UNLV’s Sanford pleased with camp’s pace

ELY -- With a veteran team and some talented newcomers, Mike Sanford has enjoyed his most productive training camp entering his fifth season as UNLV's football coach.

Sanford stopped short of stamping the camp a success ahead of tonight's final practice, but clearly he's pleased with the work the team has accomplished in Ely.

"I think our tempo is the fastest it's been, meaning we're getting the most plays run with the least amount of mistakes," Sanford said. "Like (Tuesday), we had two (five-minute) periods where we started late and finished early.

"We've had times in the past where we wouldn't even get through a script, which means that the concentration, the tempo, the speed to which we're getting up to the line, getting the plays called, rotating groups in and out, is faster, and that's good."

Senior wide receiver Ryan Wolfe shared Sanford's opinion of camp.

"All around, it's the most efficient," Wolfe said. "We're getting the most done. The maturity level of this group is 10 times above anything we've ever had."

Veterans have helped the newcomers adapt to major college football and UNLV's system.

"We need to make sure they're ready to contribute," Wolfe said. "If we can get them to work where they need to be working, it saves the coaches a lot of extra time."

• LATE START -- The Rebels are used to returning to Las Vegas from Ely and quickly getting into game-week mode.

Not this time.

When they return, they will have more than two weeks to go until the Sept. 5 opener against Sacramento State at Sam Boyd Stadium. The college football season begins a week later this year.

"It's going to be different," Sanford said. "You can't treat (next week) as a bye week because we haven't played a game yet.

"The good thing about it, I think, is we'll have a week of school where we'll get used to the rhythm of school and practice for one week before we have a game. I think that will be really good, especially for the young players."

• COMING BACK -- Sophomore C.J. Cox, limited by a hamstring injury, is expected to take part in about half of the drills this morning as he tries to get back into the competition for the starting tailback job.

Cox probably will participate in about 75 percent of the practices Friday night.

The Rebels are off Thursday to travel back to Las Vegas.

Sanford said Cox would be given every chance "within reason" to win the starting job.

"He can't go up till the day before the game," Sanford said. "He's got to prove (it). Right now, we've got some guys that are going.

"Not that it's his fault that he got injured, but at the same time, we've got a time issue. As we get closer to the game, we've got live (tackling) situations, and those are the only things we have to evaluate."

Because hamstring injuries can linger, UNLV has been careful not to rush Cox back.

"I tried to come back a little bit earlier, probably about a week ago, but I hurt it again," Cox said. "We're just being real cautious right now."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest practice reports at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.