Those are fightin' words. I can't remember a QB that looked slower in the pocket or had a slower release than NS. Had a decent arm, but needed 8 seconds of a pure pocket to get rid of the ball.
FALL CAMP: Stories/Notes/Tweets/Etc.
- Thread starter RebelBuzz
- Start date
I agree game manager doesn't have to have a bad connotation. I'll add to your list: Brad Johnson and I would argue Peyton Manning both won titles as game managers.
However, I really don't like to hear "game manger" for our team for a few reasons:
First it's hard to win that way in college. Your defense has to be absolutely dominant. That's tough against all these spread offenses and multiple attacks offensively. YOu pretty much have to be Alabama or LSU to win with a "game manager", and they have Defenses that sent 5 guys to the NFL draft every year, with "game managers" who were 4 and 5 star prospects.
Utah State has had some success purely off defense. But I don't think UNLV will be that good next season.
Second thing for This UNLV team is the guys that we have. Having a game manager with an unproven QB (Freshman or sophomore without many meaningful snaps in college) vs veteran guys. Stanton is a transfer who should be a plug in a play guy and Kurt has had 2 seasons with meaningful playing time. We should expect more from them.
And 3rd, is that we have a lot of pass catching options. WR's, Lex out of the backfield, a solid TE. It would be nice to use the weapons that we have on offense to our advantage vs always playing safe and running the ball 60-75% of the time.
After hearing the podcast on the qb situation I've got to lean towards Stanton at this point. If Kurt is still floating passes and throwing behind receivers into year two I hope Stanton can get comfortable fast and simplify some things and just make the throws to move the chains.
Looking at Stanton's college junior college and high school numbers, he thrives in a more wreakless offense but he struggled to adjust to develop efficiency when asked to play under control. He had dropped to 5th string before he left Nebraska.
The defense should be improved but not to the level they can withstand a short field due to offensive mistakes.
This team is also extremely freshman heavy on the offensive line and also short on depth lacking the ability to withstand any level of injuries on the front line. Playing forward moving football is the only way to protect the quarterback and prepare to be effective with a normal level of injuries.
If this team is dropping a quarterback back to pass more than 30 times per game, it will be tough to avoid injuries at the position.
With long time football coach running the offense, I'm pretty sure he understands that shortcoming.
Stanton will have plenty of opportunities to see the field early even if he doesn't earn the starting nod with Jackson State up first and the UCLA game should be more like getting a feel for personnel.
If Stanton is a gamer type that can be a starter this season, they will know after the UCLA game moving forward.
The defense should be improved but not to the level they can withstand a short field due to offensive mistakes.
This team is also extremely freshman heavy on the offensive line and also short on depth lacking the ability to withstand any level of injuries on the front line. Playing forward moving football is the only way to protect the quarterback and prepare to be effective with a normal level of injuries.
If this team is dropping a quarterback back to pass more than 30 times per game, it will be tough to avoid injuries at the position.
With long time football coach running the offense, I'm pretty sure he understands that shortcoming.
Stanton will have plenty of opportunities to see the field early even if he doesn't earn the starting nod with Jackson State up first and the UCLA game should be more like getting a feel for personnel.
If Stanton is a gamer type that can be a starter this season, they will know after the UCLA game moving forward.
@RebelBuzz Thank you for the warm welcome and the info.
Here's my take, I'm new to the board life but not to the team and some of the players. I live in Southern Ca and watched Johnny for 3 years in high school. Understanding this is D1 football and not HS, I'm still extremely confident and positive on Stanton. He's a gamer....He will find ways to will the team and himself in big games at whatever level, he just needs to get more confident with the scheme and system. He's going to be MUCH better than a game manager.
Questions I would like to see play out are....
1. How will our OL hold up based on limited depth? Young 18 year old 2's
2. How will our interior DL do....I know the ends will be pretty good. I think the 4 interior guys are much more athletic than last year and will thrive in Coach Samuel's scheme. More stunts and games in the trenches than there was last year.
3. Can we be balanced offensively early in the year. Johnny will figure it out, but hopefully sooner than later.
Just my thoughts.
Here's my take, I'm new to the board life but not to the team and some of the players. I live in Southern Ca and watched Johnny for 3 years in high school. Understanding this is D1 football and not HS, I'm still extremely confident and positive on Stanton. He's a gamer....He will find ways to will the team and himself in big games at whatever level, he just needs to get more confident with the scheme and system. He's going to be MUCH better than a game manager.
Questions I would like to see play out are....
1. How will our OL hold up based on limited depth? Young 18 year old 2's
2. How will our interior DL do....I know the ends will be pretty good. I think the 4 interior guys are much more athletic than last year and will thrive in Coach Samuel's scheme. More stunts and games in the trenches than there was last year.
3. Can we be balanced offensively early in the year. Johnny will figure it out, but hopefully sooner than later.
Just my thoughts.
Questions I would like to see play out are....
1. How will our OL hold up based on limited depth? Young 18 year old 2's
In terms of the twos, as long as enough of our ones stay healthy, our twos are big enough that in small numbers we can ask them to just stand there and be big. Leave the pulling to the stronger older ones. Our twos finally at least look like d1 linemen, even all of the freshman. They may not be strong enough yet, but they are heavy enough to play.
2. How will our interior DL do....I know the ends will be pretty good. I think the 4 interior guys are much more athletic than last year and will thrive in Coach Samuel's scheme. More stunts and games in the trenches than there was last year.
This was a mystery to me, Fao is a wreaking ball that is really strong. Hughes might be the best DLineman that UNLV has ever had. With a combined weight of 615 pounds, they should have the weight and strength to play. Even during the season, the DLine would flip their at least one piece every second or third play. I would watch during spring practice and see that every day Fao/ Hughes would bowl over our own lineman. But even stacked together during the season, they were ineffective. I m hoping it is just a cardio issue that Belton can fix. Wily has the chance to be something really special. Even at 270 pounds, he is FAST.
3. Can we be balanced offensively early in the year. Johnny will figure it out, but hopefully sooner than later.
Time will tell. We have the pieces to have a good spread option. We have the tightend types, receivers, rb/fb. I see our offense staying conservative, highly doubtful that we will ever get overly creative. We have too much experience at OC to run weird offenses.
1. How will our OL hold up based on limited depth? Young 18 year old 2's
In terms of the twos, as long as enough of our ones stay healthy, our twos are big enough that in small numbers we can ask them to just stand there and be big. Leave the pulling to the stronger older ones. Our twos finally at least look like d1 linemen, even all of the freshman. They may not be strong enough yet, but they are heavy enough to play.
2. How will our interior DL do....I know the ends will be pretty good. I think the 4 interior guys are much more athletic than last year and will thrive in Coach Samuel's scheme. More stunts and games in the trenches than there was last year.
This was a mystery to me, Fao is a wreaking ball that is really strong. Hughes might be the best DLineman that UNLV has ever had. With a combined weight of 615 pounds, they should have the weight and strength to play. Even during the season, the DLine would flip their at least one piece every second or third play. I would watch during spring practice and see that every day Fao/ Hughes would bowl over our own lineman. But even stacked together during the season, they were ineffective. I m hoping it is just a cardio issue that Belton can fix. Wily has the chance to be something really special. Even at 270 pounds, he is FAST.
3. Can we be balanced offensively early in the year. Johnny will figure it out, but hopefully sooner than later.
Time will tell. We have the pieces to have a good spread option. We have the tightend types, receivers, rb/fb. I see our offense staying conservative, highly doubtful that we will ever get overly creative. We have too much experience at OC to run weird offenses.
Practice 8 & 9...
https://amp.twimg.com/v/d9f4dd93-83de-4921-9215-cd67e8f5b6e4
A BIG Thank You! to the step up in availability and video/editing that has brought us these!! This is one of those many spokes on the Cannon that have been introduced with HCTS that make a difference in the long run.
https://amp.twimg.com/v/d9f4dd93-83de-4921-9215-cd67e8f5b6e4
A BIG Thank You! to the step up in availability and video/editing that has brought us these!! This is one of those many spokes on the Cannon that have been introduced with HCTS that make a difference in the long run.
I don't think O-Line depth is actualy an issue in reality.
Starting OL
LT Saxelid LG Singer C Kreitler RG Polu RT Jacobson
Then you have Sanders who was a starter to begin last year. Erbes who has red-shirted at Idaho and played JC and JC transfer Chevalier. That makes us 8 deep on the O-Line. God forbid Kreitler got injured, but Singer could kick in to center and Chevalier moves to OG.
It isn't ideal, but I think we are ok.
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It's been a few days, here's some more reading material/videos:
Videos from the off/picture day:
Friday:
Third Down Becomes First Priority:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports...lv-practice-third-down-becomes-first-priority
The UNLV football team held its eighth of 29 fall camp practices at Rebel Park on Friday morning, with No. 9 scheduled for Friday night at Sam Boyd Stadium as the Rebels wrap up their second of four scheduled two-a-days. The team will hold a scrimmage that’s open to the public at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Rebel Park.
COACH TONY SANCHEZ’S TAKE: “We worked on third down. The offense had the upper hand in the first series but we came back later and the defense kind of had the upper hand. There was a little give and take, which is good.
“I thought both quarterbacks (Johnny Stanton and Kurt Palandech) played well today. They made some good decisions and threw some good balls. It’s good to see them come along. We’re progressing and moving in the right direction.”
CAMP STANDOUTS: Sanchez singled out several new standouts in camp, including freshman running back Charles Williams, freshman left tackle Jaron Caldwell, redshirt freshman wide receiver Darren Woods Jr. and sophomore wideout Brandon Presley.
“(Williams) is way further ahead and more physical than we thought he would be. That’s a big deal in the backfield,” Sanchez said. “(Caldwell) has been a huge standout. He’s the one guy that’s really further along than we thought he would be at this point.”
Defensive standouts have included senior defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga, sophomore defensive tackle Salanoa-Alo Wily, senior linebacker LaKeith Walls, junior linebacker Brian Keyes and sophomore cornerback Darius Mouton.
“(Valoaga) has a chance to be a really special player. (Wily) now instead of running around at 260 is running around at 290 and he’s kept that same quick twitch. He looks really good,” he said. “(Mouton) came in as the No. 3 (corner) and he’s right there as a (No.) 2 or a (No.) 1 now. He’s probably had the best camp at that position, so that’s exciting. We’re fired up about that.”
NOTES: Scouts from the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers were at Friday morning’s practice.
* UNLV has six local freshmen walk-ons in defensive back Christian Minor (Canyon Springs High School), linebackers George Carmona (Cheyenne) and Daniel Godfrey (Sierra Vista), offensive lineman Angel Torres (Desert Pines), wide receiver Casey Acosta (Chaparral) and tight end Austin Cooper (Desert Oasis).
Graney: Newest Assistant Brings a Hands-On Approach:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/opinio...ssistant-football-coach-brings-hands-approach
A popular argument against the perceived importance of sacks in football: It is the only statistic used to gauge pass rushers and doesn’t include significant things such as the number of times one pressures the quarterback or how well he plays the run.
That, simply, players are judged on too small a sample size for their overall production.
A counter to that opinion: Alabama led the nation in sacks last season, and Clemson was second.
They met in the College Football Playoff national championship.
The truth lies somewhere in the middle of how often a team puts the opposing quarterback on the ground compared to how many times it makes him uncomfortable enough to throw off his back leg, and the influence each skill has on a team’s win total.
But sacks are never a bad thing for a defense, and UNLV needs to be much better producing them, given it ranked last in the country in 2015 with nine, fewer than 24 players nationally.
Alabama had 52, and while no logical soul would compare in any manner those stopping the ball for the Crimson Tide with those doing so for the Rebels, it’s an enormous disparity between No. 1 and No. 128.
Consider the Mountain West: San Diego State and Air Force each ranked 13th nationally in sacks. They played for the conference championship.
Tony Samuel is intent on making things much better for the Rebels up front defensively, he being the only change this season to the staff of second-year coach Tony Sanchez, who again chose to surround himself with a veteran whose resume suggests someone rich in knowledge and technique.
“I don’t have a real theory on numbers,” Samuel said. “My thinking is, if you get one sack a game for 12 games, you’re considered an elite pass rusher. But what I am looking for is constant pressure. If you get one sack, fine, but if you get 10 pressures in that same game, I’m even happier.”
He is a former head coach at New Mexico State (1997 to 2004) and Southeast Missouri State (2006 to 2013), and it was in Las Cruces where he met a young Sanchez years ago looking to break into the business.
But even when he was in charge of programs, Samuel chose to also act as position coach for the defensive line, which he played at Nebraska in the mid-1970s and was a member of Tom Osborne’s first recruiting class.
He later spent 11 seasons as an assistant in Lincoln, part of consecutive national championship teams in 1994 and 1995 and seven conference titles while mentoring 12 future NFL players. He coached the likes of Broderick Thomas and Mike Croel and Trev Alberts and Grant Wistrom.
“We’re using our hands much better under (Coach Samuel),” junior defensive tackle Mike Hughes Jr. said. “We need to help our coverage guys better than we did last year. That needs to be our focus. If we do, things like sacks and interceptions will come. We have a real two-deep this year. We have five solid guys at tackle alone. That means fresher legs on those third-and-longs.”
You get to those situations by stopping the run, something UNLV also didn’t do well last season, ranking ninth in the conference and 110th nationally by allowing an average of 217.5 yards.
As the season wore on and its line wore down, UNLV’s front found itself a step too late when opposing backs cut into the second level. Over 12 games, the Rebels allowed a 100-yard rusher nine times. Of those nine, they allowed more than 150 to a player five times.
Only one returning defensive lineman for the Rebels — senior Jeremiah Valoaga — was credited with a sack last season. He had 2½.
Length is important for defensive linemen, but perhaps even more so is vision. They need to be quick and yet able to see space around them when a quarterback is pressured and begins to scramble. Those at UNLV need to move more with instinct and less as robots.
These are all skills Samuel continues to work on with players, and fans can get a look at the line and everything else UNLV at Saturday’s first fall scrimmage, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at Rebel Park.
“We have good, hard-working kids willing to learn,” Samuel said of his defensive front. “We still have a lot of work to do. There is that old saying about there being a short window before your first game, but that also means a long time with a lot of reps.
“Some kids are quiet off the field, and others are jovial. As long as they’re taking care of their business off the field and not getting into trouble, that’s their personality. But on the field, we need to have high-energy tempo. This is a fast, aggressive game, and we have to fit that mold.”
Maybe then, more sacks will come.
Or, more important, constant pressure and more third-and-longs.
Videos from the off/picture day:
Friday:
Third Down Becomes First Priority:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports...lv-practice-third-down-becomes-first-priority
The UNLV football team held its eighth of 29 fall camp practices at Rebel Park on Friday morning, with No. 9 scheduled for Friday night at Sam Boyd Stadium as the Rebels wrap up their second of four scheduled two-a-days. The team will hold a scrimmage that’s open to the public at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Rebel Park.
COACH TONY SANCHEZ’S TAKE: “We worked on third down. The offense had the upper hand in the first series but we came back later and the defense kind of had the upper hand. There was a little give and take, which is good.
“I thought both quarterbacks (Johnny Stanton and Kurt Palandech) played well today. They made some good decisions and threw some good balls. It’s good to see them come along. We’re progressing and moving in the right direction.”
CAMP STANDOUTS: Sanchez singled out several new standouts in camp, including freshman running back Charles Williams, freshman left tackle Jaron Caldwell, redshirt freshman wide receiver Darren Woods Jr. and sophomore wideout Brandon Presley.
“(Williams) is way further ahead and more physical than we thought he would be. That’s a big deal in the backfield,” Sanchez said. “(Caldwell) has been a huge standout. He’s the one guy that’s really further along than we thought he would be at this point.”
Defensive standouts have included senior defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga, sophomore defensive tackle Salanoa-Alo Wily, senior linebacker LaKeith Walls, junior linebacker Brian Keyes and sophomore cornerback Darius Mouton.
“(Valoaga) has a chance to be a really special player. (Wily) now instead of running around at 260 is running around at 290 and he’s kept that same quick twitch. He looks really good,” he said. “(Mouton) came in as the No. 3 (corner) and he’s right there as a (No.) 2 or a (No.) 1 now. He’s probably had the best camp at that position, so that’s exciting. We’re fired up about that.”
NOTES: Scouts from the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers were at Friday morning’s practice.
* UNLV has six local freshmen walk-ons in defensive back Christian Minor (Canyon Springs High School), linebackers George Carmona (Cheyenne) and Daniel Godfrey (Sierra Vista), offensive lineman Angel Torres (Desert Pines), wide receiver Casey Acosta (Chaparral) and tight end Austin Cooper (Desert Oasis).
Graney: Newest Assistant Brings a Hands-On Approach:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/opinio...ssistant-football-coach-brings-hands-approach
A popular argument against the perceived importance of sacks in football: It is the only statistic used to gauge pass rushers and doesn’t include significant things such as the number of times one pressures the quarterback or how well he plays the run.
That, simply, players are judged on too small a sample size for their overall production.
A counter to that opinion: Alabama led the nation in sacks last season, and Clemson was second.
They met in the College Football Playoff national championship.
The truth lies somewhere in the middle of how often a team puts the opposing quarterback on the ground compared to how many times it makes him uncomfortable enough to throw off his back leg, and the influence each skill has on a team’s win total.
But sacks are never a bad thing for a defense, and UNLV needs to be much better producing them, given it ranked last in the country in 2015 with nine, fewer than 24 players nationally.
Alabama had 52, and while no logical soul would compare in any manner those stopping the ball for the Crimson Tide with those doing so for the Rebels, it’s an enormous disparity between No. 1 and No. 128.
Consider the Mountain West: San Diego State and Air Force each ranked 13th nationally in sacks. They played for the conference championship.
Tony Samuel is intent on making things much better for the Rebels up front defensively, he being the only change this season to the staff of second-year coach Tony Sanchez, who again chose to surround himself with a veteran whose resume suggests someone rich in knowledge and technique.
“I don’t have a real theory on numbers,” Samuel said. “My thinking is, if you get one sack a game for 12 games, you’re considered an elite pass rusher. But what I am looking for is constant pressure. If you get one sack, fine, but if you get 10 pressures in that same game, I’m even happier.”
He is a former head coach at New Mexico State (1997 to 2004) and Southeast Missouri State (2006 to 2013), and it was in Las Cruces where he met a young Sanchez years ago looking to break into the business.
But even when he was in charge of programs, Samuel chose to also act as position coach for the defensive line, which he played at Nebraska in the mid-1970s and was a member of Tom Osborne’s first recruiting class.
He later spent 11 seasons as an assistant in Lincoln, part of consecutive national championship teams in 1994 and 1995 and seven conference titles while mentoring 12 future NFL players. He coached the likes of Broderick Thomas and Mike Croel and Trev Alberts and Grant Wistrom.
“We’re using our hands much better under (Coach Samuel),” junior defensive tackle Mike Hughes Jr. said. “We need to help our coverage guys better than we did last year. That needs to be our focus. If we do, things like sacks and interceptions will come. We have a real two-deep this year. We have five solid guys at tackle alone. That means fresher legs on those third-and-longs.”
You get to those situations by stopping the run, something UNLV also didn’t do well last season, ranking ninth in the conference and 110th nationally by allowing an average of 217.5 yards.
As the season wore on and its line wore down, UNLV’s front found itself a step too late when opposing backs cut into the second level. Over 12 games, the Rebels allowed a 100-yard rusher nine times. Of those nine, they allowed more than 150 to a player five times.
Only one returning defensive lineman for the Rebels — senior Jeremiah Valoaga — was credited with a sack last season. He had 2½.
Length is important for defensive linemen, but perhaps even more so is vision. They need to be quick and yet able to see space around them when a quarterback is pressured and begins to scramble. Those at UNLV need to move more with instinct and less as robots.
These are all skills Samuel continues to work on with players, and fans can get a look at the line and everything else UNLV at Saturday’s first fall scrimmage, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at Rebel Park.
“We have good, hard-working kids willing to learn,” Samuel said of his defensive front. “We still have a lot of work to do. There is that old saying about there being a short window before your first game, but that also means a long time with a lot of reps.
“Some kids are quiet off the field, and others are jovial. As long as they’re taking care of their business off the field and not getting into trouble, that’s their personality. But on the field, we need to have high-energy tempo. This is a fast, aggressive game, and we have to fit that mold.”
Maybe then, more sacks will come.
Or, more important, constant pressure and more third-and-longs.
Big Things Expected of Tau and LB Corps:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/aug/12/big-things-expected-from-lotulelei-and-deeper-line/
They both play linebacker, wear the same number and their builds are nearly identical, so it’s not hard to compare UNLV senior Tau Lotulelei to former Rebel and older brother John. Especially since the comparisons are usually flattering.
“I’m just trying to follow in my brother’s footsteps,” Lotulelei said.
While John fights for a roster spot with the Oakland Raiders — he has eight career NFL tackles over three seasons after leading UNLV with 120 tackles in 2012 — Tau is preparing for the season as a leader in a position group that looks a lot different from last year. There’s experience at the top, with Lotulelei, leading tackler Ryan McAleenan and Matt Lea all returning, but additions or improvements to the backups mean a lighter, and potentially more productive, load for everyone.
“We were really worn down,” McAleenan said of last season, when many guys had to play 90 or more snaps. “… Adding more depth gives you more opportunities to use their specialties as well.”
Sophomore Bailey Laolagi is expected to take on a bigger role, and coach Tony Sanchez is looking for big things from freshman Gabe McCoy after McCoy redshirted last season. Then there’s a pair of transfers in junior Brian Keyes (“He’s a physical son of a gun in the middle,” Sanchez said) and senior LaKeith Walls (“He’s just a big, long, explosive athlete,” Sanchez said) who will push the starters in ways they weren’t last season.
There was a noticeable drop-off when the second-team defense would come in, so much so that Sanchez often opted to keep many of the starters on the field. Tired reps from them were better than the alternative, and now that’s a problem the Rebels feel like is behind them.
“We have different bodies with different skill sets that can come in and make us more explosive in situations,” Sanchez said.
In addition to defense, the depth will show up a lot in special teams, where second- and third-stringers from positions like linebacker will be an upgrade over some of last year’s options. It should help make the overall team better, but the Rebels will still need great production from the first teamers to make it really matter.
That’s where they’re counting on guys like Lotulelei, who defensive coordinator Kent Bear has said is one of the most talented guys he’s ever coached in a career that has included stops with 10 different Division I programs. Sanchez thinks Lotulelei could contend for the conference defensive player of the year award, and if he works on being a consistent leader his career could go well beyond that, too.
“Every game, every practice, being there and being ready to go,” Sanchez said. “If he learns that, he might play this game for a lot longer after he’s done here at UNLV.”
Those things are on Lotulelei’s mind — “I want to show out this year,” he said — but he figures they will be the result of creating a strong connection with this group. Injuries slowed Lotulelei last season but this year he’s aiming to top the 100 tackles he recorded as a sophomore. And if that happens, perhaps he could join John at NFL training camp.
Quarterback battle:
After starting camp by saying that he hoped to name a starter in a few days, Sanchez is preparing for a more long-term decision-making process between juniors Kurt Palandech and Johnny Stanton at quarterback.
“We’re where we were coming into camp, none of them have really pulled away,” Sanchez said. “Kurt’s doing probably a better job understanding the offense and making decisions, but still throwing the ball behind people and letting things float. Then you’ve got Johnny, he’s got a little bit better arm strength but not kind of there on the decision-making. We’ve got to see those things come together.”
True freshman Armani Rogers, who’s listed at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, has impressed in camp but it’s still basically a two-man race.
The main thing that Sanchez is looking for isn’t big plays, but rather someone who can take care of the ball. UNLV was decent overall last year in that category, finishing plus-four in turnover margin, and Sanchez believes small improvements there could lead to big results.
“We don’t need a guy to come out and win the game for us,” Sanchez said, “we need a guy to go out there and not lose the game for us.”
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/aug/12/big-things-expected-from-lotulelei-and-deeper-line/
They both play linebacker, wear the same number and their builds are nearly identical, so it’s not hard to compare UNLV senior Tau Lotulelei to former Rebel and older brother John. Especially since the comparisons are usually flattering.
“I’m just trying to follow in my brother’s footsteps,” Lotulelei said.
While John fights for a roster spot with the Oakland Raiders — he has eight career NFL tackles over three seasons after leading UNLV with 120 tackles in 2012 — Tau is preparing for the season as a leader in a position group that looks a lot different from last year. There’s experience at the top, with Lotulelei, leading tackler Ryan McAleenan and Matt Lea all returning, but additions or improvements to the backups mean a lighter, and potentially more productive, load for everyone.
“We were really worn down,” McAleenan said of last season, when many guys had to play 90 or more snaps. “… Adding more depth gives you more opportunities to use their specialties as well.”
Sophomore Bailey Laolagi is expected to take on a bigger role, and coach Tony Sanchez is looking for big things from freshman Gabe McCoy after McCoy redshirted last season. Then there’s a pair of transfers in junior Brian Keyes (“He’s a physical son of a gun in the middle,” Sanchez said) and senior LaKeith Walls (“He’s just a big, long, explosive athlete,” Sanchez said) who will push the starters in ways they weren’t last season.
There was a noticeable drop-off when the second-team defense would come in, so much so that Sanchez often opted to keep many of the starters on the field. Tired reps from them were better than the alternative, and now that’s a problem the Rebels feel like is behind them.
“We have different bodies with different skill sets that can come in and make us more explosive in situations,” Sanchez said.
In addition to defense, the depth will show up a lot in special teams, where second- and third-stringers from positions like linebacker will be an upgrade over some of last year’s options. It should help make the overall team better, but the Rebels will still need great production from the first teamers to make it really matter.
That’s where they’re counting on guys like Lotulelei, who defensive coordinator Kent Bear has said is one of the most talented guys he’s ever coached in a career that has included stops with 10 different Division I programs. Sanchez thinks Lotulelei could contend for the conference defensive player of the year award, and if he works on being a consistent leader his career could go well beyond that, too.
“Every game, every practice, being there and being ready to go,” Sanchez said. “If he learns that, he might play this game for a lot longer after he’s done here at UNLV.”
Those things are on Lotulelei’s mind — “I want to show out this year,” he said — but he figures they will be the result of creating a strong connection with this group. Injuries slowed Lotulelei last season but this year he’s aiming to top the 100 tackles he recorded as a sophomore. And if that happens, perhaps he could join John at NFL training camp.
Quarterback battle:
After starting camp by saying that he hoped to name a starter in a few days, Sanchez is preparing for a more long-term decision-making process between juniors Kurt Palandech and Johnny Stanton at quarterback.
“We’re where we were coming into camp, none of them have really pulled away,” Sanchez said. “Kurt’s doing probably a better job understanding the offense and making decisions, but still throwing the ball behind people and letting things float. Then you’ve got Johnny, he’s got a little bit better arm strength but not kind of there on the decision-making. We’ve got to see those things come together.”
True freshman Armani Rogers, who’s listed at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, has impressed in camp but it’s still basically a two-man race.
The main thing that Sanchez is looking for isn’t big plays, but rather someone who can take care of the ball. UNLV was decent overall last year in that category, finishing plus-four in turnover margin, and Sanchez believes small improvements there could lead to big results.
“We don’t need a guy to come out and win the game for us,” Sanchez said, “we need a guy to go out there and not lose the game for us.”
SCRIMMAGE:
RBs to Put On a Show
http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/unlv-rebels/football/unlv-running-backs-vow-put-show-season
The “Lex and X Show” nickname for UNLV’s tandem of sophomore running backs, Lexington Thomas and Xzaviar Campbell, might need tweaking this season if newcomers Charles Williams and Evan Owens emerge in the Rebels’ backfield.
That would be fine with Thomas and Campbell — two Houston products projected to be UNLV’s No. 1 and No. 2 running backs — who both say their only goal this season is to win.
“We’re the ‘Running Back Show’ because we’re going to put one on for the team,” Thomas said. “We’re going to help the team get to that next level we need to get to as a group.
“Regardless if I start or not, I just want to be a big part of the team that’s going to get us the W’s and get us to the Mountain West championship.”
Thomas and Williams will bring speed, Campbell and Owens will supply power, and senior David Greene is expected to contribute consistency to a Rebels’ rushing attack that finished 36th in the nation last season with 193.7 yards per game.
“We ran the ball well last year, and we’re going to be much better at it this year. We’re a bigger, more physical team,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. “I’m excited about that group.”
Williams rushed for 2,142 yards and 28 touchdowns last season for Bullard High in Fresno, California, and finished third in the state in the 200 meters (personal-record 21.35 seconds) and eighth in the state in the 100 (10.63).
That speed was on display Saturday, when Williams showed some impressive bursts running the ball and returning kicks in UNLV’s intrasquad scrimmage at Rebel Park.
“That kid can just flat out go. He’s a difference maker,” Sanchez said. “One day he’ll be the best back in this conference.
“I really feel he can do a lot for us this year.”
At 5 feet 11 inches and 175 pounds, Williams appears to be a slightly bigger version of the 5-9, 170-pound Thomas.
“They’re very similar in style. Charles is a little bit bigger kid, but they’re both explosive guys,” Sanchez said. “The funny thing is you’d assume guys that size are outside guys, but they are such great inside-the-tackle runners.”
Williams, whose full name is Charles Billy Dee Williams Jr., hopes to make a name for himself this season and help the long-suffering Rebels rise up in the process.
“My role is to bring a spark to the team, if it’s returning kicks, offense or special teams,” he said. “It’s a new era, like Coach Sanchez said.”
Thomas earned the starting job in the spring, when he supplanted Keith Whitely, last year’s leading rusher who is no longer with the program. Thomas averaged 6.2 yards per carry last season and tied the school’s freshman record for 100-yard games with three en route to 506 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
“We really think he can be one of the better backs in the entire conference,” Sanchez said.
Stronger and 15 pounds heavier than last season, Thomas proved in spring practice and again Saturday that he’s capable of gaining tough yards between the tackles.
“I don’t think size even matters,” he said. “I might be small, but I run like I’m 230. I run hard. It doesn’t matter who’s in front of me.”
The 5-11, 200-pound Campbell, who rushed for 469 yards and a team-leading five rushing touchdowns last season, said he’s made big strides since then.
“I can see the difference,” he said. “I see the blitz quicker, I see the holes better, and I’m running faster and I’m stronger. I’m much better this year.”
The 6-1, 220-pound Owens, a junior college transfer, rushed for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns last season for San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. His upright running style brings to mind Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson.
“Everybody says I run high just like Eric Dickerson,” Owens said. “(My goals are) just to run low, run hard and make a statement. I feel like I’m getting better every day.”
Greene, who saw limited action last season, had an 18-yard touchdown run Saturday and is expected to get carries this season.
“Greene is just a steady Eddie,” Sanchez said. “He’s not that fast. There’s no measurables that will make you jump out of your seat, but then you watch him play football and he just plays the game well.”
QB Battle:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports...n-kurt-palandech-still-battling-rebels-qb-job
The UNLV quarterback competition continues to be a tight two-man race between juniors Johnny Stanton and Kurt Palandech, who had similar outings Saturday in a scrimmage that was open to the public at Rebel Park.
Palandech started the scrimmage, which drew about 80 fans and featured 82 plays, which was the equivalent of a full game. Both engineered touchdown drives, with Palandech throwing a short TD pass to Brandon Presley and Stanton scoring on a 30-yard run.
“Kurt came out and played real well early, then slowed down a bit. Johnny started slow and played well later, then they both did some good things at the end,” Rebels coach Tony Sanchez said. “After we watch the film, I’m sure I’ll feel one way or another, but after just watching those guys, Kurt did some really good things. He throws some really good balls and makes good plays with his feet, but then you see Johnny do the same thing.”
Sanchez had hoped to name a starter early in camp, but after 10 practices, he said the competition is still too close to call.
“It’s going to come down to decision making,” he said. “We’ve got to go in and evaluate who’s making better consistent decisions.
“Right now, where we’re at, we’ve got another good week in us, if not longer.”
Each quarterback said he “absolutely” thinks he should be the starter.
“If you don’t, you shouldn’t be on this field,” Palandech said. “I think everyone on this field should have the attitude that they want to start. It makes the whole team better.”
Said Stanton: “That’s what I have to tell myself, is that I’m going to win it.”
The competition appears to be a friendly one.
“We’re both competitors, but we help each other at the same time,” Palandech said. “We’re competing on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, everything. It’s been fun. That’s what Division I sports is all about.”
Said Stanton: “I’ve been telling everybody this is the best quarterback room I’ve been in, probably ever. Every single quarterback gets along real well. Kurt and I are able to joke around on the field. It’s the first time I’ve had that experience, especially with the guy I’m competing with.”
• HIGHLIGHTS — Lantz Worthington, a Centennial High School product, broke loose for a 70-yard TD run, and David Greene had an 18-yard TD run. LaKeith Walls and Jeremiah Valoaga each had a sack, and Jay’Onn Myles and Salah Boyce (Arbor View) each blocked a field goal.
Allan Cui III, a 5-foot-5-inch redshirt freshman walk-on wide receiver from Hawaii, was the smallest player on the field but one of the biggest standouts, catching every ball thrown his way.
“What I love about him is he took advantage of his opportunities,” Sanchez said. “One of the biggest lessons we’re trying to teach this team is being big and highly recruited and three stars, it’s all fluff. It means nothing.
“When you get out there in a competitive situation, do you produce? That’ll determine whether or not we think you’re a three-star.”
• UNLV COMMITS — Three-star recruit Jaelon Darden, a wide receiver from Houston, orally committed to UNLV on Friday. And Johnny Johnson III, a two-star wideout from Chandler, Ariz., committed to the Rebels on Saturday.
Darden had offers from Virginia Tech, Memphis and Southern Mississippi, among others. Johnson had offers from UNR, New Mexico and Wyoming, among others.
RBs to Put On a Show
http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/unlv-rebels/football/unlv-running-backs-vow-put-show-season
The “Lex and X Show” nickname for UNLV’s tandem of sophomore running backs, Lexington Thomas and Xzaviar Campbell, might need tweaking this season if newcomers Charles Williams and Evan Owens emerge in the Rebels’ backfield.
That would be fine with Thomas and Campbell — two Houston products projected to be UNLV’s No. 1 and No. 2 running backs — who both say their only goal this season is to win.
“We’re the ‘Running Back Show’ because we’re going to put one on for the team,” Thomas said. “We’re going to help the team get to that next level we need to get to as a group.
“Regardless if I start or not, I just want to be a big part of the team that’s going to get us the W’s and get us to the Mountain West championship.”
Thomas and Williams will bring speed, Campbell and Owens will supply power, and senior David Greene is expected to contribute consistency to a Rebels’ rushing attack that finished 36th in the nation last season with 193.7 yards per game.
“We ran the ball well last year, and we’re going to be much better at it this year. We’re a bigger, more physical team,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. “I’m excited about that group.”
Williams rushed for 2,142 yards and 28 touchdowns last season for Bullard High in Fresno, California, and finished third in the state in the 200 meters (personal-record 21.35 seconds) and eighth in the state in the 100 (10.63).
That speed was on display Saturday, when Williams showed some impressive bursts running the ball and returning kicks in UNLV’s intrasquad scrimmage at Rebel Park.
“That kid can just flat out go. He’s a difference maker,” Sanchez said. “One day he’ll be the best back in this conference.
“I really feel he can do a lot for us this year.”
At 5 feet 11 inches and 175 pounds, Williams appears to be a slightly bigger version of the 5-9, 170-pound Thomas.
“They’re very similar in style. Charles is a little bit bigger kid, but they’re both explosive guys,” Sanchez said. “The funny thing is you’d assume guys that size are outside guys, but they are such great inside-the-tackle runners.”
Williams, whose full name is Charles Billy Dee Williams Jr., hopes to make a name for himself this season and help the long-suffering Rebels rise up in the process.
“My role is to bring a spark to the team, if it’s returning kicks, offense or special teams,” he said. “It’s a new era, like Coach Sanchez said.”
Thomas earned the starting job in the spring, when he supplanted Keith Whitely, last year’s leading rusher who is no longer with the program. Thomas averaged 6.2 yards per carry last season and tied the school’s freshman record for 100-yard games with three en route to 506 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
“We really think he can be one of the better backs in the entire conference,” Sanchez said.
Stronger and 15 pounds heavier than last season, Thomas proved in spring practice and again Saturday that he’s capable of gaining tough yards between the tackles.
“I don’t think size even matters,” he said. “I might be small, but I run like I’m 230. I run hard. It doesn’t matter who’s in front of me.”
The 5-11, 200-pound Campbell, who rushed for 469 yards and a team-leading five rushing touchdowns last season, said he’s made big strides since then.
“I can see the difference,” he said. “I see the blitz quicker, I see the holes better, and I’m running faster and I’m stronger. I’m much better this year.”
The 6-1, 220-pound Owens, a junior college transfer, rushed for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns last season for San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. His upright running style brings to mind Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson.
“Everybody says I run high just like Eric Dickerson,” Owens said. “(My goals are) just to run low, run hard and make a statement. I feel like I’m getting better every day.”
Greene, who saw limited action last season, had an 18-yard touchdown run Saturday and is expected to get carries this season.
“Greene is just a steady Eddie,” Sanchez said. “He’s not that fast. There’s no measurables that will make you jump out of your seat, but then you watch him play football and he just plays the game well.”
QB Battle:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports...n-kurt-palandech-still-battling-rebels-qb-job
The UNLV quarterback competition continues to be a tight two-man race between juniors Johnny Stanton and Kurt Palandech, who had similar outings Saturday in a scrimmage that was open to the public at Rebel Park.
Palandech started the scrimmage, which drew about 80 fans and featured 82 plays, which was the equivalent of a full game. Both engineered touchdown drives, with Palandech throwing a short TD pass to Brandon Presley and Stanton scoring on a 30-yard run.
“Kurt came out and played real well early, then slowed down a bit. Johnny started slow and played well later, then they both did some good things at the end,” Rebels coach Tony Sanchez said. “After we watch the film, I’m sure I’ll feel one way or another, but after just watching those guys, Kurt did some really good things. He throws some really good balls and makes good plays with his feet, but then you see Johnny do the same thing.”
Sanchez had hoped to name a starter early in camp, but after 10 practices, he said the competition is still too close to call.
“It’s going to come down to decision making,” he said. “We’ve got to go in and evaluate who’s making better consistent decisions.
“Right now, where we’re at, we’ve got another good week in us, if not longer.”
Each quarterback said he “absolutely” thinks he should be the starter.
“If you don’t, you shouldn’t be on this field,” Palandech said. “I think everyone on this field should have the attitude that they want to start. It makes the whole team better.”
Said Stanton: “That’s what I have to tell myself, is that I’m going to win it.”
The competition appears to be a friendly one.
“We’re both competitors, but we help each other at the same time,” Palandech said. “We’re competing on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, everything. It’s been fun. That’s what Division I sports is all about.”
Said Stanton: “I’ve been telling everybody this is the best quarterback room I’ve been in, probably ever. Every single quarterback gets along real well. Kurt and I are able to joke around on the field. It’s the first time I’ve had that experience, especially with the guy I’m competing with.”
• HIGHLIGHTS — Lantz Worthington, a Centennial High School product, broke loose for a 70-yard TD run, and David Greene had an 18-yard TD run. LaKeith Walls and Jeremiah Valoaga each had a sack, and Jay’Onn Myles and Salah Boyce (Arbor View) each blocked a field goal.
Allan Cui III, a 5-foot-5-inch redshirt freshman walk-on wide receiver from Hawaii, was the smallest player on the field but one of the biggest standouts, catching every ball thrown his way.
“What I love about him is he took advantage of his opportunities,” Sanchez said. “One of the biggest lessons we’re trying to teach this team is being big and highly recruited and three stars, it’s all fluff. It means nothing.
“When you get out there in a competitive situation, do you produce? That’ll determine whether or not we think you’re a three-star.”
• UNLV COMMITS — Three-star recruit Jaelon Darden, a wide receiver from Houston, orally committed to UNLV on Friday. And Johnny Johnson III, a two-star wideout from Chandler, Ariz., committed to the Rebels on Saturday.
Darden had offers from Virginia Tech, Memphis and Southern Mississippi, among others. Johnson had offers from UNR, New Mexico and Wyoming, among others.
welcome Kswoll
sorry I have not been on so looks like sanchez and staff wont make a decision until game day. how is the d line doing we need more pressure and sacks then last year
sorry I have not been on so looks like sanchez and staff wont make a decision until game day. how is the d line doing we need more pressure and sacks then last year
Hey RebelTomola
I think they look much deeper for sure. The interior is much better the ends are more athletic and the scheme is better....more stunts and cross ups to get guys free to the qb. But who knows, we need to see a game and watch how that plays out. I will definitely go on a limb and say the sacks will go way up if we stay healthy.
The D overall looks good....I'm still concerned with the qb. The little I have seen is going to have to get better...I believe whole heatedly that #4 is the guy, but he's going to need to get through some early season rust and settle in. I don't believe it will be seamless immediately but I hope so.
Some more video from today's practice. Check out the slick catch by Brandon Presley halfway through:
Another video:
This further confirms to me that Stanton has secured the starting spot for the opener. You see several completions from him to Boyd, whereas you see KP's completions to Cui and other 2nd unit guys.
I certainly am reading way to much into a 60 second clip, but I hope I'm right. Can't wait for September 1 to roll around.
This further confirms to me that Stanton has secured the starting spot for the opener. You see several completions from him to Boyd, whereas you see KP's completions to Cui and other 2nd unit guys.
I certainly am reading way to much into a 60 second clip, but I hope I'm right. Can't wait for September 1 to roll around.
