Nevada’s Wes Kommer impresses — takeaways from spring football camp

Nevada wrapped up its spring soccer camp Saturday night time with its Battle Born Showdown sport, capping 5 weeks of apply beneath first-year head coach Ken Wilson.

The scrimmage was performed in game-like situations for probably the most half, together with the usage of officers. There have been some modifications, most notably a operating clock within the second half and a scoring system that allowed the protection to earn factors for things like sacks and three-and-outs.

Ultimately, the Silver workforce took a 55-46 win over the Blue.

Listed here are 5 takeaways from Nevada’s last workforce outing earlier than summer season camp begins in late July/early August.

Run sport will come round

Neither Blue or Silver ran with the ball with a lot effectiveness within the first half Saturday, however that was maybe to be anticipated. Because the Wolf Pack’s rebuilt offensive line improves throughout summer season camp, the run sport ought to reap the advantages.

The speeding assault did enhance as the sport wore on. Not counting quarterback scrambles or sacks, Nevada tried 45 runs Saturday night time, with Toa Taua, Cross Patton and Wesley Kommer every getting 10 or extra carries.

“I believed we received into continuity a little bit bit too late; it was a little bit uneven at first,” Wilson mentioned after the sport. “I believed Nate (quarterback Nate Cox) made an actual good throw proper there at the beginning of the sport after which it received a little bit uneven.

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“We ran the ball higher within the second half, at the beginning, and on the finish of the primary half. However you realize, while you combine groups like that for a spring sport and also you’ve received guys on each sidelines, you by no means know fairly how it will go, and I believed it was pretty clean.”

Kommer the backup?

Whereas Nevada is for certain to pencil in Taua and Devonte Lee into splitting time at operating again — because it has achieved for the final 4 seasons — the backup job is extra of an unknown.

Kommer actually did his half to earn the spot, speeding 10 occasions for 98 yards, highlighted by a 55-yard landing run up the center the place he received via the road rapidly, then accelerated away from the pursuit.

“Cross and Wes each did a pleasant job at operating again tonight for us,” Wilson mentioned.

Cox has strong outing

Cox, who will probably be enjoying his sixth season of school soccer, did nothing to harm his probabilities of turning into a starter for the primary time.

Cox was credited with 9-for-20 passing, good for 177 yards and one rating, a 77-yard landing that got here early within the sport when Cox tossed completely positioned ball to Victor Snow, who discovered a seam within the protection.

It was the form of play Nevada will anticipate its quarterback to make within the fall, because the Pack will probably be seeking to maintain defenses from stacking in opposition to the run.

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Jake Barlage (13 makes an attempt), Jonah Chong (10) and Baylor Horning (seven) additionally threw passes on Saturday. Barlage’s spotlight was a 34-yard landing move to receiver Jamaal Bell.

General, Pack quarterbacks mixed to go 20-for-50, a testomony to each the timing on offense not being all there — and the play of an skilled Nevada secondary.

First impressions

Quite a lot of Nevada’s high-profile transfers performed for the primary time in a public setting since becoming a member of this system.

Among the many highlights: Patton received 12 carries, probably the most of any operating again; B.J. Casteel (Arizona) had two catches, together with a 34-yarder; and Cooper Shults (Oregon) made a pleasant play on his one contact, a 27-yard reception.

Depth chart not set

Wilson made clear that Nevada’s depth chart is something however locked up and no participant particularly performed his approach into the lineup Saturday night time.

The Pack will use its summer season camp — which normally has an early-August opening — to finalize its two-deep. The 2022 opener is Aug. 27 at New Mexico State.

“We’ve made some strides with guys we will belief within the two-deep or two-and-a-half deep,” Wilson mentioned. “We have solidified a number of positions, however we will go away it open. We have some extra guys coming in which can be going to be concerned within the fall.

“However I feel we have succeeded in getting some guys that know the offense, know the protection. I feel we have some actually good particular groups guys right here; we have some clearly good kickers. There’s some guys on the market which have solidified components of the depth chart, however we have much more work to do.”

For extra on the Wolf Pack, faculty sports activities, and Reno’s baseball and soccer groups, comply with the creator at @RGJduke. Digital subscriptions to the Reno Gazette Journal start at as little as $1 a month; click on right here for particulars.