Former Douglas High football star Chris Smalley appears to have played his way into Nevada’s rotation to begin the 2022 season.
Smalley, a true freshman, was listed Monday on the Wolf Pack’s official two-deep chart for Saturday’s opener at New Mexico State (7 p.m, ESPN2). He’s slotted behind sophomore Marcel Walker at the edge-rushing spot.
Smalley, who Nevada lists at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, is one of 19 freshmen or sophomores to appear on the Pack’s first two-deep of the season. Walker, fifth-year player Dom Peterson, junior James Hansen, and sophomore Louie Cresto are listed as Nevada’s starters along the defensive front for Saturday night’s game.
Smalley’s impressive fall camp showing at Nevada continued his comeback from a season-ending injury early in his senior season with the Tigers.
Nevada’s game in Las Cruces, N.M., will also mark the debut of head coach Ken Wilson, who took over the program in December following Jay Norvell’s departure to Colorado State.
