UNLV still must scramble to find a cornerback to play opposite senior Geoffery Howard, especially if Pointer can't play in the opener or is reduced to a limited role. The candidates are juniors Lafayette Fletcher and Ryan Tillman and redshirt freshman Will Chandler.

"We weren't far along in the process of evaluating because we've got a lot of competition for what would be the third, fourth and fifth corner," coach Mike Sanford said. "So we've got to keep evaluating."

Pointer started eight games last season and played in all 12. He gave the secondary a physical presence, making 50 tackles and two interceptions.

In other injury news, redshirt freshman tight end Austin Harrington bruised his right calf Wednesday night, but Sanford said it did not seem serious.

• ANOTHER ADDITION -- Lale Taiese, a 6-foot-3-inch, 275-pound defensive tackle, walked on after transferring from Laney College in Oakland, Calif.

UNLV has bolstered its depth inside, also adding tackle Martin Tevaseu, who transferred Tuesday from Santa Rosa (Calif.) Junior College.

"One of the problems that we had last year is we weren't very deep, and we got worn down as the season went on," Sanford said.

• BRING ON THE HITS -- UNLV sometimes runs full-contact drills in preseason to get its quarterbacks accustomed to the hits they often must absorb in the team's shotgun spread offense.

Sanford said Rebels quarterbacks will go "live" at some point in camp but not as much as in the past, largely because sophomore Omar Clayton has a year of experience running the offense.

But redshirt freshman backup Mike Clausen probably could use the work.

"It kind of gives you that game mentality even though you're going against your defense you go against all the time," Clausen said. "Our defense is going to get me ready. That's the best possible practice I can get -- that game experience. I know that is what I lack right now."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.