QB Hinds sits out with swollen knee

ELY — UNLV quarterback Rocky Hinds skipped team drills Saturday because of swelling in his right knee, which was operated on in January to repair the anterior cruciate ligament.

The junior said he was not too concerned about missing time this season or being hampered by the surgically repaired knee.

“It’s just something we want to keep controlled,” Hinds said. “It’s pretty frustrating, but I’ve got to do what my body allows me to do.”

Coach Mike Sanford said he would know more in three days about Hinds’ condition.

• RETURN TO ELY — This is the second straight year the Rebels have moved training camp to this eastern Nevada town.

Sanford said getting away from Las Vegas should benefit the Rebels, though they went 2-10 last year. One of the advantages, he said, was scheduling practices and meetings at more normal times as daily high temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees cooler.

Sanford also said it helps to work out at an altitude of 6,435 feet, especially with the Aug. 30 season opener being at Utah State in Logan, elevation 4,452 feet.

If Saturday morning’s practice was any indication, Sanford achieved his goal of improving players’ focus and increasing intensity. They moved crisply from drill to drill, and pad-popping hits echoed throughout Broadbent Park.

“Today, we got a lot done,” Sanford said. “We had really good attitude and good focus and concentration.”

• ODDS AND ENDS — Quarterback-turned-safety Jarrod Jackson has left the team. Junior walk-on linebacker Mark Seward also quit. Seward, a Bonanza High School product and the brother of former UNLV and current Carolina Panthers linebacker Adam Seward, began his college career at UNR. … Junior left offensive tackle Richie Plunkett was held out because of a bulging disk in his back. He is expected to return Monday. … Senior safety Tony Cade was back at practice after going to Texas to handle a personal matter. … The team has today off.