The Lobos start spring practice Friday. Here's one storyline, key players to watch from each position 

New Mexico opens spring practice under second-year head coach Jason Eck on Friday. Here’s one storyline and players to watch from each position ahead of the Lobos’ first of 15 sessions this spring:

Quarterback 

Storyline: How much ground can be gained (or lost) in a quarterback competition this spring? 

I don’t think UNM walks out of spring practice with a new starting quarterback. Not with incumbent starter Jack Layne possibly missing some practices. Or with Oregon transfer Luke Moga — perhaps the biggest threat to unseat Layne — still settling into a new offense and working with new players.

But around this time last year, James Laubstein took advantage of Layne’s absence to set up a quarterback competition during fall camp. And as Eck has said this year, there will be a competition of some sort. So how much ground can be gained (or lost) among the likes of Layne, Moga and the rest of the room this spring?

Players to watch

QB Luke Moga: If there’s a player who is going to push Layne for the starting job, Moga remains the clear option after receiving limited playing time at Oregon the last couple years. Because of that, I’m not sure another transfer is set to command as much attention as the former four-star prospect out of Phoenix. 

QB Toa Faavae: After logging just one snap last season, the true freshman moved up the depth chart during UNM’s bowl practices and ended the season as the Lobos’ third-string quarterback. Faavae with a greater command of the offense should be interesting to watch, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this staff finds a way to use his legs in certain packages. 

QB Cade Mitchell: The 6-3, 210-pound early enrollee out of Mountainside (Ore.) High School has a big arm and always seemed a little underrated as a three-star recruit. If I’m not expecting him to play much of a role this season, I’m at least curious to see how quick he takes to this offense. 

Wide receiver 

Storyline: After seemingly upgrading, how much better is this wide receiver room? 

I’m not sure we’ll get a complete answer this spring. After all, UNLV transfer Troy Omeire won’t be available after undergoing a knee procedure earlier this year, keeping UNM’s prospective WR1 off the field until fall camp. And if nothing else, it's hard to get a top-to-bottom read on a room (probably) missing its best player. 

But make no mistake: UNM will need upgraded receiver play to take the next step this season. In particular, it needs some guys to make other teams pay in man coverage. Of course, the 6-4, 215-pound Omeire looks like he addresses that need well — who else can make that happen? 

Players to watch 

WR Miles Williams: The 6-0, 191-pound redshirt sophomore led Eastern Washington with 41 receptions for 524 yards and two touchdowns last season, showing a knack for making contested catches. With Omeire out for the spring, expect him to serve as UNM’s WR1 over the next few weeks. 

WR Zhaiel Smith: Smith posted only eight catches for 118 yards as a true freshman last year, a somewhat disappointing (if understandable) season. I do, however, think he stands to benefit from playing as many snaps as he did, and believe he’ll start to see the fruits of that effort this spring. 

WR Abraham Williams: Williams is perhaps the most intriguing position change over the last couple of years. Williams started seven games last season — one of which he entered as UNM’s de facto CB1 — before injuries held him out for the final month of the year. Could he start to play his way into a contributing role this spring? 

Running back 

Storyline: Who’s picking up carries behind Scottre Humphrey? 

And now, an absolutely blazing offseason take: I think this is Scottre Humphrey’s year. 

Around this time last year, the former Montana State transfer was coming off an FCS All-American season with the Bobcats, notably rushing for 140 yards and one touchdown in a 35-31 win at UNM. His usage in spring practice indicated he’d be UNM’s number one option. As did many of his reps in fall camp. That coaches spoke of him as if he would largely function in that role only helped to further set up those expectations. 

Of course, we all know what happened after. Damon Bankston took the reins and never looked back, ripping off a team-high 635 yards on 114 carries as Humphrey’s dwindled down the stretch. 

This year could be different. Bankston and D.J. McKinney (464 yards) are both gone, by way of expired eligibility and the transfer portal, respectively. The path is as clear as it gets for Humphrey to serve as UNM’s lead back, fulfilling the expectations set more than a year ago. 

Now, the real question: Who else is picking up the slack?

More absolutely blazing takes: I think Deshaun Buchanan — the odd man out in last season’s rotation — is the big name to watch. As is North Texas transfer Kiefer Sibley, who put up some good numbers on a team that was one win away from making the College Football Playoff. There’s been some good buzz around Memphis transfer Cameron Mathews, too. And what about some of the less prominent names, like Ty Battle and Darrion Bowers? 

(A bonus storyline: I’m curious to see which backs will make a difference as pass catchers. Eck has previously said he’d like Humphrey to grow more in that regard, but who else can make an impact there?) 

Players to watch 

RB Desahun Buchanan: The 5-9, 193-pound redshirt sophomore only rushed for 14 yards last season, but the season he led Eck’s final Idaho team with 567 yards on the ground wasn’t all too long ago. Consider him UNM’s RB2 to open spring practice. 

RB Kiefer Sibley: The 5-9, 179-pound sophomore joins UNM after rushing for 480 yards and five touchdowns over the last two seasons at North Texas. In addition to being the most proven back the Lobos added via the portal, he also appears to be a plus-pass catcher as well. 

RB Cameron Mathews: While he didn’t record a carry last season, Eck said the 5-8, 170-pound Memphis transfer did a nice job with the program’s offseason workouts. I’m curious to see how much of a role he might be able to carve out this spring. 

Offensive line 

Storyline: What’s happening at tackle? 

UNM emphasized positional flexibility on the offensive line last season. And while that had plenty of positive effects, it also led to players like Malik Aliane (a big, but not overwhelming presence at 6-1, 230 pounds) getting reps at tackle without prototypical tackle size, something this staff looked to address this season. 

In doing so, UNM brought in Cole Millward (Weber State) and Markus Fetcho (Laney College) via the portal. Will either start to lock up one of the Lobos’ tackle spots this spring? And could they possibly push Tyler Lawrence, UNM’s other starting tackle last season? 

Players to watch 

OL Cole Millward: After not allowing a sack over 12 games with Weber State last season, Eck sounded almost giddy talking about the 6-6, 275-pound tackle over the winter. Consider that a good sign for this spring. 

OL Markus Fetcho: The other tackle UNM brought in, the 6-6, 290-pound Fetcho has the size UNM is looking for. But will he be able to make a sizable impact after just one year at Laney College? 

Tight end 

Storyline: Outside of Cade Keith, who will make an impact? 

Cade Keith (20 receptions, 253 yards, 3 touchdowns) is the big name coming back this spring. But with the exception of Simon Mapa, the rest of UNM’s tight end room is composed of untested returners, transfers of varying experience and one (intriguing) early enrollee. 

Simply put: Out of that group, who will end up playing a big role this season? And who else could emerge as a real difference-maker? 

Players to watch 

TE Cade Keith: The 6-5, 249-pound redshirt freshman caught perhaps the biggest pass of UNM’s season — a 25-yard tight end leak touchdown to beat San Diego State — but only surpassed two receptions in a game once last year. He should, however, get plenty of opportunities going forward with Dorian Thomas no longer in the mix. 

TE Max Leeper: Of the early enrollees, perhaps the most positive things have been said about Leeper, a 6-7, 220-pound former three-star prospect out of Claremont, Calif. Could Southern Cal transfer and former four-star Joey Olsen’s season-ending injury clear a path for him to play a substantial role this season? 

Secondary 

Storyline: Who emerges as UNM’s top four cornerbacks? 

Entering last season, Abraham Williams, Jon Johnson, Jayden Sheridan and Frankie Edwards III were UNM’s top four cornerbacks. Williams, of course, isn’t playing corner anymore. And Johnson – who ended up serving as the program’s de facto CB1 – is out of eligibility. 

Sheridan and Edwards are back, though – so which two cornerbacks will be taking the jump up? Right now, I’ll guess it's Jahmir Torres and Ormanie Arnold, but we’ll find out soon. 

(Another bonus storyline: Who will end up getting reps at nickel this spring?) 

Players to watch 

CB Ormanie Arnold: Before playing two seasons at Cincinnati, the 5-9, 178-pound redshirt junior started his career under Eck and cornerbacks coach Stanley Franks Jr. at Idaho. At the very least, I like that familiarity and think it’ll help a room with some budding young corners. 

S Eric McClain: The 6-0, 181-pound sophomore primarily played as a cornerback over the last two seasons at Ball State, but is listed as a safety on UNM’s update roster. I’m curious to see exactly how he’s used this spring.

Defensive line

Storyline: What’s happening at edge rusher?

After notching 30 total tackles and two sacks last year — one in which he missed all of UNM’s summer workouts and two games due to visa issues — it feels safe to pencil Darren Agu in as one of the Lobos’ starting edge rushers entering the season.

Beyond that? We’re about to find out.

UNM brought in a handful of transfers to help address the loss of edge rushers Keyshawn James-Newby (9 sacks) and Brett Karhu (7.5 sacks), but there’s a reason this is a storyline — your guess is as good as mine when it comes to how that staggering amount of production might be replaced.

Players to watch

DL Jalen Charles: Eck has mentioned the 6-3, 227-pound Memphis transfer a few times as a transfer he’s expecting to compete for snaps off the edge. I’ll say that endorsement carries some weight in a room that doesn’t exactly present the clearest picture.

DL Elijah Brody: After his third position change, the 6-1, 229-pound West Mesa product looked like he found his home at defensive end last season before a shoulder injury limited him down the stretch. That shoulder isn’t expected to be an issue this spring, though – what will Brody look like with another round of winter workouts under his belt?

Linebacker 

Storyline: Could this spring set up a battle at UNM’s Will spot? 

I’ll wager that Mountain West Co-Defensive Player Jaxton Eck probably won’t be unseated as the starting Mike (strongside) linebacker in UNM’s 4-2-5 defense. But I do think this could be an interesting spot in regards to the program’s Will (weakside) spot.

Will Mercury Swaim have to battle with some newcomers (or returners) to keep his starting role?

Players to watch 

LB Clay Martineau: The 6-3, 227-pound Boise State transfer and former four-star recruit has the size and athleticism to factor into that Will role. But outside of special teams, he’s a little lighter on game reps after spending two seasons with the Broncos. 

LB C.J. Johnson: After eking out some reps at safety last season, the 6-2, 205-pound former Auburn transfer is now listed as a linebacker.

I’m interested to see how he settles in this spring after the position change. 

Specialists 

Storyline: Hey, who’s starting? 

Pretty simple. UNM’s three starting specialists from last season — punter Daniel Hughes, kicker Luke Drzewiecki and long snapper Trey Dubuc — are all gone by way of the portal or expired eligibility. And that sets up the first spring in some time where all those spots are open.

Players to watch 

P Michael Kern: The 6-3, 195-pound sophomore spent the last two seasons as the primary starting punter at California and Texas, including the Longhorns’ run to the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2024. I’m interested to see what a competition between Kern and Charles Steinkamp might look like. 

K Nicholas Romero: The 5-9, 162-pound freshman made 13 of 14 field goals and 18 of 20 extra points with Wagner last season. Consider him as good a candidate as any to replace Drzewiecki. 

Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider.