These guys can help Pack turn corner

RENO - Their routes to the University of Nevada have been vastly different, but cornerbacks Paul Pratt and Kevin Stanley have the same goal of earning a starting job this season.

Pratt came directly to Nevada after a brilliant prep career at Taft High in Woodland Hills, Calif., and beat out incumbent Marlon McLaughlin late in the season.

The 5-10, 185-pound sophomore finished with 22 tackles and an interception, most of that coming in the final five games of a 6-6 season. Despite what was a pretty decent season, Pratt doesn't feel he's got a spot wrapped up.

"I'm approaching this year the same way I did last year," Pratt said prior to Thursday's practice at Wolf Pack Park. "I'm taking nothing for granted. I'm just trying to get better; trying to focus on my position and try to be a better athlete.

"I had a pretty good (last half) season. I'm going to continue to work hard. What you do in practice you're going to do in the game."

Pratt believes it was his hard work that enabled him to make the move from receiver to cornerback in the same season. He doesn't deny that he could get the job done on the other side of the ball, however, as his 59 catches his senior year would indicate.

"I think I'm a defensive back at heart," he said. "In the back of my mind, I knew I could be a good receiver. I turned down a lot of scholarship offers just to play wide receiver.

"It wasn't that hard (of a transition). It's a natural position for me; it's my calling. Everybody used to tell me that I could be a great cornerback. Defensive back gives me the next chance to make it to the next level."

Pratt saw his first action of the season in the secondary against Louisiana Tech when McLaughlin, who quit the team before fall camp started, was injured. He came off the bench the following week against Rice, and then started the next three weeks against Fresno State, Hawai'i and Boise State.

"I was kind of nervous (against Fresno State)," Pratt admitted. "They had Bernard Berrian, and he was very fast. He didn't have any catches on me (Berrian finished with five)."

Pratt said his best game came the following week against Hawai'i and its much-heralded Timmy Chang. He helped the defense hold the Rainbow Warriors down in a 24-14 win.

"I knew they were going to throw at me, because I knew they knew I was a freshman," Pratt said. "We were able to shut him down (only one offensive score), and I don't think they had a catch on my side."

(insert bullet) The 24-year-old Stanley, the grandpa of the team, took the long way around to get here. He tried JC ball out of high school, but it didn't work out. He enlisted in the Marine Corp and served four years, including one in Japan.

"I tried different ways to get into school, but it didn't work out for me, so I enlisted with Uncle Sam," Stanley said. "It was a great experience for an 18-year-old. You learn discipline, hard work and working together to reach goals. Nobody gets to the top alone."

When his stint was over, he attended Victor Valley Junior College where he was named all-state and a second-team all-American selection.

"I was being recruited by Arizona, but then coach (Mike) Stoops brought in a whole new staff," the 6-foot-1 175-pound Stanley said. "Coach (Marty) Long was on Arizona's staff, and coach Dickey who was the one actually recruiting me, told coach Long about me, and the rest is history."

Like Pratt, he will benefit by the recent arrests and dismissals of cornerbacks Steven Murphy (drug charges) and Rodney Landingham (bank robbery). Stanley figured to be in the mix when he was originally recruited, but now he is expected to carry a much heavier load.

"I'm really excited to have a chance to help the team and myself," Stanley said. "I'm just trying to take one practice at a time and keep learning, and hopefully I can contribute on special teams and defense. Every time you move up a level, things get a little faster. It's very intense here."

And the pressure of possibly stepping in and starting doesn't faze Stanley. He welcomes the challenge, responsibility and hard work that comes with it.

In fact, Stanley was out running 100-yard sprints in 100-degree heat earlier this week. Certainly that may have been easier than running in full gear and combat boots when he was in the Marines.

Dave Fipp, the Wolf Pack's first-year co-defensive coordinator, said he expects the competition to be a great battle.

"They both have done some great things," Fipp said. "They play hard, they're out to learn on and off the field, and their demeanor is great."

One thing is certain, Fipp needs both players to have successful years and stay healthy, because the Wolf Pack lack depth at the position.

Notes: The first double workout day is scheduled for Saturday at 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. and is open to the public. The first of three camp scrimmages is set for next Monday at 3 p.m. The other two scrimmages are Aug. 21 and 28.

The Pratt File

Position:Cornerback

Height: 5-10

Weight: 185

Year in school: Sophomore

Of Note: He was a member of Taft's 400 and 800-meter relay squads in high school. Was also part of the Los Angeles city record-setting 400-meter relay squad.

The Stanley File

Position:Cornerback

Height: 6-1

Weight: 175

Year in school: Junior

Of Note: Had 88 tackles, eight interceptions and 20 deflections last season at Victor Valley Junior College.