Rebels’ Tony Sanchez says QB spot is ‘dead heat’

Heading into the start of UNLV’s spring practice in March, coach Tony Sanchez was hoping to see newcomer Johnny Stanton or returnee Kurt Palandech emerge as the team’s clear-cut starting quarterback.

More than five months later, following the first four fall camp practices, Sanchez is still waiting for Stanton or Palandech to stake his claim to the No. 1 spot. The second-year Rebels coach said Friday that he wanted to name a starter in three or four days, but the two-man race is still too close to call.

“The quarterback spot is a dead heat. There’s not one guy that’s one inch above the other,” Sanchez said Monday morning after practice at Rebel Park. “I was hoping to be able to make a decision early. I bet that’s going to extend a little longer than I anticipated or really wanted to.

“But that’s OK. We’re not going to rush the decision. We’re going to make the correct decision.”

Practicing in helmets and shoulder pads for the final day of acclimation before putting on full pads Tuesday, the focus Monday was on red zone situations.

“I thought the defense did a really good job mixing up some looks,” Sanchez said. “We looked OK offensively. We’ve got to get a little better. The run game’s solid.

“We’ve got to be a little more consistent with the quarterback play, but they’re working on that and that’s part of the competition.”

Sanchez said he’s been impressed with the play of sophomore cornerback Darius Mouton, senior defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga and sophomore defensive tackle Salanoa-Alo Wily.