JC transfer QB getting good look
While Tuioti is absent, Hughes showing his stuff
Just six days into preseason camp the quarterback battle to become the starter for the University of New Mexico has taken quite an unexpected turn.
With Tevaka Tuioti missing time because of a family issue, junior college transfer Brandt Hughes has emerged as a definite contender to start for the Lobos when they open the season Aug.
31 against Sam Houston State at Dreamstyle
Stadium.
Tuioti, a redshirt sophomore who has essentially been the favorite to be the starter since the spring, has been in California with his family, as his grandfather is ill and hospitalized, Davie said.
“We’re in constant contact with Tevaka’s family; that’s a unique situation,” Davie said on Thursday. “We have a new date we think he’s
going to come back, but who can actually predict that?”
Hughes, who took several reps with the first team Thursday, displayed his strong arm when he connected on a deep touchdown pass to wide receiver Anu Somoye.
Hughes, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound junior from Butte College in California, not only showed accuracy with the pass but also with his technique as he made the defense bite on a playaction fake.
However, he also made a bad throw on a screen pass that defensive lineman Erin Austin intercepted and ran back for a touchdown.
“He’s definitely opened eyes out here,” Davie said of Hughes. “Not that he’s passed anybody or won the job, but he definitely deserves an opportunity through camp.”
Hughes said it has been “fun” competing against “great guys” like senior Sheriron Jones, who started seven games last year when the Lobos went 3-9, and redshirt freshman Trae Hall.
Davie has said in the past that Tuioti has teased Lobo fans with a playmaking ability and potential that has been marred because of injuries.
Last year, Tuioti flashed his knack for big plays — in a season-opening 62-30 win against Incarnate Word and early on at Wisconsin. But then he suffered a concussion in the 45-14 loss to the Badgers. When he later (Sept. 29) came back against Liberty, a season-ending shoulder injury proved to be his demise.
Hughes said he is no stranger to competition at quarterback. He said he didn’t play that much as a junior at Pleasant Valley High, but took over the starting job in his senior year. At Butte, known for producing Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Hughes didn’t play as much during his first year. He also dealt with injuries before eventually emerging and winning the starting job there.
“I’m used to competition,” Hughes said earlier this week. “The biggest thing is not letting a bad day take you down. You have to keep moving along because it adds up. You have to keep progressing.”
Hughes led Butte to a 9-2 record last year when he threw for 2,146 yards and 14 touchdowns connecting on 136 of his 227 passes (59.9%). He also rushed for five touchdowns.
His teammate at the time, wide receiver Jordan Kress, also transferred to UNM. Hughes said that Kress made him look good.
Kress has been making the wide receivers look good, too. He’s been a significant addition who has the Lobos thinking they might have to be a pass-first team.
REWARD: Davie surprised his team with flavored shaved ice after practice Thursday. The players ran toward a truck for their special treat. It was a reward for the Lobos because they helped clean up the campus on their off day on Wednesday, Davie said.
“No taxpayer dollars,” Davie said. “I’m going to make that clear right now. There are no taxpayer dollars on these snow cones.”
The Lobos helped the UNM grounds crew, including facilities and maintenance, on Wednesday morning when they spruced up the campus with student arrivals expected next week.
“I appreciate our players so much,” Davie said. “We’re kind of in the middle of it now … heavy, heavy contact days. I was proud of the way our guys responded.”