: Malik Aliane (left guard), Kaden Robnett (center), Jaymar Tasi (right guard) and Tyler Lawrence (right tackle). Left tackle was an open competition during the spring, but it appears Millward made the best impression.
Millward said he’s emphasized playing more “violently” since the end of spring after Thursday’s practice.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
“Being more decisive,” Millward said when asked about what he improved on during the spring. “(I want to) set myself apart, instead of just knowing what I’m doing, but doing it violently — pushing guys back.”
Standouts through Day 1 and 2
Though the full set of pads haven’t been put on yet, there’s been no shortage of playmakers through two practices. Here’s a list of players who stood out during team periods, along with those who earned Eck’s “Hammer of the Day” superlative:
Massiah Mingo, wide receiver
DJ Darling, wide receiver
Jahmir Torres, cornerback (Day 1 Hammer of the Day)
Frankie Edwards III, cornerback
Elijah Brody, defensive end
Tyler Lawrence, right tackle (Day 2 Hammer of the Day)
Drew Speech, safety
The Lobos return to the practice field Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for Day 3 of fall camp, before returning Sunday for Day 4 from 2:15 to 4:45 p.m. Both practices will be open to the public.
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @ByEdgeGarcia
