Brendon Lewis named Nevada's starting QB; hopes to lead 'loaded' Wolf Pack offense

Brendon Lewis got a welcome surprise after football practice on Tuesday, although kind of an unusual one.
Lewis only learned he would be the starting quarterback for the Nevada football team after a question from an RGJ reporter ― a full day after coach Ken Wilson made the announcement to the media.
But Lewis took it in stride when questioned and is ready for the challenge, starting Saturday at No. 6-ranked USC.
"I actually haven't gotten told anything," Lewis said.
Brendon Lewis
He is also a team captain, an honor he takes great pride in. That was voted on by his teammates and will last all season. Wolf Pack coaches did not have any say in that decision this season. Wilson said coaches will name special teams captains each week.
“Being named team captain is pretty cool, coming from the guys on my team and having to win the locker room over,” Lewis said. “It shows those guys believe in me. And I believe in those guys.”
Lewis is entering his first season at Nevada after transferring from Colorado.
Lewis, who has bonded quickly with his Wolf Pack teammates, said having fun will be important on the field, but they also want to win and he intends to help the players be at their highest level.
"We all want to win and I'm going to push the the guys to be he best that they can be," he said.
Lewis said the Pack offense has been clicking well this summer.
He said running the ball is a big part of his game, but he wants to focus on throwing it down the field.
“Coach (Derek) Sage has been working with me on getting the ball out on time and not sitting back there and holding onto the ball,” Lewis said. “That's the biggest part, getting the ball out on time and where it needs to be.”
Nevada quarterback Brendon Lewis talks to the media Tuesday after practice at Wolf Pack Park.
Lewis said the Wolf Pack should be able to put up a lot of points this season.
"We can move the ball. Play with tempo. The Union (offensive line) is coming together. We've got a loaded skill group," Lewis said.
Sage will be calling plays for the offense and Lewis said it is similar to the offense he ran in high school in Texas.
Lewis said playing in front of a huge crowd at the Coliseum on Saturday against Southern California won't bother him. He played in front of big crowds while at Colorado the past two seasons.
"Playing against guys that got drafted in the (NFL Draft) first or second round, that helped a lot with the speed of the game and knowing how how fast they move on the field, that's going to help me a lot this season," Lewis said.
Lewis is not feeling any added pressure after being named the starting QB.
"It's college football. There's always the next man behind you who is going to be champing at the bit. I just go out there every time and try to play to the best of my ability and try to make plays and try to move the ball downfield," Lewis said.