UNLV Rebels Camp Report, Aug. 19

QB SHERRY HEATS UP AFTER COLD START IN SCRIMMAGE

ELY - Nick Sherry's quest to secure UNLV's starting quarterback job didn't begin so well Saturday.

The redshirt freshman completed only one of his first eight passes, though he had one dropped. Another was broken up and wound up in the hands of junior defensive tackle Tyler Gaston for an interception.

But as Sherry has done during camp, he settled down and completed six of his final eight attempts. He finished 7 of 16 for 93 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown to senior tight end Aaron Reed.

"I think we had a pretty good scrimmage," Sherry said. "I have a lot to work on as a quarterback. I think we have a good offense going into the season."

The race is between Sherry and junior Caleb Herring. Coach Bobby Hauck said he could name a starter today, but didn't make any promises.

Herring gave Hauck plenty to think about, completing 7 of 8 passes for 68 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown to junior wide receiver and Oregon State transfer Maika Mataele.

"All in all, 7 of 8, that's not too bad, but we would have liked to have scored a little bit more on those drives," Herring said. "Any time you lose some points on those drives, you're going to want more."

NOTABLE

UNLV's offense was without some of its key pieces for most of the scrimmage, including junior running backs Tim Cornett and Bradley Randle and sophomore wide receiver Marcus Sullivan. The absences were noticeable as the defense dominated. "On good teams, teams that win a lot of games consistently year in and year out, they have depth," Hauck said. "I think looking at it big-picture, depth is a big problem for us. It's not where we are in the program right now. We'll get there. Our young guys look good. They'll need time." ... After being out with a sprained right ankle for about a week, sophomore running Dionza Bradford appears ready to return today. ... After senior Chase Lansford made a 51-yard field goal, junior Nolan Kohorst answered with a 52-yarder. Kohorst, a Green Valley High School graduate, was last season's starting kicker. "Lansford's pushing to be our kicker," Hauck said. "He hit the ball great." ... Lack of leadership last season was a topic entering training camp, but it doesn't appear to be a problem now. "These guys love to play," Hauck said. "That's probably a dramatic change. When the rain's pouring down out here and we had to switch venues, they just want to play."

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DEFENSIVE END: Redshirt freshman Sonny Sanitoa was expected to start, but his left knee has him on crutches. He is expected to rejoin the team at some point, and Sanitoa should find a competitive position

DEPTH CHART

Player Ht. Wt. Yr.

LEFT END

Jordan Sparkman 6-6 265 So.

James Boyd 6-5 255 Jr.

RIGHT END

Parker Holloway 6-4 240 Jr.

Beau Brence 6-3 255 Sr.

SITTING OUT

Player Pos. Status

Alvin Amilcar DL Limited

Tyler Bergsten TE Out