Questions are many as Rebels start football camp

Entering training camp with more questions than answers is seldom good for any college football team, especially one already facing low expectations.

Some answers for UNLV, which opens camp at 8 a.m. today at Rebel Park, will come quickly. Others won't be known until the Sept. 1 season opener at Wisconsin, or even later.

"When people ask me about our football team this year, the thing that sticks out to me the most is the unknown," coach Bobby Hauck said. "We're going to be a very young group, and I don't know exactly what we have on our team right now."

These are the top questions that face the Rebels:

1. How serious is senior wide receiver Phillip Payne's injury?

That answer could come today when Hauck addresses the media. He previously said in a text message Payne will "be out for a while." If the rumors are true that Payne has a broken foot -- Hauck doesn't discuss injuries in detail -- that could impact the season.

Payne, the only Rebel selected to the preseason All-Mountain West Conference team, caught 40 passes for 689 yards and five touchdowns last season.

But senior Michael Johnson, who caught 51 passes for 571 yards and five TD, returns from a spring academic suspension. Also, sophomore Marcus Sullivan and junior Eric Johnson have shown playmaking ability.

2. Who will become the starting quarterback?

Sophomore Caleb Herring emerged from the spring as the leader, though junior college transfer Sean Reilly will be given the chance to challenge him.

Still, Hauck indicated the job is Herring's to lose.

"We didn't want to make a decision coming out of spring ball," Hauck said. "Frankly, we didn't think that would be fair to Sean Reilly because he only had 15 practices to show what he's got."

3. Will four freshmen really start on the offensive line?

It's possible, but unlikely. Cameron Jefferson at left tackle and Robert Waterman at center are listed No. 1 at their positions and should hold those spots.

After that, however, only Brett Boyko appears to have a serious shot at starting, and he's behind junior Yusef Rodgers at right tackle. Rodgers had an impressive spring, so he won't be easy to overtake.

If a fourth freshman breaks through, grayshirt Alex Novosel and redshirt Brian Roth are the best candidates. Also, three offensive linemen were among the Rebels' prep signees in February.

4. Which newcomers will have the biggest impacts?

Hauck prefers to redshirt the high school signees, though some are expected to play.

Among the junior college transfers, look for linebacker Princeton Jackson, defensive lineman Louvan Green, offensive tackle Allen Carroll, Johnson at receiver and kick returner, and cornerback Ken Spigner to have the best chances to play big roles.

Jackson and Green are the most intriguing prospects. Jackson was UNLV's highest-rated recruit and will compete in a unit that lost all three starters. Green, who selected UNLV over Oregon State, Iowa State and Baylor, will get a good look because the line needs an upgrade.

5. Will the defense improve?

The Rebels have given up more than 30 points per game for three consecutive seasons and six of the past seven, a trend that won't be easily reversed. UNLV simply hasn't made many big plays. It made only 12 sacks last season, and that lack of pressure allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw deep almost at will.

There were encouraging signs in the spring, with players up front, such as senior end James Dunlap, making plays.

UNLV should be better in the secondary, particularly with the return of senior cornerback Quinton Pointer from a knee injury. Sophomores Sidney Hodge (cornerback) and Eric Tuiloma-Va'a (safety) became starters in the second half of last season and showed potential.

But to expect the Rebels to open the season locking down Wisconsin's offense would be unrealistic. The Badgers should have their way, so it won't be apparent until later in the season whether UNLV has hope on that side of the ball.

■ NOTES -- UNLV practices at Rebel Park until leaving Sunday for Ely. All practices are open to the public, but cellphones cannot be used. ... Sophomore running back Tim Cornett was one of 50 players selected to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, which goes to the most versatile player in college football.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.