Training Camp Notebook: 3/24/26 - Getting Started

Photo by Sandra Agboste

The Washington Wolfpack started training this week. Players arrived over the weekend, and there were many new faces joining the Wolfpack as the team looks to hit the ground running in 2026. Each day, we'll touch base with Coach JR Wells and get insight on how things are going. The team is currently running three-a-days with no pads, though they will dip down once pads are added. 

New Faces, New Vibes, New Cultures

With so many new faces showing up to the Wolfpack this year, the brand new Wolfpack vibe and culture were evident right away. 

"It's a huge change, the growth, the culture, the camaraderie amongst the team and the guys, can be felt," Coach Wells said. "Granted, we've been getting after it with meetings and everything and communicating with each other. We wanted these guys to come in and feel like brothers already, and not worry about egos or attitudes, and you can feel that."

He's setting the precedent and has been very clear with every player on the team about how he wants the culture to go. 

"How you do anything is how you do everything," Coach said. Guys are interacting and engaging in meetings, and Coach JR can tell the guys are ready to roll. 

Early Standouts

I asked Coach about new guys who were standing out, even though it's very early. He knew if he named everybody, we'd be on the phone all day. Coach has been impressed with a bunch of guys, but he gave me two who he was taking notice of. One was Donovan Hardin. Coach Wells recruited Hardin from the National Scouting Combine and is really excited to watch him grow. 

"Donovan Hardin, that kid is special," Coach said. 

 Another guy he mentioned was offensive lineman Travis Alvarez. 

"Travis took some time off, and he's looking really good. Those are just a couple of linemen that are really standing out."

There haven't been any injuries to report through their three-a-day practices, and nothing has been a concern for him so far. 

Check back daily for camp updates. We'll keep you up to speed on who's standing out, any injuries that may pop up, as well as some details on what Coach is noticing from the team. The new culture is taking hold, and the Wolfpack are ready to howl.