RENO, Nevada – Nevada landed three of its own players for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Preseason Watch List this week.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the best offensive player in Division I who also exhibits the enduring qualities that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community spirit and tenacity; especially tenacity and determination to overcome adversity and injury to achieve goals. In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: Played and graduated from a Texas high school football program and/or is currently playing at a four-year Texas D1 college.
Lewis, a graduate of Melissa (Texas) High School, was announced as Nevada’s starting quarterback for Opening Day on Aug. 19, taking the first snap of the season for the Pack for the second consecutive year.
Last season, Lewis battled injuries but played in all 12 games, throwing for 1,313 yards and two touchdowns and making plays with his legs as he rushed for 495 yards and four touchdowns, both the team’s second-best performances. Overall, Lewis led the team in total offense with 1,808 yards in his debut season with the Wolf Pack.
Red will make his Nevada debut this Saturday after spending two seasons (2022-23) at Texas. In 21 games with the Longhorns in 2023, he appeared in the Big 12 Championship Game win over Oklahoma State and the CFP Semifinal (Sugar Bowl) against Washington, finishing the season with 131 rushing yards and a score on 30 carries.
Smith, a former Montana State and Tarleton State receiver who was selected to the All-WAC Second Team in 2022 (48 receptions, 822 yards, 10 touchdowns), will also make his Nevada debut against SMU. In total, Smith spent two seasons (2022-23) at Tarleton State, where he totaled 63 catches for 1,073 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 17.0 yards per reception. In 2022, he ranked 14th nationally (FCS) and second in the WAC in touchdown catches, while finishing fourth in the WAC in receiving yards and fifth in receptions.
Nevada will usher in the Jeff Choate era this Saturday, Aug. 24, when it hosts new ACC member SMU at Mackay Stadium at 5 p.m. Choate spent the last three seasons (2021-23) as co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Texas, helping the Longhorns to a Big XII title and an appearance in the 2023 College Football Playoff. Prior to his time in Austin, Choate served as head coach at Montana State from 2016-20, leading the Bobcats to two FCS playoff berths, including a run to the 2019 semifinals.
Nevada Football’s “Drive For 25,” a message to Wolf Pack fans to get Mackay Stadium to at least 25,000 in attendance for the Aug. 24 opening game against SMU, continues as 2024 season ticket prices start at just $99 for adults and $60 for children 12 and under. Family four-packs are also available and include four general admission season tickets and free parking for just $400 – a total savings of $200. Three-game mini-plans and single tickets to the Wolf Pack’s seven home games are also available by visiting MyNevadaTickets.com or calling (775) 348-PACK.
Nevada Football on 2024 Preseason Watch Lists
S Kitan Crawford
Reese’s Senior Bowl Watchlist
S Keyshawn Cobb
Awarded as Comeback Player of the Year
RB Sean DollarDoak Walker Prize
RB Patrick Garwo Chapter ThreeAllstate AFCA Good Works Team
Allstate Dice Trophy
Awarded as Comeback Player of the Year
EDGE Henry IkahihifoPolynesian College Football Player of the Year
QB Brendon Lewis
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Prize
LB Tongiaki MaterialsPolynesian College Football Player of the Year
RB Savion Red
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Prize
WR Jaden Smith
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Prize
