UNM football: Idaho transfer Jack Layne named Lobos' starting quarterback

The Lobos’ quarterback competition is over.

Idaho transfer Jack Layne has been named New Mexico’s starting quarterback, head coach Jason Eck told the Journal.

The 6-foot-2, 206-pound junior was in a competition with James Laubstein for UNM's starting job after passing for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns last season with the Vandals. Both were notified of the decision before Sunday night’s practice; the rest of the team was told immediately after.

Eck said it was “not a landslide” victory for Layne, but cited the junior’s overall consistency as the key factor that won him the job. He previously said he wanted to name a starter by Aug. 18 (the first day of classes) to ensure the starter had enough time to work with the first team offense down the stretch of fall camp.

“Saturday, I debated whether we should (go) one more day and wait. But I think we had enough,” he added. “We got some guys like (wide receiver Keagan Johnson) starting to work back into practice, and (if) you give him half the reps with the (starting) quarterback rather than all the reps with the quarterback who’s gonna play against Michigan, I just think that affects you.”

Laubstein will now function as UNM’s undisputed backup ahead of UConn transfer Cole Welliver. Eck praised the redshirt senior for playing well throughout the competition, adding that he will play in at least one of the Lobos’ upcoming non-conference games.

“Just to get him some reps,” he said. “You don’t want, all of a sudden it’s week nine, and he has to play his first series of the season.”

A Lake Oswego, Oregon native, Layne was named Idaho’s starter as a sophomore last season. He completed 99 of 154 passes (64.3%) for 1,477 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions over six games, leading Idaho to an FCS playoff win over Lehigh.

Layne transferred in December after Eck, the former Vandals coach, was hired in the same role by UNM. He entered spring practice as the Lobos' starter before missing time with an elbow injury, opening the door for a competition with Laubstein in camp.

“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Layne said of the competition Friday. “It’s (Eck’s) decision – whatever decision he makes, I’m gonna live with it and be a good teammate. That’s really all you can do.”

The Lobos open their first season under Eck on Aug. 30 at Michigan.