Decker takes aim at Rebels’ quarterback job

One sign — other than the loud music blaring from the sound system — that times have changed at Rebel Park: New UNLV football coach Tony Sanchez didn’t moan when asked by a reporter about the quarterback position.

Another sign: Sanchez isn’t determined to take that position battle all way to training camp in August.

“My intention is as soon as that cream rises to the top and you see the guy that needs to be your No. 1, we go ahead and make that decision,” Sanchez said. “You’ve seen me before, I’m not afraid to make a decision.”

So there is a sense of urgency during spring practice, which began Monday, and no one feels that more than senior and returning starter Blake Decker. He is trying to fight off sophomore transfer Kurt Palandech and redshirt freshman Kevin Thomson.

As the one with the most experience, Decker (6 feet 2 inches, 205 pounds) would seem to have the advantage, and maybe he would if previous coach Bobby Hauck and his staff had returned.

But with a new regime in place, no position is settled, and every freshman has the same shot as a senior. It’s about production, and no one understands that better than Decker.

He realizes many doubt his ability to lead the Rebels after throwing 18 interceptions last season. Those turnovers overshadowed his 15 touchdown passes and the flashes of excellence, such as the three-TD performance off the bench in the final 11:39 to nearly steal a late-season victory at Hawaii.

There just weren’t enough of those moments for Decker and his teammates, who went 2-11, resulting in Hauck’s resignation and UNLV’s decision to hire Sanchez from Bishop Gorman High School.

“I think we lost more games last year than I have in my entire career since I was in Pop Warner combined,” Decker said. “I credit that a lot to me, to poor play and turning the ball over in certain situations where I couldn’t turn the ball over. I think there was a lot of good that came out of last year. It was a huge learning experience for me, but at the same time, I can’t look back on it and not be frustrated.

“It kind of propelled me into this spring and next season if I get that chance to start and play that I’ve got a lot of doubters to prove wrong, especially here in Vegas.”

The new coaches are trying to help Decker accomplish that aim, and that means helping him cut down on mistakes by simplifying his reads.

“We’ve got to make sure he’s doing that, reading one (defender),” quarterbacks coach Ron O’Dell said. “If he goes right, then we’re going to throw left. We’re going to pick half a side of a field and work that side.”

Decker is preparing to play in yet another different offensive system. Sanchez will run a power offense, and Decker operated the spread last season. He also played in different systems at two junior colleges.

“Route concepts are similar in terms of where guys are going to end up,” Decker said. “The terminology is obviously the first step, and after that it’s the coaching staff’s preferences of where they want the ball to go in certain situations.

“You learn how to learn a new offense. I think that’s something that has helped me out, and hopefully it will continue through the rest of the spring.”

First, though, Decker needs to beat out his competition, whether it be in the spring or in August.

Palandech (6-1, 190) signed early out of Laney College in Oakland, Calif. Thomson (6-1, 185) gets his chance after sitting out last season, and he consistently played better than any quarterback in last year’s camp.

Sanchez is making the battle as even as he can, with all three quarterbacks receiving equal snaps.

So Decker will try to win the job he always seemed destined to win last year, even as Hauck dragged out the decision until camp. Becoming the starter for next season isn’t nearly as certain.

If he does get the position, Decker must try to produce with a rebuilt offensive line and in a new system while facing a brutal schedule that includes games at Michigan and against UCLA.

It’s a lot to ask, but he’s ready to go.

“I’m a perfectionist,” Decker said. “I want to be on top of things as soon as I can, but I’ve learned — especially last year — that I can’t rush things. You’ve got to take it day by day and piece by piece and let the offense work in. I think the coaching staff’s done a great job of having an offense that is simple enough for us to learn and jump onboard with, but it’s going to be extremely effective at the same time.”

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