Chris Murray

cmurray@rgj.com

College football season officially ended last month with the national championship game, but it’s only a matter of time until spring football begins (Nevada usually starts in late March or early April). The Wolf Pack will return 10 starters on offense and five on defense, with several positions up for grabs, especially on defense. Here’s my best guess on the depth chart as Nevada enters spring camp and the 2016 season. (* indicates returning starter)

Offense

QB: Tyler Stewart*, Sr.: Stewart had a solid 2015, completing 57.1 percent of his passes for 2,139 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven picks. He’ll be pushed, but this is his job. Backup: Hunter Fralick, So.

RB: James Butler, So.: As a backup in 2015, Butler had the 11th most rushing yards in a single season in Nevada history (1,342). Imagine what he’ll do with a starter’s carries. Backup: Blake Wright, So.

WR: Hasaan Henderson*, Sr.: The 6-5 Henderson led Nevada with 14.2 yards per catch. He hauled in 52 balls for 741 yards and four touchdowns and will be a three-year starter. Backup: Dominic Christian, Fr.

Grading Pack's 2015 positions and forecasting 2016

WR: Jerico Richardson*, Sr.: Richardson was fourth in the MW in catches (68) and led Nevada in receiving yards (750) and touchdowns (five). He’s a three-year starter, too. Backup: Andrew Celis, So.

WR: Brayden Sanchez, Jr.: Sanchez tore his ACL in the season opener, a huge (and overlooked) loss. He’s a gamer who was due for a breakout in 2015. He’ll be back next season. Backup: Wyatt Demps*, Jr.

TE: Jarred Gipson*, Sr.: Gipson has the most career starts (32) of any Wolf Pack returner. He’s a top red zone target who could be used more in the passing game next season. Backup: Evan Faunce, Jr.

LT: Austin Corbett*, Jr.: A starter since his freshman year, Corbett had started 25 of Nevada’s 26 games the last two years. He’s the most steady, dependable player on the line. Backup: Humberto Lopez, Sr.

LG: Ziad Damanhoury*, Jr.: Damanhoury started the final eight games in 2015 but will have to fend off Adam Khouri (future questionable with concussion) and transfer Sean Krepsz. Backup: Adam Khouri, Jr.

C: Nathan Goltry*, Sr.: Goltry won the center job last fall and held the position the entire season. He was a pleasant surprise and should be improved in his second year as a starter. Backup: Thomas Newton, Jr.

RG: Jeremy Macauley*, Sr.: The emotional leader of the line, the Reed High graduate has overcome some serious knee injuries to start 23 games over the last three seasons. Backup: Daren Echeveria, So.

RT: Jake Henry*, Sr.: Henry was a big surprise in fall camp and started every game last year. He is one of seven projected senior starters on a veteran offensive group for Nevada in 2016. Backup: Illya Lopez, So.

K: Brent Zuzo*, Sr.: Zuzo is one of the most accurate kickers in college. He was fourth in the nation in field-goal percentage in 2015 (89.5 percent) and is automatic inside of 50. Backup: Spencer Pettit, Fr.

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Defense

DE: Patrick Choudja, Jr.: Choudja has shown flashes during his first two years as a backup, but Nevada will need him to consistently get into the backfield as a starter in 2016. Backup: Jarid Joseph, So.

NT: Salesa Faraimo*, Sr.: Faraimo is a solid nose guard who will split time with Nakita Lealao, a 6-1, 305-pound JC transfer who is a veteran (he’s five years removed from high school). Backup: Nakita Lealao, Jr.

DT: Korey Rush, So.: Rush, Hausia Sekona and Kalei Meyer (three youngsters) will battle for this starting position. Rush, who is a little undersized, brings a nastiness to the front. Backup: Hausia Sekona, Fr.

DE: Malik Reed, So.: Like Choudja, Reed has shown flashes of his potential and will get a chance to show that in 50-plus snaps per game in 2016. He has a great speed/strength blend. Backup: Jordan Silva, So.

WLB: Jake Lacaden, So.: This position is wide open. Lacaden, Travis Wilson and others will have a chance to win the gig with good spring and fall camps. This is a production position. Backup: Travis Wilson, Jr.

MLB: Alex Bertrando, Sr.: Bertrando is a vet who is coming back from a torn MCL. He’s had the edge in experience, but will have to hold off talented youngster Gabe Sewell. Backup: Gabe Sewell, Fr.

SLB: L.J. Jackson, Sr.: Jackson started two games for the injured Bryan Lane Jr. in 2015 and got extensive playing time. This is a hybrid position that drops into coverage quite a bit. Backup: Riley Brand, Fr.

CB: Kendall Johnson*, Jr.: Johnson began his career at cornerback, moved to free safety and then moved back to cornerback midway through last year. Cornerback is his best position. Backup: Elijah Moody, So.

CB: Elijah Mitchell*, Sr.: Mitchell’s speed is his top asset. His 16 starts are the most of any returning player in the secondary. He also serves as the Wolf Pack’s kick returner. Backup: Ahki Muhhamad, So.

SS: Asauni Rufus*, So.: Rufus had 105 tackles, a touchdown-saving forced fumble and an interception as a freshman. He has this positon locked down for three more years. Backup: Jaden Sawyer, Jr.

FS: Dameon Baber*, So.: It’s going to be hard for Baber to replicate his 2015 when he had six interceptions in 10 games. But he’s a ball-hawk and sure-handed tackler. Backup: Cal Kee, Fr.

P: Alex Boy*, Sr.: Boy has been an above-average punter for Nevada the last two seasons and averaged 42 yards per punt in 2015, drawing fair catches on 28 of 65 attempts. Backup: Brayden Sanchez, Jr.

Columnist Chris Murray provides insight on Northern Nevada sports. Contact him at cmurray@rgj.com or follow him on Twitter @MurrayRGJ.