To say things got chippy Tuesday night would be an understatement.
It’s hard to imagine head coach Jason Eck’s bingo card for this week had “break up a fight” on it, but when the pads come on, the competitive nature turns up a few notches — maybe a few too many notches.
The Lobos are closing in on a full week's worth of practices after equipping the full set of pads under the lights Tuesday night. The Lobos invited a batch of referees to practice for live team periods, the first of which so far during camp.
A competitive practice would be an understatement
“As long as there’s not a fight, fall camp hasn’t really started,” offensive lineman and team captain Malik Aliane said after Tuesday’s practice.
The offensive line wasn’t very fond of how defensive end Trent Rocker picked up freshman running back Jerod Terry Jr. to finish a play. Seconds later, tempers flared. Face masks were grabbed, unkind words — to put it nicely — were exchanged, and Eck hustled to pull players ranging from 230 pounds to 300 pounds apart.
“Honestly, for the last couple of practices, (the defensive line) felt like we didn’t bring enough energy,” Brian Booker said after Tuesday’s practice. “So we brought it. We brought it all at once, honestly. It was a great day — it was a dominant day.”
To no one’s surprise, Booker’s self-proclaimed “energy” carried over into position drills with the offensive and defensive linemen. Defensive tackle Jalen McIver, the Day 6 Hammer of the Day winner, has the respect of his teammates despite being the instigator on most occasions.
“I want to shout out Jalen,” Aliane said. “(He’s) always bringing the best out of us. He’s one of the most competitive defensive linemen that we got on this team.”
McIver was a standout during team periods and one-on-one drills.
Fights between players, specifically teammates, aren’t always ideal. But in most cases, such as Tuesday night’s scrums, are all for the greater good of the team — moments used off the field to help each other get better on the field.
“When we get back in the locker room (and) the film comes out… we’ll (all) watch it together,” Booker said regarding the intense one-on-one matchups. “We’ll watch it together (to) see where we can improve, show each other techniques and work off of each other.”
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An update at quarterback: no ‘clear timeline right now’ for Layne
Eck said there isn’t a clear timeline for the return of quarterback Jack Layne, who is currently battling an elbow injury that’s bothered him since the beginning of last season.
In his absence, Oregon transfer Luke Moga, 6th-year veteran James Laubstein and sophomore Toa Fa’avae have split snaps with the first-team offense.
“Not yet, it’s still a pretty even battle,” Eck said when asked if there’s been any separation among the quarterbacks. “One guy might be slightly better on a day — but no one’s been able to string three practices in a row where he’s had the best day.”
All three gunslingers have had their moments throughout camp. Moga’s good decision-making ability has been evident, Laubstein’s legs and pocket mobility create problems defensively and Fa’avae’s elite zip, paired with his quick mobility, make him an intriguing option.
Eck said he wants to name a starting quarterback within two weeks of the season opener against Central Michigan to ensure the starter gets as many reps as possible with the first-team offense.
Injury updates:
Wide receiver DJ Darling did not participate during Monday or Tuesday’s practices due to a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Mikey Beck and tight end Aldin Bilalbegovic did not practice Tuesday and their injury status is unknown.
Offensive lineman Elvin Harris — likely the team’s swing tackle — was helped off the field during Tuesday’s practice. He was unable to put any pressure on his left leg. His status is unclear.
Standouts from Day 5 and 6:
Jaymar Tasi, right guard
Zhaiel Smith, wide receiver
Dorian Patterson, wide receiver
Cade Mitchell, quarterback
Brett Karhu, defensive end
Deven Dyer, defensive tackle
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @ByEdgeGarcia
