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During Tony Sanchez’s first press conference of the season (also attended by receiver Devonte Boyd and linebacker Ryan McAleenan) he fielded numerous questions about the upcoming season ranging from who would be starting to how he felt about the upcoming season.
When asked who would get the go ahead against Jackson State on Thursday, the coach confirmed that it would indeed be junior Johnny Stanton, confirming what had been reported earlier by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Having previously been a backup at Nebraska for two seasons, Stanton finally saw the field as a starter last season while playing on the junior college level for Saddleback College where he earned first-team All-American honors.
When asked how he thought Stanton should go about playing in his first division one football game, coach Sanchez reiterated that Stanton only needed to play within himself and get the ball out to the skill players. Sanchez also confirmed that while Stanton will get the start, fans could see Kurt Palandech “on the first series of the second quarter.”
Among other questions, coach Sanchez was also asked about the running back position and whether he felt that this years’ schedule was more manageable. After naming the top backs for the team, Sanchez explained that they will most likely use a committee featuring the likes of Lexington Thomas, Charles Williams, and Xzaviar Campbell.
Sanchez also mentioned that they intend to use junior tight end Tim Holt as an extra fullback throughout the season.
On being asked whether or not he felt the schedule was more manageable, Sanchez agreed but was quick to note that the team could not develop an arrogant attitude about this season’s opponents and their focus was on the opener against Jackson State.
You can catch the press conference in its entirety below: