Nevada Football: Would Malik Henry-led Wolf Pack contend in 2019?

Malik Henry could steal the reigns on offense

Nevada has a lot of talent back at both running back and receiver, bolstering their chances to continue progressing in 2019. Leading rusher Toa Taua was impressive as a freshman, finishing with 872 yards on 178 carries and adding another 202 receiving yards. He will likely see an increased load in the backfield as both a rusher and a safety valve in the passing game.

The receiving corps returns just about everyone except slot receiver McLane Mannix, who transferred to Texas Tech due to health issues impacting his mother. Everyone else who finished with at least 200 receiving yards in 2018 remains in Reno, giving whoever emerges as the new quarterback a wealth of experienced targets.

That will require time to throw the ball, something that the offensive line did really well last year as they finished 18th nationally in sacks allowed. With three starting linemen gone, though, there could be some regression for the Wolf Pack in terms of their protection.

Focusing on the quarterback situation

That would be hard enough to deal with on its own. But the one piece of the puzzle that will be hardest to replace is Ty Gangi. After two years developing under Norvell and crew, Gangi exhausted his eligibility as the starting quarterback. His departure leaves a 3,300-yard gap in the passing game that won’t be easily replaced.

Redshirt senior Cristian Solano looks like the likeliest candidate to step into Gangi’s role at starter. In limited appearances in five games over the past two seasons, Solano has gone 28-of-51 for 256 yards while throwing four interceptions. He will need to improve in a major way for the Wolf Pack to contend offensively in the Mountain West.

If Solano can’t fill Gangi’s shoes this year, the next man up will probably be either controversial Last Chance U star Malik Henry or one of a pair of three-star underclassmen in sophomore Carson Strong and freshman Austin Kirksey.