And the survey says! 20 enjoyable questions with the Wolf Pack soccer gamers

The Wolf Pack soccer staff held a neighborhood media day final week, and we polled the 15 gamers in attendance on quite a lot of subjects, from the staff’s hardest, quickest, most athletic and smartest participant; to the opponent they’re most trying ahead to enjoying this season; to their spirit animal, favourite NFL staff, favourite video video games and neatest thing about dwelling in Reno. Below are their solutions to these questions and plenty of extra.

The gamers polled embody DB Jaylen Webb; DE Myles Williams; DB Aiden Walker; DT Logologo Va’a; LB Poasa Utu; DE Brandon Amaniampong; DL Tanner Vaughan; Ok Joe McFadden; RB Dominic Kelley; OL Zach Cochnauer; OL Jacob Norcross; OL Ethan Newman; RB Ky Woods; WR Damien Morgan; and WR Gary Givens III.

Players weren’t allowed to vote for themselves. They had been allowed to separate their vote, so in some circumstances solutions got 0.5 factors (and in uncommon events, votes had been break up amongst three or 4 solutions).

1. What shade helmet ought to the Wolf Pack put on on gamedays?

Votes: White (7); Silver (3); Blue (3); Black (1); Navy (0.5); Chrome (0.5)

In quick: Some of the brand new Wolf Pack gamers did not know all the helmet choices but. “If there are black helmets, I’ll do those,” Amaniampong stated. But white helmets, which Nevada has hardly ever worn, took the highest spot. “Takes me back to high school,” Williams stated of white helmets. For others, it wasn’t concerning the look however concerning the match. “I would say the white one just because it fits perfect on my head,” Va’a stated. McFadden, the staff’s kicker, agreed the helmet can influence manufacturing, too. “The silver one reflects a little bit, and it can sometimes throw me off,” McFadden stated. Those who most popular the blue matte helmets with a chrome facemask had been tremendous enthusiastic. “If I could wear it every game, I would,” Woods stated.

2. Favorite stadium you’ve ever performed in?

Votes: Penn State’s Beaver Stadium (3.5); Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium (3); Los Angeles Rams’ SoFi Stadium (1); Fresno State’s Bulldog Stadium (1); Purdue’s Ross-Ade Stadium (1); Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium (1); Ole Miss’s Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (1); Tampa Bay Bucs’ Raymond James Stadium (1); Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium (1); Clemson’s Memorial Stadium (0.33); Notre Dame Stadium (0.33); Oregon’s Autzen Stadium (0.33); Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium (0.33)

In quick: This query had quite a few responses with 13 stadiums getting at the very least a partial vote amongst our 15 respondents. Nevada performed at Penn State final season with Beaver Stadium taking the highest spot, barely edging Allegiant Stadium, the place UNLV performs within the Raiders dwelling digs. While at Central Arkansas in 2022, Cochnauer performed at Ole Miss’ Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and picked that college. “The SEC fans are just different,” Cochnauer stated.

3. Describe head coach Jeff Choate in a single phrase.

Votes: Passionate (2); Intense (2); Real (2); Energetic (2); Fiery (1); Accountable (1); Intelligent (1); Determined (1); Leader (1); Dog (1); Unpredictable (1)

In quick: Many of the solutions revolved round Choate’s ardour/depth. “That’s my dog,” Va’a said of Choate. “He’s a lot of things, but I’ll say energy,” Utu said. “Every day he has energy.” Other options centered on how the players perceive Choate off the field. “I think he’s authentic with everything he says,” Amaniampong said. Added Cochnauer: “He’s a real dude, a real person.” The most unusual reply got here from Woods, who was with Choate at Texas. Woods known as his coach “unpredictable,” explaining: “You don’t know what he’s going to say, what’s going to come back out of his mouth, however he’s a loopy, loving individual on the finish of the day.”

4. Who is the toughest player on the team?

Votes: Dylan LaBarbera (11.5); Jack Foster (2.5); Jacob Norcross (1)

In short: This question drew the fewest answers with LaBarbera getting 11.5 of a potential 15 votes. “Maybe Joe McFadden,” Williams joked of Nevada’s kicker. “He’s over there looking tough.” Two of the non-LaBarbera votes got here from offensive linemen with Norcross voting for Foster, saying, “He’s just a beast. He’s had some injuries in his career, but that doesn’t hold him back ever.” Meanwhile, Newman voted for Norcross, who he has played with at Kennesaw State and Memphis. “I saw him play with two sprained ankles,” Newman said.

5. Who was your favorite NFL player growing up?

Votes: Peyton Manning (2); Sean Taylor (1); Reggie White (1); Odell Beckham Jr. (1); Rob Gronkowski (1); Troy Polamalu (1); Calvin Johnson (1); Tony Romo (1); Ashton Jeanty (1); Jared Allen (1); Randy Moss (1); Davante Adams (0.5); Antonio Brown (0.5); Marshawn Lynch (0.5); Adrian Peterson (0.5); Carlos Hyde (0.25); Ezekiel Elliott (0.25); Nick Bosa (0.25); Joey Bosa (0.25)

In short: With 19 players listed, this question drew the most answers, with Newman splitting his vote among four former Ohio State players in Carlos Hyde; Ezekiel Elliott; Nick Bosa; and Joey Bosa. The only player to get multiple votes was Peyton Manning, who was picked by Vaughan and Norcross. “I used to play receiver, so he’s the one who got me into this,” Amaniampong said when selecting Calvin Johnson. Kelley, a Wolf Pack running back, picked Ashton Jeanty for what the former Boise State rusher proved was possible in a Group of 6 conference. “He really proved you can do a lot of big things coming out of the Mountain West,” Kelley said.

6. What’s the best thing about living in Reno?

Votes: Mountains (4); Lake Tahoe (2); Size of town (2); Nature (2); Four seasons (2); Truckee River (1); Midtown (1); Community atmosphere (1)

In short: Northern Nevada’s natural offerings drew most of the answers with the mountains, Truckee River, Lake Tahoe and overall nature with four distinct seasons being the main talking point. “I’m from Florida, so to wake up every morning and see huge mountains, especially when there’s snow on them, that’s insane,” Newman said. “Floating the river is the best,” Utu said. “Paddleboarding on Donner has to be my favorite thing,” McFadden said. Williams, who played at Cal for four seasons and lived in Berkeley, said Reno’s Midtown is nice. “There’s a vintage shop on Virginia in the same shopping center as Nevada Fine Arts. I like trinkets,” Williams said, adding shoutouts for two restaurants (Süp and Malayà).

7. Who is the smartest player on the team?

Votes: Kola Babalola (3); AJ Bianco (3); Joe McFadden (3); E.J. Smith (1); Henry Sellards (1); Brandon Amaniampong (1); Myles Williams (1); Luke McEndoo (1); Jack Foster (0.33); Jacob Norcross (0.33); Zach Cochnauer (0.33)

In short: This question featured a three-way tie for first between Kola Babalola, AJ Bianco and Joe McFadden. Babalola has already graduated with a degree in neuroscience. McFadden worked on Wall Street between playing stints at Connecticut and Nevada. And Bianco will finish his playing career with a Masters degree. “Kola’s a genius,” Cochnauer said. Added Norcross of Babalola: “He’s going to be a doctor one day, so hard to argue with that.”

8. Which coach at Nevada yells probably the most?

Votes: Cameron Norcross (9); Jeff Choate (4); Carlos Cottrell (1); BJ Robertson (1)

In quick: This was our lede in a narrative about Cameron Norcross in April: “The loudest voice at Mackay Stadium during this month’s spring camp is a familiar one. That voice belongs to new (and old) Nevada offensive line coach Cameron Norcross.” Our perception Norcross is the workers’s large boomer was vindicated on this vote. “I’ll be listening to him anyplace in observe,” Webb stated. “He gets loud,” added Kelley. “Probably my dad,” Jacob Norcross stated. While the vote was concerning the teaching workers, Williams stated there is a Wolf Pack participant who’s additionally awfully loud. “I’m about fed up with Ky Woods yelling in the locker room,” Williams stated. Carlos Cottrell is an assistant power coach for Nevada whereas Robertson assists on particular groups.

9. What’s your favourite social media platform?

Votes: Instagram (8.5); TikTok (4); Twitter (1); ESPN (1); SnapChat (0.5)

In quick: Instagram and TikTok had been the large winners with a number of gamers give each platforms half a vote. Utu stated: “I’m not really on social media a lot, but I’ll say ESPN.” That’s not likely a platform, however ESPN has loads of social-media accounts. But Williams most likely had one of the best reply: “They’re all sort of growing in a means that I’m not loving, however I used to be a giant fan of Twitter earlier than they converted to ‘X.’ So, I’ll say Twitter. I’m not gonna name it ‘X.'”

10. Who’s the most athletic player on the team?

Votes: Aiden Walker (4.5); Dylan LaBarbera (2); Donnie Cheers (2); Poasa Utu (1); Jaylen Webb (1); AJ Bianco (1); Ky Woods (1); Zach Cochnauer (1); Damien Morgan (1); Zavien Abercrombie (0.5)

In short: Walker was voted to the preseason All-MW team entering his second season as his athleticism has even stood out to his teammates. “Can I pick myself?” Walker asked. He was forbidden and selected wideout Donnie Cheers. “I see Ethan Newman raising his hand, but I would not say him,” Norcross said. “I’ll say Zach Cochnauer.” Added Newman: “I’ve seen Dylan push a lot of weight, and he’s also super quick.” Vaughan considered athleticism that crosses sports activities and picked Bianco, the Wolf Pack quarterback. “If we’re throwing swimming in as properly, I’d say AJ Bianco. He’s good at baseball, too.”

11. Would you slightly play in 100-degree climate or 35-degree climate?

Votes: 100 levels (8); 35 levels (7)

In quick: The was practically a break up vote with the blistering warmth barely edging frigid temps. “I’d rather sweat than shiver,” Woods stated. Added Kelley: “I’ll say 35-degree weather because you can put extra stuff on. You can’t do that with 100 degrees.” Said Vaughan: “100 degrees. I’m from Vegas.” Cochnauer additionally voted primarily based on his hometown: “Thirty-five brings me back to playing in Minnesota in a blizzard.”

12. If you could be an animal, which one would you pick?

Votes: Eagle (3); Gorilla (2); Lion (2); Whale (2); Wolf (1); Sloth (1); Cardinal (1); Polar Bear (1); Cheetah (1); Cobra (1)

In short: “Bird” was a popular answer until the players were pressed to be more specific, with eagle getting three votes and cardinal one (from Cochnauer). “I’d like to fly,” Va’a stated earlier than choosing an eagle. Amaniampong and Newman, two trench gamers, stated gorilla. “I love gorillas,” Newman stated. “They’re just super cool.” Walker and Williams went with whales. Walker picked an orca. Williams did not discriminate. “I really like whales,” Williams stated. “Sperm whale. Gray whale. Humpback whale. I’m a big whale guy.” McFadden, the Wolf Pack kicker, opted for a sloth. “They’re slow but most people don’t know they’re incredibly lethal animals with their claws,” McFadden said. Woods went for speed and the cheetah . “Fastest thing around,” he said.

13. Who is the best leader on the team?

Votes: Jack Foster (8.5); Dylan LaBarbera (2.5); Gerick Robinson (2.5); EJ Smith (1); Jeremy Naborne-Owens (1)

In short: Foster and LaBarbera were selected as Nevada’s captains without a team vote since both separated themselves with their hard work over the summer. “First one in, last one out and holds himself to a very high standard,” Newman said of Foster.

14. What’s your favorite sport besides football?

Votes: Basketball (5); Volleyball (2); Hockey (2); Baseball (2); Soccer (1.5); Combat sports (1); Golf (1); Track and field (0.5)

In short: Basketball was the top choice, as it has been in past years when this question was asked. “I was a center,” the 6-foot-2 Webb said. “I don’t know if I was too good.” Walker went with the rare hockey/track combo: “I played hockey growing up. That was fun. In track, I went to state for that.” Williams grew up doing combat sports and picked that. “Hot take is I really like sumo.” Va’a and Utu each picked volleyball. “I may be big, but I can jump,” the 329-pound Va’a said. Newman picked golf. “I’m probably a 150 handicap, but it’s fun.” Woods also was aspirational in his pick. “I wish I was good at baseball.”

15. What is your favorite NFL team?

Votes: Denver Broncos (3); Dallas Cowboys (3); New England Patriots (1); Seattle Seahawks (1); Cleveland Browns (1); Las Vegas Raiders (1); Minnesota Vikings (1); Cincinnati Bengals (1); Houston Texans (1); San Francisco 49ers (1); Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1)

In short: The only teams to get multiple votes were the Broncos and Cowboys, which earned votes from the Texas natives on the Wolf Pack roster, although one Texas native opted for another team from the Lone Star State. “Just because I’m from Houston I want to say the Texas, but I don’t really have an exact team,” Woods stated. Amaniampong picked the Browns, admitting, “It’s been tough.” Kelley additionally helps a traditionally poor staff, the Raiders. “We haven’t been good, but we’re going to turn that around,” he said. Newman picked the Bengals but also has a connection to the Bears. “My step-mom’s step-dad’s dad, he played for the Bears in 1929. Joe Kopcha. He helped revolutionize shoulder pads.”

16. What is your favorite video game?

Votes: EA Sports College Football (3.5); NBA2K (3.5); Rocket League (2); Madden NFL (1.5); War Zone (1); Fortnite (1); Grand Theft Auto (1); Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (1); Call of Duty: Black Ops (1)

In short: EA Sports College Football returned three years ago, giving college players the chance to play as themselves. That was an appeal for those who picked that game, which tied with NBA2K for the top spot. Norcross and Newman picked Rocket League, a hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem. “Me and Jacob were playing that game before this,” Newman stated. Many Wolf Pack gamers stated they do not play video video games anymore as a result of they’re too busy. “My console is in a shoebox, but growing up I played 2K ’15 and ’16,” Cochnauer stated. Added Amaniampong: “I’ve retired.”

17. Who is the fastest player on the team?

Votes: Ky Woods (4.5); Cooper Wilson (4); Aiden Walker (2); Jaylen Webb (1); Zavien Abercrombie (1); Donnie Cheers (1); Herschel Turner (0.5); Gary Givens III (0.5); Donnie Cheers (0.5)

In short: This one was a close contest with running back Ky Woods, a Texas transfer, edging defensive back Cooper Wilson, a Nebraska transfer. Many players wanted to pick themselves in this one, which was forbidden. “Ky Woods would be right behind me,” Walker stated. “I’ve heard it’s Ky Woods,” Norcross stated. “There’s fast and then there’s fast fast,” Newman stated. Apparently Woods, who had a 98-yard kick return for a landing in a win over San Jose State final season, suits within the second class of pace.

18. Do you like enjoying on grass or SubjectTurf?

Votes: Grass (10); SubjectTurf (4); Indifferent (1)

In quick: Grass was the large winner by way of enjoying floor, though the one Mountain West faculty with a grass area is … properly, none of them. SubjectTurf earned 4 votes, which was a shock to Williams. “I’ve never met somebody who prefers Turf,” Williams stated. Cochnauer was detached given his place (offensive deal with). “It’s all the same to me,” he stated. “It’s probably different for the guys who are running.”

19. Who is the funniest participant on the staff?

Votes: Ky Woods (4.5); David Paine Jr. (3); Logologo Va’a (2); Jeremy Naborne-Owens (1); Jack Silverman (1); Daijon “Wooptie” Calimon (1); Snoop Leota-Amaama (1); EJ Smith (0.5)

In quick: We solely recorded 14 of the 15 votes on this one since Newman listed 5 guys. (We have to attract a line someplace.) Ky Woods was a preferred selection as was the defensive deal with duo of David Paine Jr. and Logologo Va’a, who mixed for 5 votes. Woods stated Nevada has a hilarious staff. “If we could record everything, I think we’d go viral every day,” he stated.

20. Which recreation are you most trying ahead to this season?

Votes: UNLV (4.5); UCLA (4); North Dakota State (2.5); Western Kentucky (2); UTEP (1); All of them (1)

In quick: The Battle for the Fremont Cannon barely edged UCLA for the highest spot. “I’m excited to go back to Vegas and go back to Allegiant,” stated Norcross, who performed for Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas in highschool. Webb picked UCLA. “I want to play the big boys,” he stated of the Big 10 foe. North Dakota State earned two votes from gamers who’ve confronted the Bison earlier than in Amaniampong and Cochnauer. “I played them last year but have never played in the Fargodome,” Amaniampong stated. Utu maybe had one of the best reply. “I’ll be honest, it’s all of them,” he said. “It’s a new conference, so that’s exciting.”

NSN director of operations Chris Murray additionally serves as a columnist and on-air host offering perception on Northern Nevada sports activities. Contact him at crmurray@sbgtv.com or comply with him on Twitter @ByChrisMurray.