TAKE FIVE: MIKE SANFORD

Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006 | 7:36 a.m.

One of the most hotly contested battles in training camp this month will determine whether transfer Rocky Hinds or incumbent Shane Steichen emerges as the Rebels' starting quarterback.

Curiously, UNLV's second-year coach Mike Sanford didn't even mention the quarterback position when asked to list the five most pressing issues he would like to see resolved by the time the season opens Sept. 2.

"To me, it's a great problem to have," Sanford said of the competition between Hinds and Steichen. "I'm not stressed out about it because I feel good about the position because we have two guys that I think can really play."

The prevailing opinion, of course, is that Hinds won the job as soon as he announced he was transferring from USC to UNLV.

Here, then, are Sanford's top five areas of concern as the Rebels wrap up their first week of training camp in Ely.

1. Offensive line

"I want to develop and determine who our backup center is," Sanford said. "I think we've got to determine that in the next couple of weeks. We have a lot of young guys who could possibly be in backup roles on the offensive line."

Senior Aaron Mueller is listed as the Rebels' starting center.

2. Safety

"Our safety situation is up in the air a little bit," Sanford said.

Transfer Tony Cade (Oklahoma via San Francisco City College) has looked good in camp and should make an immediate impact at the position, joining returning starter Jay Staggs.

"Overall, the secondary looks like it will be very difficult to throw against," Sanford said.

3. Defensive line

"We need to develop depth in the defensive line," according to Sanford. "We have more older guys there (than on the offensive line) but, in general, we need more depth at that position. That was a position that got worn down last year as the season went on."

4. H-back

Again, Sanford is looking for depth at the position behind sophomore Renan Saint Preux, who started three games last year.

"I think we're pretty good at the other receiver positions, but we've got to have a very dependable two-deep (situation) at the H-back position and guys who know what they're doing."

5. Conditioning

"We've got to stay healthy this year," Sanford said. "We will address that with a combination of training, what we do and how we practice."

Getting out of Las Vegas for the cooler climes of Ely was a good first step; five players had to be treated for heat-related problems during the first week of camp before they moved north.