Nevada Football Alumni Shine in NFL Training Camps
Nevada football is gearing up for an exciting season opener against Penn State. The buzz around Northern Nevada football alums in NFL training camps is palpable.
With 18 players fighting for spots on the 53-man roster, fans are eager to see which hometown heroes will make the cut. This overview highlights the standout performances and challenges these athletes face as they chase NFL dreams.
Nevada Football Alums Making Waves in NFL Camps
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The NFL preseason is in full swing, and a handful of former Nevada football players are making real noise. Their training camp and preseason performances are pivotal as they try to lock down a roster spot.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key names and what they’re up against:
Wide Receivers
Brandon Aiyuk (McQueen High, San Francisco 49ers) is rehabbing from a torn ACL and MCL. He’ll miss at least the first five weeks, but when healthy, he’s always been a difference-maker.
Elijah Cooks (Nevada Wolf Pack, Philadelphia Eagles) landed on a new team this year. He hasn’t posted any preseason stats yet, but he’s grinding for a shot at the practice squad.
Romeo Doubs (Nevada Wolf Pack, Green Bay Packers) played in one of two preseason games, saw two targets, but didn’t haul in a catch. With free agency looming next offseason, this is a big year for him.
Tory Horton (Nevada Wolf Pack, Seattle Seahawks) has caught four of nine targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in two preseason games. He’s looking like a strong candidate to make the roster.
John Jackson III (Nevada Wolf Pack, Chicago Bears) has one catch on four targets for seven yards. He’s hoping to stick around on the practice squad.
Jaden Smith (Nevada Wolf Pack, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) joined the Bucs after camp started. He’s played both preseason games and logged one catch for nine yards, making him a likely practice squad pick.
Offensive Linemen
Joel Bitonio (Nevada Wolf Pack, Cleveland Browns) is heading into his 12th NFL season as a starter. That kind of consistency is rare and speaks volumes about his work ethic.
Austin Corbett (Reed High/Nevada Wolf Pack, Carolina Panthers) is trying to stay healthy after three straight season-ending injuries. If he can stay on the field, he’ll be a big help up front.
Ben Dooley (Churchill County High, Los Angeles Rams) came in as an undrafted free agent and is battling for a spot on a pretty shaky Rams offensive line. The practice squad might be his most realistic path this year.
Defensive Backs and Linebackers
Kitan Crawford (Nevada Wolf Pack, Arizona Cardinals) has racked up seven tackles and an interception in two preseason games. He’s definitely boosting his odds of making the 53-man roster.
Daiyan Henley (Nevada Wolf Pack, Los Angeles Chargers) has two tackles so far this preseason. He’s one of the NFL’s top returning tacklers and should play a big role.
Emany Johnson (Nevada Wolf Pack, Los Angeles Chargers) leads the NFL in preseason tackles with 19 in three games. Those numbers are hard to ignore for coaches making final cuts.
Ale Kaho (Reno High, Washington Commanders) has one tackle in the preseason. He’s working to earn a spot on the practice squad.
Nephi Sewell (Nevada Wolf Pack, New Orleans Saints) has two tackles and looks poised to make the 53-man roster, likely as a special teams ace.
Tight Ends and Running Backs
Keleki Latu (Nevada Wolf Pack, Buffalo Bills) has one catch for nine yards on two targets in two preseason games. He’s aiming for a spot on the practice squad.
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Toa Taua (Nevada Wolf Pack, Cleveland Browns) has run seven times for 37 yards and caught two passes for 16 yards. With the Browns’ second-round pick dealing with legal trouble, Taua’s shot at the active roster just got a lot better.
Cole Turner (Nevada Wolf Pack, Washington Commanders) spent last season on the practice squad and has one preseason target so far. He’s pushing to finally make the roster this year.
Veteran Presence
Kyle Van Noy (McQueen High, Baltimore Ravens) hasn’t played in the preseason, but he’s a lock for the Ravens after putting up a career-high 12.5 sacks last year. His experience is just invaluable to that defense.
Future Prospects for Nevada Football
Nevada football has some intriguing young talent coming up. True freshman quarterback Carter Jones made a splash in both spring and fall camp, and honestly, he’s got a real shot at being Nevada’s starter in the next few years.
The coaching staff is pretty high on Jones. His growth could be a big deal for the team’s future.
Challenges and Opportunities
Nevada struggled in one-score games last season, with penalties and special teams mistakes hurting them badly. If they clean those up, maybe they’ll see a better record this year.
The schedule isn’t easy—Fresno State and Boise State are always tough. But there’s some optimism for their matchup against San Jose State at Mackay Stadium.
Impact of NIL and Donor Contributions
Name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have really changed the landscape of college sports. Some donors now put their money toward NIL, while others still focus on things like facilities. Balancing these priorities isn’t easy, but it’s important for the program’s future.
Nevada has landed some big donations for facility upgrades, including a new playing surface at Mackay Stadium and a revamped strength center. These improvements are crucial for attracting talent and boosting the program overall.
Conclusion
The journey of Nevada football alums in NFL training camps really shows their grit. These players put in the hours, and you can tell they’re hungry to make an impact in the league.
There’s a real sense of pride in Northern Nevada when these athletes suit up. You can feel the community rooting for them, hoping to see a familiar name on Sundays.
If you want more in-depth updates or just want to keep tabs on who’s making waves, take a look at the coverage on Nevada Sports Net.