UNM position preview: QB Jack Layne to lead Lobos under center

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Quarterbacks

Former New Mexico head coach Bronco Mendenhall said it multiple times last season: When you have a quarterback, you have a chance.

Even if Mendenhall is gone, the Lobos think they do, in fact, have a QB.

UNM named Jack Layne as starting quarterback Sunday, wrapping up a two-and-a-half week long competition between the Idaho transfer and James Laubstein.

“It was a really good competition throughout (camp),” offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Luke Schleusner said Wednesday. “I feel comfortable with both guys. And at the end of the day, it’s all about who we think gives us the best chance to win, and I think that Jack Layne can do that.”

The former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Idaho, Schleusner has worked with the 6-2, 206-pound junior over the last four years. He said Layne’s football IQ is what “separates” him and credited him for his “elite” level of preparation.

“Even today, he had a great play idea for me that he told me to run,” Schleusner chuckled, “at the end there, because we were trying to get a run to get to the middle of the field. He’s like, ‘should we run this?’ I said, yeah, that’s a good idea.

“He’s an extension of the coaching staff ... and it’s great to have a guy like that on the field.”

Behind Layne and Laubstein, UConn transfer Cole Welliver operated as UNM’s third-string quarterback throughout camp. While he didn’t factor into the Lobos’ quarterback competition, Welliver might have the biggest arm of any QB in the room, a quality Schleusner noted.

“I think it’s just getting comfortable in our offense and going through the progressions,” Schleusner added. “But Cole has a bright future. We’re excited about what he can bring down the line.”

Gabriel Motschenbacher, a Los Angeles Southwest (Calif.) transfer, and freshman Toa Faavae round out the rest of the room. The 6-1, 195-pound Faavae is still adjusting to UNM’s pro style scheme after playing in De La Salle (Calif.) High School’s signature veer option offense.

“He has a great skill set … Quarterback’s the hardest position to play in college football,” Schleusner said, “so (for him) it’s just getting comfortable and feeling good about sitting in the pocket, going through reads and feeling good about where he wants to go.”