When Johnny Stanton showed up for the first day of UNLV spring football practice looking like a linebacker at 6-feet-2-inches and a solid 245 pounds, the junior college transfer appeared poised to barrel over the competition for the Rebels starting quarterback job.
That might very well be the case by UNLV’s Sept. 1 season opener, but after two weeks of practice, the former Nebraska signal caller is locked in a close battle with incumbent starter Kurt Palandech, and redshirt freshman Dalton Sneed also is in the mix.
“If we had to play tomorrow, it’s kind of a 50-50 (decision),” Rebels coach Tony Sanchez said.