UNLV scrimmage a showcase for younger players

BACKUPS TO GET PLENTY OF PLAYING TIME IN SCRIMMAGE

ELY — UNLV football scrimmages often are like NFL preseason games.

The starters might play some, but most of the time is devoted to backups and those in most need of practice time.

That will be the Rebels’ approach again at 2:15 p.m. today when they stage their main scrimmage of training camp.

“Most of our position battles are done in the spring,” coach Bobby Hauck said. “There are a few that they’re competing right now, and certainly we’ve had some guys make some moves, but Saturday will be more for guys that haven’t played a bunch that are going to have to play a bunch in two weeks.”

The Rebels open their season Aug. 29 at Arizona.

Hauck said the scrimmage should be fairly brief, perhaps about 50 plays.

NOTABLE

On his first day as the starting quarterback, junior Blake Decker made his share of plays in Friday’s afternoon practice. He threaded an 11-yard touchdown pass between two defenders to freshman wide receiver Kendal Keys; completed an 18-yard TD throw to freshman receiver Devonte Boyd, who made a terrific catch over senior cornerback Tajh Hasson; hit sophomore tight end Andrew Price for a 15-yard score; and stood in against a corner blitz by Hasson to complete a 25-yard pass to Keys. On that last play, Keys caught the ball falling back as his brother, Kenny, a junior safety, came over to defend. … For a player expected to redshirt, QB Kevin Thomson has gotten a lot of repetitions this week. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Timm Rosenbach said a depth chart beyond the top two QBs hasn’t been established, but noted Thomson has impressed. “Kevin’s certainly done a nice job for a true freshman, and it’s been fun to watch him,” Rosenbach said. “(Redshirt freshman) Jared Lebowitz has gotten better this camp. That’s been good to see so far, too. Jared’s had some rough days, but he bounces back really well.” … Senior offensive left tackle Brett Boyko was held out of the afternoon practice, but Hauck said that was to give him some rest. “There are some guys that need a break,” Hauck said. “A lot of them aren’t going to make it through every day in camp, especially him, who’s had multiple surgeries.”

POSITION SPOTLIGHT

Quarterback: Blake Decker was named the starter Friday, but history shows that Nick Sherry should make sure he’s ready.

Blake Decker, Jr., 6-2, 205

Nick Sherry, Jr., 6-5, 235

SITTING OUT

Player, Pos., Status

Brett Boyko, OL, Out

David Greene, RB, Out

Phillip Haynes, OL, Out

Jack Killian, WR, Out

Chris Lopez, OL, Out

Ron Scoggins, G, Out