The pads — well, just shoulder pads— have been equipped for Days 3-4 of Lobos fall camp.
While four days isn’t enough to deem a surefire starter at quarterback, nor at any other position without a clear-cut starter or starters, there’s more than enough to feel confident about heading into the second season under head coach Jason Eck.
John Mackey Award recipient headlines strong TE group
It’s no surprise sophomore tight end Cade Keith continues to frustrate defensive coordinator Spence Nowinsky during practice while pleasing tight ends coach Zach Lujan.
He hauled in a pass along the sideline while being smothered by safety Tavian Combs, resulting in a big gain, while also snagging a ball thrown behind him with safety Austin Brawley bearing down on him. He’s been a headache for the defense.
“Coach Lujan (has been) telling us to be that second quarterback of the offense,” Keith said. “He’s done a good job emphasizing the art of contact (and) staying lower in the blocking and passing game.”
The Nevada native was named to the 2026 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, an award given to the nation’s best tight end at the conclusion of the season.
“You know that’s something I’ve dreamed of,” Keith said. “Just to be in the conversation is a huge blessing.”
Keith emphasized how important the talent is in the position group, including the new kid (technically veteran) on the block.
“He’s just naturally smart and talented,” Keith said of Iowa State transfer Tripp Walsh. “He picked up the playbook super quickly. He’s bigger and blocks super well at the point of attack. (He’s) somebody I’m lucky to get to work with. I think he’s gonna be a really big part of what we do this season.”
“CK is awesome,” Walsh said of Keith. “I feel like over the past 7 months we’ve gotten really close. I feel like on the field (we) create a lot of matchup problems.”
The tight end room as a whole has created problems for the defense throughout camp. Freshman tight end Max Leeper has been one of the best players on the field as of late — hauling in a touchdown during team periods from James Laubstein on Friday and Toa Fa’avae on Sunday.
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Freshman tight end Trey Moore has freakish size and athleticism that's been evident throughout camp. He and Laubstein connected for a touchdown on Friday that left observers in awe.
“I think our entire room — we are rounded out very nicely,” Keith said. “I really like where we are heading so far.”
The receiver room remains a big question mark — but for all the right reasons
The starting offense has seen multiple wideouts take the field. Veterans Shawn Miller, Kader Diop and Miles Williams have their moments, but youth at the position is keeping them on their toes.
Freshmen Massiah Mingo, Bailen George and DJ Darling continue to flash, while second-year players Zhaiel Smith — who hauled in a deep touchdown between three defenders Friday — and JT Jeter — who’s been a favorite in 7-on-7 periods — make it hard to keep them off the field.
UNLV transfer Troy Omeire continues to rehab from a hamstring injury suffered in the spring. Eck said last Wednesday that he expects Omeire to be back within the next week, but time will tell whether he’ll be ready for Saturday’s scrimmage.
The scrimmage should give us better intel on who’s separating themselves at the position. If one thing is clear, the Lobos should have a handful of guys contributing throughout the season. A night-and-day difference compared to last season’s situation at receiver.
NFL getting an early look at Lobos; Sunday’s practice was energetic
The Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets had scouts in attendance during Friday’s practice. There’s plenty of talent, notably on defense, worthy of an NFL evaluation from scouts. Defensive end Darren Agu and defensive tackle Brian Booker were seen speaking to both scouts at the conclusion of practice.
If Sunday’s practice was a movie, it’d need to be rated R. The energy and frustration — stemming mostly from Nowinsky — was must-watch. Players and coaches let their competitive nature shine with back-and-forth trash-talking that had everyone feeling and playing at their best.
Coach Eck announced offensive lineman Malik Aliane and linebacker Jaxton Eck as the first two team captains after Sunday’s practice.
Standouts through Day 3 and 4:
Jalen Charles, defensive end
Elijah Brody, defensive end
JT Jeter, wide receiver
Trey Moore, tight end
Max Leeper, tight end
Kaden Robnett, center (Day 3 Hammer of the Day)
Chris Grant Jr., safety
Clay Martineau, linebacker
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @ByEdgeGarcia
