Nantkes eager for chance to show his skills

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002 | 9:22 a.m.

Kurt Nantkes has spent most of the last two seasons at UNLV biding his time on the sidelines as Jason Thomas' backup at quarterback.

But the 6-foot-4 sophomore from Hinkley High School in Aurora, Colo., who made one start last year at New Mexico when Thomas came down with the flu just before kickoff, doesn't have to wait anymore.

Rebel coach John Robinson, looking for some way to pump life into his team's floundering offense, announced Monday that Nantkes would share time with Thomas the remainder of the season.

During Tuesday night's two-hour practice at Rebel Park, Nantkes and Thomas, who will remain the starter, split snaps fairly evenly.

"When I came in for our team meetings on Monday, they told me I'd get a chance to play and to make the most of it," Nantkes said. "They said I should be sharing time, so I'm excited. I'm more focused knowing that I'm getting out on the field. I'm trying to prepare like I'm starting."

Nantkes replaced Thomas late in the third quarter of the Rebels' 25-16 loss to New Mexico on Saturday. He completed 5 of 14 passes for 44 yards and one touchdown, but also was intercepted twice and was smashed into the goalpost for a safety.

"I was on the headphones and I heard the coaches talking," Nantkes said. "It was like what should we do? Should we put Kurt in? One of the coaches said, 'Yeah.' So I took (the headphones) off, grabbed the football and was ready to rock.

"I've been waiting. I watch the game (but) I want to play ... just like any other person. Now I've got my shot and I just have to make the most of it."

Did Nantkes see the change coming?

"I knew it wasn't inevitable," he said. "I knew it was possible. When I finally heard the word, I was excited.

"Obviously, it's time for a change. I'm not saying that for the quarterback position, but just in general so we can maybe turn this thing around. I think the team so far has reacted pretty positively to the situation. I've gotten a lot of compliments from everybody. It's been nice."

How did the news affect his relationship with Thomas?

"It makes us better," Nantkes said. "Tonight we had one of the better practices that we've had in a while. ... both of us. We were competing. I want to complete every pass and he wants to complete every pass. It's making us better.

"We're both competitors. That's the main thing. We want to win. Whatever it takes. If it takes me not playing the whole game or vice versa, I guarantee we'd take it.

"Jason was supportive last game when I went in. I'm sure it got to him when the crowd was booing him and stuff. But he was still there when I came off to the sideline, tapping me on the butt and saying, 'Let's go.' "

Nantkes believes the Rebels (2-4, 0-1) can still turn things around in Mountain West Conference play.

"We're fighting," he said. "We're not out of it by any means."

Kincaid was to have his sprained right knee re-evaluated today by team physician Dr. Gerald Higgins. He underwent a tough 45-minute workout on the knee which he injured a little over two weeks ago in practice.

"He looked good," Wilson said. "He did everything we could throw at him and just about everything he'd do in a game ... cutting, starting, stopping, coming out of his stance. He did everything and didn't experience any pain. If there's no swelling (today), he could be cleared to start practicing some and, if everything goes well, could possibly play some (Saturday)."

"It felt good," Kincaid said. "Whether I play or not depends on what the coaches say and if I can get any work in practice this week."

If nothing else, the Rebels wouldn't mind having Kincaid in uniform in case of an emergency. Only seven healthy offensive linemen practiced Tuesday night.

Berry, who came off the bench and made his Division I debut near the end of the Cougars' 52-9 loss at Air Force, will replace junior Bret Engemann. Berry completed 6 of 8 passes for 95 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown strike to tight end Gabriel Reid.

"I'm not saying Matt is the answer to everything," Crowton said. "He is young, and I know he will make some mistakes. I feel like he has a lot of confidence right now."

Crowton said that backup Lance Pendleton, who has become the team's option specialist, will also see action.