Nevada class missing a quarterback

BY DARRELL MOODY

Appeal Sports Writer

RENO - When Nevada football coach Chris Ault announced his recruiting class Wednesday afternoon only one position was omitted - quarterback.

Currently, Nevada has Nick Graziano (junior), Colin Kaepernick (sophomore) and Luke Collis (freshman) on the active roster. It's the first time in four years that Ault hasn't brought a quarterback in the fold.

"We've got a freshman, sophomore and junior," Ault said. "Next year we'll bring in a quarterback."

Also, Ault said that quarterback Tyler Lantrip, an invited walk-on from Jesuit High School, is expected to return to the team in the spring and will be the team's fourth quarterback. Lantrip was with the team last spring, and then later had to have back surgery.

Graziano broke his foot last year, which enabled Kaepernick a chance to start. Kaepernick passed for 2,038 yards and 19 TDs, while Graziano passed for 1,119 yards and 10 scores.

"Nick is doing great (in rehabbing the injury)," Ault said. "He's throwing on the side. He can't have any contact."

Graziano is expected to start contact when tranining camp starts in August.

Ault is high on Collis, who threw for more than 3,000 yards in high school. Collis got a lot of reps when Graziano went down, thus is getting better in understanding and working in the pistol offense. Nevada was able to save his freshman season and use it as a redshirt season because Kaepernick was able to stay healthy.

APPEAL FOR CLARK

Nevada is in the process of attempting to get a sixth year of eligibility for defensive end Erics Clark.

Clark suffered a knee injury early in the season, and then caught pnuemonia, which forced him out the entire season.

According to Jean Perry, Nevada's faculty rep for athletics, Clark was given a medical hardship by the WAC.

Perry said now the school will petition for a sixth year. Once Perry submits the proper paperwork, Clark is allowed to practice with the team until a decision is reached. There is a 30-day window when there is a decision pending.

SPRING PRACTICE

Nevada is scheduled to start spring practice Feb. 28.

Practices will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Scrimmages are scheduled for March 8 and 15. The spring game is set for March 22.