Where do the Lobos stand halfway through spring practice?

New Mexico crossed the midpoint of spring practice Friday, wrapping up its eighth of 15 scheduled sessions in head coach Jason Eck’s second year with the program.

Here’s an update on each position as the Lobos enter the home stretch of the spring:

Quarterback

The first week of spring practice didn’t provide a whole lot of separation between Luke Moga and Toa Faavae, the key players in a spring Eck called more of an evaluation than an outright quarterback competition. There was some good — maybe great — stuff between the two. ... And some not so good.

The second week? Much of the same. In fact, it might have gotten even closer. Faavae’s reps with the second-team offense during this week’s team periods were given to Gabriel Motschenbacher, positioning the former for more run with the first-string unit.

One thing to note, though: Motschenbacher has shown a lot of good lately. Whether he can crack UNM’s top three still seems like more of an uphill battle than not, but he’s been putting up some solid reps over the last few weeks.

Running back

My stab at the running back pecking order midway through spring practice: Scottre Humphrey, Deshaun Buchanan, Kiefer Sibley and Cameron Mathews. There isn’t a whole lot of separation between those latter three, though, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Darrion Bowers, who’s having a good spring after an injury ended his freshman season before it even got started.

Overall, it’s a solid group that still needs to answer one question: Can one of them make a real difference as a pass catcher?

Wide receiver

The most banged up position on the team, no question, is wide receiver.

To refresh: A pair of transfers, Troy Omeire (UNLV) and Miles Williams (Eastern Washington), are out for the spring after latter suffered a knee injury last week. A pair of returners, Zhaiel Smith and Kader Diop are dealing with injuries; it's unclear when they could return. And on top of that, early enrollee D.J. Darling has been out for a few practices, heavily limiting what we’ve seen of the former three-star prospect.

It’s just … a lot. One positive? The players who are getting the lion’s share of reps with UNM’s first-team offense right now — Shawn Miller, Massiah Mingo and Evan Wysong — have done some nice work lately.

Offensive line

The first team offensive line for more or less the entirety of spring: Cole Millward (left tackle), Malik Aliane (left guard), JoJo Matautia (center), Jaymar Tasi (right guard) and Tyler Lawrence (right tackle). Matautia, a 5-10, 288-pound freshman, is filling in for Kaden Robnett, who’s been sidelined this spring recovering from wrist surgery, and Millward replaces Aliane, who started at left tackle last season.

Once Robnett’s healthy and back in the lineup, I’m not sure it's changing. At 6-6, 279 pounds, Millward was brought in from Weber State to address UNM’s desire for more prototypical tackle size and he’s delivered to this point. Between him and Laney College transfer Markus Fetcho, Millward’s been much more polished and consistent, and it’s hard to see anybody overtaking him in the coming weeks.

It's worth noting that UNM does have a lot of incoming freshmen coming in over the summer. And this is a staff that’s not afraid to play a freshman if they feel he’s the best option (see: Tasi). But whether or not there’s a freshman who can beat out one of UNM’s current (or expected) starters remains to be seen. Consider this one of the more clear-cut positions for the Lobos.

Tight end

Similar to the receivers, there’s enough injuries here to muddle the picture more than UNM might prefer. But it looks like UNM hit on Iowa State transfer Tripp Walsh, a 6-6, 240-pound Iowa State transfer who’s really flashed in the pass game.

Between him, Cade Keith and Simon Mapa, UNM’s had a good nucleus to work this spring. And while its far from a lock, I think early enrollee Max Leeper might be poised to take a nice jump over the summer.

Defensive line

There’s been some swapping on the interior of the first-team defensive line, particularly between Brian Booker and Jalen McIver. Beyond that, its been steady on the edges (at least over the last few practices) with Xavier Slayton setting up on the inside, Darren Agu at UNM’s Jack (boundary end) position and Albert Tuakalua opposite him.

Whether or not UNM can match its success rushing the passer last season remains to be seen. But at the very least, there’s options, and Tuakalau has stood out among them.

Secondary

At cornerback, UNM’s top four is comprised of Cincinnati transfer Ormanie Arnold, Frankie Edwards III, Ball State transfer Eric McClain and Jahmir Torres. At safety, we’ve seen Tavian Combs, C.J. McBean and Drew Speech pick up a ton of reps on the first-team defense with Austin Brawley out for the spring after he reaggravated his foot. When Brawley is back, I wouldn’t be surprised if Speech moves to UNM’s star (nickel safety) position.

The main point: UNM set out to get more depth in the secondary — particularly at corner — this offseason, and I think they succeeded. This is a deeper, more varied group overall and its really stood out this spring.

Consider that one of the most positive developments for this program heading into the summer.

Linebacker

Entering spring, I questioned whether Mercury Swaim might be set up for a competition at UNM’s Will (off-ball) linebacker position. And while I don’t think that’s going to happen this spring, I do like how the Lobos have mixed things up by moving C.J. Johnson over from safety to get some reps at that spot.

As for Clay Martineau, a Boise State transfer and former four-star prospect, I’m also not sure he’s going to threaten Swaim’s starting role. But at the very least, he’s absolutely going to make a difference as a pass rusher on late downs, and fans should be excited to see him work in that role.

Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider.