April 7, 2006

LAS VEGAS - A sunny early evening bathed Rebel Park during Friday's UNLV football spring scrimmage, but it was the starting offense that looked even better to onlookers and coaching staff alike.

The scripted, crisply run 75-play event saw the two quarterbacks who are battling for the starting spot this fall both turn in bright efforts. Senior Shane Steichen (El Dorado Hills, CA/Oak Ridge HS) was 3-4 for 54 yards during his time on the field while former USC transfer Rocky Hinds (Los Angeles/St. Bernard HS) finished 8-11 for 125 yards and two scores.

"I think the ones (first string lineups) were impressive on both sides of the ball," UNLV head coach Mike Sanford said. "The No. 1 offense really moved the ball efficiently and the receivers caught the ball better. We cut down on our turnovers compared to last week but still need to improve in that area. We also need to improve our twos (second string lineups) because championship teams have more than just the starters."

On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Vic Shealy said former UCLA transfer Mil'Von James (Los Angeles/Fremont HS) continued his fine work in the secondary.

"Mil'Von James is showing a lot of discipline and right now is playing at a level as high as any cornerback that is taking snaps for us," Shealy said. "He had a really good week and capped it off with a nice job tonight."

Shealy also mentioned good weeks turned in by a pair of youngsters that hope to help bolster the UNLV linebacking corps.

"KC Asiodu (Chino Hills, CA/Ayala HS) has done a nice job moving over from the secondary. There was a major learning curve the past two weeks but he has been improving every day. Also, Jason Beauchamp (San Diego/Steele Canyon HS) has been getting better and better."

UNLV will have the weekend off and take the field for its final week of spring drills beginning Tuesday. The Spring Game will be held at Sam Boyd Stadium on Friday, April 14, beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

REMAINING SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
April 11  Tuesday    Practice 12  Pads    3:00-5:15 pmApril 12  Wednesday  Practice 13  Pads    4:00-6:15 pmApril 13  Thursday   Practice 14  No Pads 4:25-6:45 pmApril 14  Friday     SPRING GAME  6:00 pm at Sam Boyd StadiumApril 14  Friday     TEAM BBQ     7:30 pm at Sam Boyd Stadium