A New Chapter for the Wolf Pack
Jeff Choate is entering his third season as the head coach of the Nevada football team, and the excitement is palpable. At the upcoming Mountain West media days in Las Vegas, Choate will be joined by four standout student‑athletes, each selected for their leadership and potential to represent the program on a broader stage.
The quartet includes Marshaun Brown, who is expected to have a breakout year and serve as a flagship ambassador for the university; EJ Smith, who overcame a five‑game stretch of inactivity last season and is now fully healthy; Jack Foster, a steady presence on the line; and Dylan LaBarbera, whose skill set adds depth to the backfield.
Blue‑Collar Culture and Community Roots
Choate repeatedly emphasizes a blue‑collar work ethic, describing the team as one that competes every day, not just on game days. He believes that hard work, resilience, and a unified locker room are the foundations for sustained success.
Beyond the field, the coaching staff values the educational component of college athletics. Media day, in Choate’s view, offers student‑athletes a chance to network, promote themselves, and engage with fans and the broader community that has consistently supported the Wolf Pack.
The Mountain West’s New Landscape
The conference’s composition is shifting, with new additions such as North Dakota State, UTEP, Northern Illinois, Air Force, UNLV, New Mexico, and Hawaii set to join the fray. Choate sees this realignment as an opportunity for the Mountain West to showcase its depth and for Nevada to earn strong representation across the league.
He expresses optimism that the revamped conference will feature a high level of competition, providing the Wolf Pack with fresh challenges and the chance to demonstrate that Nevada’s program can thrive in this new environment.
Overall, the message from Choate and his players is one of confidence, preparation, and a commitment to building a program that reflects both the rigors of collegiate competition and the spirit of the Nevada community.