UNLV spring football recap No. 4: 4-on-3 drills end first week

During UNLV’s first spring practice in full pads Saturday morning, a crowd of about 60 fans huddled near the north end zone on one of the two fields at Rebel Park to watch the team’s hard-hitting, four-on-three Rebel drill.

“That’s something I’ve been doing since my days at (California) High (School). It’s great because it’s not one of those mindless get-up-and-kill-the-guy deals. There’s a lot of football and Xs and Os and teaching to it,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. “At the same time, it creates a physicality and atmosphere you need. You can’t always be in comfortable situations. That’s an uncomfortable drill and you’ll do it maybe three times a year. But every year, the first day you’re going to get in full pads, you’re going to get in the Rebel drill.”

Here’s a recap of UNLV’s fourth spring practice, which featured some scrimmage action complete with referees and down-and-distance situations.

HIGHLIGHTS

* During the scrimmage, redshirt freshman wide receiver Darren Woods Jr. continued his strong spring, hauling in a 50-yard pass from Kurt Palandech.

* Sophomore wideout Brandon Presley made a leaping catch in traffic of a pass from Johnny Stanton and senior tight end Andrew Price also made a nice catch in traffic on a pass from Stanton.

* Senior linebacker Ryan McAleenan picked off a tipped pass by Dalton Sneed and the defense forced a fumble at the 1-yard line by senior fullback David Greene.

NOTES

* Junior wide receiver Devonte Boyd sat out his second straight practice with a minor hip ailment but is expected back at full strength for Monday’s 8:10 a.m. practice.

* Several players from UNLV’s 2016 and 2017 recruiting classes attended practice, including locals Mike Sims (Arbor View), Farrell Hester (Bishop Gorman), Tyler Thornton (Palo Verde), William Brewer (Liberty) and Jamaal Evans (Centennial) from the 2017 class.

* On hand from the 2016 class were receiver Mekhi Stevenson and quarterback Armani Rogers, who were watching practice intently together from the sidelines.

“It’s getting closer to the season and I want to get out here and try to learn plays and see how practice and everything is so I can come in and be as ready as I can be,” said Stevenson, a senior at Helix High in La Mesa, Calif. “Practice is good. I like the energy, but I kind of feel like the offense doesn’t have as much energy as the defense does and I feel that’s one thing I’m going to try to help because I’m an energetic guy so I’m going to try to bring my energy to the team.”

QUOTES

* Sanchez on Woods: “He’s had a really good week. No. 10 keeps getting better. I don’t think there’s been a day where he hasn’t made multiple plays. He looks good.”

* Sanchez on redshirt freshman offensive lineman Justin Polu, a 6-foot-4-inch, 325-pound Silverado High product: “Justin Polu’s an interesting guy. He’s extremely powerful. He has a chance to be a great player. He’s not there yet, but if he keeps his mind right and does a great job listening to (offensive line) coach (John) Garrison, he has a chance to be a great football player.”

* Sanchez on first week of practice: “It’s been a steady progression the entire week. We look good all over the place. And bad all over the place. We’ve got to keep working.”