The Rebels hope to swarm over their 1998 opponents.

April 27, 1998

LAS VEGAS - Although winning two more games than the year before and coming oh, so close in three others wasn't good enough for UNLV's Head Football Coach, Jeff Horton says his team at least learned what its 1998 goal must be.

"The biggest thing we have to learn how to do is finish," Horton says. "That was our motto this spring. We can't lose games in overtime or in the last minute anymore. We have to win those kind of games and when we do we'll be a good football team. Whether on the field, in the classroom or in the weight room, we have to learn how to finish."

You can see the need for such an order when reviewing a 1997 season that moved from promising to disappointing in the matter of a few plays. A last-minute one-point loss at Air Force, a lost fourth quarter at USC and two overtime WAC defeats show how close UNLV came to posting its first winning record since 1994.

"We definitely got better as a football team," Horton says. "We were more competitive. We played well against some good competition. The year was highlighted by a big improvement defensively and in the running game.

"We played well the first six games. Losing in overtime at San Diego State (in game seven) really hurt us and then we lost our quarterback (Jon Denton to suspension) for two games. We never seemed to recover.

"We had a chance to have an outstanding season but didn't get it done. Those are the things we tried to address in the off-season. We know we're going to face the same situations again this fall. But hopefully with our level of maturity, with kids being in the program four to five years now, that when we get in those tight situations we'll find a way to pull them out. We've been through the wars, now it's time to step forward and win those tight ones behind great senior leadership. To finish strong."

THE OFFENSE

The Rebels, who finished second in the WAC and 24th nationally in total offense with 417 yards per game, will run under their third offensive coordinator in the Horton era in 1998. With second-year man and passing specialist Charlie Stubbs off to Alabama, UNLV was able to attract up-and-coming assistant Buzz Preston to take over in Las Vegas. Fresh from a Rose Bowl trip with Pac-10 champion Washington State, Preston, who oversaw the Cougars' running backs, is expected to lend a more even-handed approach to getting up and down the field.

"Coach Preston did a great job this spring," says Horton, who welcomed three new offensive assistants this year. "He brings a different attitude. He is up beat but yet very demanding. The players have really responded to him. He's installed some new wrinkles for our one-back package that are really going to help us. We've had a lot of turnover on that side of the ball but I'm pleased with the way spring went."

Preston inherits a gifted squad that has had little trouble moving the ball the last two seasons and will fill out a lineup card almost identical to last fall after losing only one receiver and lineman.

"The strengths of our offense have to be returning starters and depth," Horton says. "This basically is the same team that has been playing together for three years and there are some playmakers ready to have a big year."

One major area needing improvement continues to be turnovers. The Rebels ranked 107th in the nation last season with a minus-17 count after handing out an eye-popping 24 interceptions.

"We need to develop more consistency and not throw the ball to the other team so much. Ball security has got to be a big goal."

OFFENSIVE LINE/TIGHT ENDS

A perennial bright spot under Horton, the offensive line returns four of five starters and welcomes two top junior college blockers to town.

"I feel good up front with our four guys," Horton says. "We have some people who have been through the battles and know what it takes in the WAC."

Four-year starter Mike Reily is among the WAC's top guards.

Look for three seniors in the middle to push an improved running game to even higher numbers. Center Bubba Gonzalez (6-2, 260, Sr.) will be surrounded by fourth-year starters Mike Reily (6-3, 260, Sr., 2nd-team All-WAC) at right guard and Jerald Pierucci (6-5, 290, Sr.) at left guard. The latter pair both missed spring ball because of injuries but are expected to be 100 percent by fall camp.

Rapidly improving John Greer (6-5, 290, Soph.), who started ten of 11 games at right tackle in '97, will be moved to the left side to replace the departed Ben Glidewell. JC All-American Glen Pilarowski (6-3, 295, Jr.) is already penciled in at right tackle and big fellow-transfer Robert Grundy (6-5, 315, Jr.) will find of plenty of time at the tackle spots as will still-improving Brian Hart (6-5, 280, Soph.).

Heading over to the offensive side this spring to lend his considerable talents was former D-liner Danny Pacheco (6-2, 295, Soph.). Aaron Hall (6-0, 265, Fr.) is listed second at center while veteran Brandon Ellena (6-4, 275, Sr.) and freshmen Shane Wagers (6-5, 310, Fr.) and Peter Tromontonas (6-6, 260, Fr.) also will look for snaps.

"Bubba is as solid as they come at center," Horton says. "He is just a rock in the middle. Reily and Pierucci have been with us from the start and will be starting for the fourth straight year. John Greer was maybe our most consistent player as a redshirt freshman last year. We're anticipating Grundy and Pilarowski to come in and be able to play for us. Those two, more than anyone from this recruiting class, have to come through for us."

Tight End Sam Mineo is looking for another all-conference year.

Third-year starter Sam Mineo (6-3, 290, Sr.) is a lock at tight end after an all-conference season that included 15 receptions - three for touchdowns. Fellow-senior Mike Leatham (6-4, 230, Sr.) needs to get more involved after getting shut out in the catch department. Former running back Ken Kinnard (6-1, 240, Sr.) moves down the line to tight end for his senior year to add depth to a key position while redshirt Matt Maynard (6-5, 230, Fr.) and Rick Stubblefield (6-2, 215, Soph.) are the youngsters of the group.

"Sam is probably the most underrated player on the team," Horton says. "He doesn't get noticed much but all he does is everything he's supposed to and grade out very well. He's going to be a tough one to replace next year."

RECEIVERS

Clearly the biggest strength of the team, the stacked receiving corps may just be the best in the WAC, if not the nation. No matter who is throwing the passes this fall, look for monster years from more than one set of Rebel hands.

"We have a bona fide great group of receivers - one of the best in the country," Horton says. "Three of the top 15 receivers in the WAC is a pretty solid group to have returning."

Although tough-nosed Todd Floyd is gone, the three returnees boast a total of 387 career grabs among them. Overseeing this bounty is first-year assistant DelVaughn Alexander who saw some good receiving himself while playing at Southern Cal.

Star receiver Damon Williams looks to light up the scoreboard again this season.

Leading the Rebel pack is 1997 First-Team All-WAC performer Damon Williams (6-3, 225, Sr.) who is tied for the school's career receptions record with 156. A definite pro prospect who fearlessly prowls the field with his big body, the former quarterback led the team with 61 receptions a year ago, good enough for third in the WAC. The senior also came in 7th in the league with 70 yards per game. You want consistency? Williams only has caught at least one pass in every game of his career - a school-record 34 contests. You want big production? How about two double-digit receiving games last year including an 11-catch day at USC? Throw in his seven career 100-yard games and Williams will probably catch those too.

"When you talk about our receivers you have to start with Damon Williams," Horton says. "He's already tied the school record with 11 games to go in his career. He proved this spring that he has dedicated himself to having a fantastic final year."

Williams' records may not stand for long if junior Len Ware (6-1, 195, Jr.) continues to roll up big numbers. The former DB had four century-mark games last fall and led the team with 818 yards and six scores. Also scheduled to return is Carlos Baker (5-10, 195, Sr.) who missed spring with a bad back and has a redshirt year available if needed. The team's top possession receiver as a sophomore, Baker stands in the school's top-10 in career receptions and yardage but had too many drops a year ago. Readying his explosive game is redshirt Duane James (5-9, 175, Fr.). The sparkplug, who missed out on playing last year because of a pre-season injury, impressed enough this spring to earn a starting slot heading into fall. Young Sam Brandon (6-3, 180, Fr.) and JC transfer Nate Rydalch (5-10, 185, Jr.) both had outstanding springs and will get their share of balls.

"Before all is said and done, Len Ware may be the best receiver to ever suit up here," Horton says. "Carlos Baker had a sub-par season but I think he'll bounce back depending on his back injury. Duane James is going to be an exciting player. I can't wait for Las Vegas to see this kid. He is our best game-breaker. He can turn a five-yard catch into a 60-yard touchdown quicker than anyone on our team. He reminds me a lot of (former Rebel great and current Pittsburgh Steeler) Henry Bailey. He's probably a more polished receiver at this point. Sam Brandon is going to be an outstanding receiver and will probably get a lot of the balls Todd Floyd got last year. Nate got better each day in spring practice. He has tremendous speed and will be effective as a situational player and kick returner."

RUNNING BACKS

JC superstar Rodrick Johnson going down for the season only three games into his UNLV career turned into something of a blessing after two young replacements emerged to more than fill in for the fallen senior. Now with the possibility of playing the season without star passer Jon Denton staring the offense in the face, the running game must take on an even bigger role for the Rebels to succeed in '98.

"We made a big jump with our running game last year," Horton said. "We went from (a school-record low) 77 yards per game to 131. We want to get that even higher. I would like to have that at 150 this year. Obviously we throw the ball well -- we finished 12th in the country in passing. But the reason we were in games was because we ran the ball more effectively. We established our running game, now we want to make game-breaking plays from the backfield."

New position coach Tim Drevno finds at his disposal two backs of varying styles but equal effectiveness. Elusive Coury Hankins (5-9, 185, Jr.) started three games and became the first UNLV back to rush for four 100-yard games in one season since 1987. His bigger and more bruising partner James Wofford (6-0, 200, Soph.) started the final five games and capped the year with a gutsy 170-yard performance vs. San Jose State.

Don't count out rejuvenated Dahrin Footman (5-8, 195, Jr.), who may be an increased factor after turning in what the head coach labeled the best spring on the team. Youngster Luke Swann (6-1, 235, Fr.) will find time in the two-back situations and JC transfer BJ Edwards (6-2, 205, Jr.) will benefit from having gone through spring drills.

"We had two 600-yard rushers last year. I feel really confident with both Coury Hankins (641 yards) and James Wofford (624). They both proved themselves a year ago. They complement each other very well. They feel they're better players because they're fresher and have to compete to stay in there."

Horton, who coached the backs himself during spring, says he doesn't mind having a two-headed rusher with no clear-cut starter.

"I don't think that is a big deal. In our scheme, you're not going to play all the time. We ask too much of our back. Whether it's running the ball, pass protecting, or running routes, you're not going to be able to play 70-80 plays. I think we're more effective that way. (Hankins and Wofford) take turns getting 100-yard games."

QUARTERBACKS

Will he or won't he? No bigger question mark faces the 1998 Rebels than whether or not former All-WAC quarterback Jon Denton (6-3, 215, Jr.) will be a member of the team. The talented Las Vegas native, who holds 10 NCAA offensive records and has thrown at least one TD in a school-record 19 consecutive games, is in danger of missing his junior season altogether after earning his second suspension in a matter of four months this past February for violation of unspecified team rules. Horton says he will announce Denton's future standing with the team sometime before fall camp starts in early August but UNLV is moving full-steam ahead with or without the two-year starter who was on track to finish second in passing yardage in NCAA history.

"Before we start camp, we'll know (if Denton will return)," Horton says. "Jonny is one of the top five quarterbacks in the country but we have to prepare for him not being here."

Horton, for one, says the veteran Rebels can have a big year regardless of who lines up behind center.

"The quarterback position is no longer one that has to win games by itself," he says. "The key is just to not hurt ourselves there, make some good decisions and get us in position. We're not just going by the seat of our pants anymore like a couple of years ago."

With Denton out of spring practice, fifth-year senior Kevin Crook (6-3, 205, Sr.) suddenly found himself holding the proverbial keys to the car. The nice-sized passer also started two games late last fall when Denton missed two games.

"Kevin has withstood a lot of adversity," Horton says. "He's waited for his chance. He's never complained or been disrespectful. He was never happy not playing but he continued to work hard and prepare. He's a smart kid and someone we can win with. He knows his limitations; knows what he has to do to help us win. He had an outstanding spring.

"He got hurt during his two starts last year (five interceptions and two touchdowns) when he tried to do too much. He has to learn that he has other people around him and he doesn't have to do it alone. We plan on challenging with Kevin at the controls."

Benefiting most from Denton's absence this spring was young Chris Hayward (6-4, 210, Fr.), who moved up to second on the depth chart by the end of his first school year.

"Chris got 50 percent more reps this spring than if Jon were here so that accelerated his maturation process, which will make him a better player. He improved each day as the spring went along. He needs to work on his quickness and his reads but he is our quarterback of the future and we're excited to have him."

Veteran Chad Reed (6-1, 210, Sr.) is listed third at a position that could provide depth problems if Denton does suit up.

THE DEFENSE

After tremendous strides on this side of the ball last year, Horton says he only expects one thing from his defense this fall: more.

"In order for us to move up in the conference we have to continue to improve on defense," he says. "We made a big leap last year in a lot of areas. I was disappointed that we faltered down the stretch but we cut the yardage and the points big time. I expect more this year so our defense can win games for us."

From dead last in the nation in total defense in 1996 (543 YPG) to 72nd last year (382), UNLV's defense showed in the spring that it intends to continue climbing under coordinator Ruffin McNeill. Horton says look for a new aggressiveness made possible by increased depth and simple familiarity.

"This is the second year in this (4-3) system for the players," Horton says. "With no changes on the defensive coaching staff, the kids' retention of what they did in the fall, while at the same time being able to add some new things for next year, has been fantastic. Coach Mac is upping the pressure package. We're going to come after people and not let people dictate to us. The kids believing in that is half the battle. They're believing now."

DEFENSIVE LINE

"This is the most depth we've had here," Horton says about his defensive front. "I really feel good about our lineup - especially inside. We have five or six players who have had success there and bring back probably the best defensive player in the league."

Talance Sawyer led the WAC with 18 tackles for loss last season.

That man is future NFL player Talance Sawyer (6-2, 260, Sr.) who will line up at right end this fall. The school's first First-Team All-WAC athlete on defense, the former tight end begins only his third year on this side of the ball. Having led the conference in tackles-for-loss with 18, the rock-solid Sawyer heads into his senior season with 11.5 career sacks and a still-evolving game to harass opposing backfields.

Starting left end Roderick Jones (6-2, 235, Jr.) bookended with Sawyer to dominate spring scrimmages and gave a glimpse of what is expected to be a fierce UNLV pass rush.

Alonzo Jones (6-2, 215, Sr.), Leroy Gambrell (6-5, 230, Jr.) and Jean-Hans Stallsmith (6-5, 250, Jr.) will lend an experienced hand at the end spots.

Clogging the middle will be two seniors. Fifth-year man Ted Darnell (6-5, 270, Sr.) will begin the year at right tackle while Troy Kirkpatrick (6-5, 255, Sr.) is stationed on the left side. Robin Maile (6-1, 290, Sr.) and Derrick Monroe (6-2, 285, Sr.) will compete for snaps while Justin Conway (6-1, 270, Soph.) and Faaolo Alovao (6-2, 275, Fr.) help provide that much-anticipated depth.

"The key to our football team is the people up front," Horton says. "That's where the difference is between us and the best teams, so we need to get better there. It's great to finally have competition at these spots.

"We need to increase our pressure on people and that brings you to Talance Sawyer. He is the kind of kid anyone would want representing their program and he may be the best player in the conference. We'd like to get 15 sacks out of him. Rod Jones, who is just in his second year as an end, is getting better every day. Ted Darnell and Troy Kirkpatrick are both big and athletic and will solidify the middle. When you consider Jones, Maile, Gambrell and Monroe, we've got eight quality players up there who really turned it on this spring."

LINEBACKERS

The long-awaited defensive depth also extends to the linebacking crew. Although two-time All-WAC player Scott Patton graduated and took his single-season school-record 147 tackles with him, the Rebels offer a nice mix of a half-dozen athletes to shore things up.

"We've got six quality guys that can play," Horton says. "That's the first time I can say that since I've been here."

Leading the way is the man in the middle, Greg Gales (6-2, 230, Sr.), who brings 200 career tackles to the field. Currently penciled in at the weakside is two-sport star A.C. Smith (6-1, 210, Jr.), whose increase in size is apparent on the both the football and baseball field. Bandit back will again belong to 10-game starter Jerrad Pierucci (6-2, 225, Jr.). Also, look for German-born JC All-American Dusty Pearce (6-3, 245, Jr.) to vie for time when he hits campus this fall.

Backing up will be big Tyler Brickell (6-4, 230, Soph.), redshirt James Sunia (5-10, 240, Fr.) and up-and-comer Devon Rose (6-0, 205, Fr.).

"Greg Gales played really well as a junior and has really turned into a team leader for us. He is much more mature and clearly wants to be the guy," Horton says. "Pierucci and A.C. are both athletic and run very well. Tyler Brickell started for us down the stretch as a freshman and is going to be a big player for us. Dusty Pearce is someone we're counting on to come in and make a difference as an impact player. Sunia is a very tough and hard-nosed player who will be making plays for us and Rose had a real good spring."

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The big mystery on defense continues to be in the secondary, which has struggled every year since the Rebels won their conference in 1994. Improvement, however, seems imminent. More and speedier bodies should mean an increase in the too-low nine-interception total of a year ago.

"Although there are a lot of guys back there without much experience, the secondary has the most depth and speed since we've been here," Horton says. "In the past we had only four guys playing. Now with 6 to 7 guys, that allows us to do different things with our schemes. That is going to allow us to play some different kinds of coverages. You will see a big change from a year ago in that we'll have to challenge more on the line of scrimmage to help our inside seven."

A star in the making roams the nickel position. Las Vegas native Randy Black (6-0, 200, Soph.) led the team with three interceptions as a freshman but also dropped about twice that number.

Returning corners Amar Brisco (6-0, 175, Jr.) on the left and Mark Hays (5-10, 165, Sr.), a big hitter on the right, look to cut down the long completions. Nice-sized fourth-year free safety Quincy Sanders (6-3, 200, Sr.) should make his final season his best. JC transfer Andre Hilliard (5-8, 155, Jr.), Shaun Haslip (5-10, 185, Soph.) and Kevin Thomas (5-11, 165, Fr.) will challenge on the corners while tough-nosed Kawika Batoon (5-10, 175, Soph.) is No. 2 at nickel. Veteran Anthony Brown (6-0, 205, Sr.) will spell Sanders at free. Also, former starter Bobby Coffman (5-11, 165, Jr.) returns from a redshirt year.

"Quincy Sanders and Randy Black are both solid," Horton says. "Randy will be one of the best players in the country before it's all said and done. Quincy has shown some added maturity and seems to be playing his best football now. On the corners, Amar and Mark started last year but we finally have some players to challenge at every spot on the board."

THE SPECIAL TEAMS

After suffering everything from a down year by a top punter to costly mistakes on both returns and coverage, the Rebel unit most in need of a kick start is the special teams. Help is on the way, Horton says, as no part of the team will benefit as much from the recent increase in scholarship numbers.

"Special teams need to and will make the biggest improvement on our team," he says. "The added scholarships, the depth, competition and more speed mean that for the first time we'll be able to field 11 athletes who can contribute to making plays."

Senior punter Joe Kristosik (6-3, 220, Sr.) looks to rebound on his 37.8 average, which was almost five yards less than '96. Placekicking duties again should belong to Tim O'Reilly (6-0, 205, Jr.) who has limited range after his 9-of-13 field goal numbers yielded a career long of only 37.

Returning duties will have plenty of competition among such a large group of legitimate skill players. Expect explosive Duane James to be deep on both kickoffs and punts.

"The kicking game still concerns me," Horton says. "Tim is solid but he needs to develop his range. It's essential that Joe has a turn-around year punting for us."

THE SCHEDULE

The toughest ever. It's that simple a conclusion when sizing up UNLV's 1998 11-game schedule.

"Look at the first eight games and I don't know anyone who plays any tougher," Horton says. "It's the strongest schedule UNLV has ever played. We're excited about it. It helps us gain credibility not only in town but also across the country. Playing Big 10 teams and the top WAC teams means we really have the opportunity to make a name for ourselves in football this year."

Considering the level of competition awaiting them away from Las Vegas, the Rebels' five home games look to be at least manageable. In fact, all of UNLV's wins in the last three years have come at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"It's always a goal to go undefeated at home. We started out well last year but slipped at the end. Winning all five this year is not out of the question," Horton says.

"People can't say we haven't played the school's toughest-ever schedules the last few years. But that is good. I like that. I'm not afraid of the challenge and I don't want my football team to be. If you're scared - get a dog, call 911 or go to church. We'll be ready. We better be."

OVERALL

Settling into a season that will mark a half-decade with him heading the Rebels, Jeff Horton seems poised to enjoy some fruits of his labor.

"We're starting to look like a football team," Horton says. "In the past we've done some things with mirrors. Now we're more mature, bigger, stronger, more responsible. This is really my first group of senior kids. They all redshirted my first year.

"When we went from the Big West to the WAC, that was a big jump. It's been a tough hill to climb but every year we've made progress. It's never enough in my eyes but for the first time we feel that we're on the verge of becoming a top-four team in the WAC. We finally have the bodies. We're at the most scholarships we've ever had. We have kids in each class and the competition level has risen dramatically, which will make a real difference."

UNLV SPRING CAPSULE

PROBABLE STRENGTHS: With 20 returning starters (including kickers), Rebels finally have a veteran squad with an abundance of playmakers, including one of nation's top receiving corps. Also, look for two up-and-comers at running back and - for the first time -- depth on the defensive line.

POSSIBLE WEAKNESSES: Program's toughest-ever schedule will test unproven secondary. Rebels will cross fingers over lack of depth at running back and a limited kicking game.

TOP AWARDS CANDIDATES: All-America candidate DE Talance Sawyer will power his rushing talents straight to NFL. Big play WR Damon Williams looks to rewrite record books while Len Ware may end up as school's best-ever ball catcher. Senior Sam Mineo is as solid as they come at tight end. O-line is led by big senior duo of Mike Reily and Jerald Pierucci.

QUESTIONS: Does star QB Jon Denton return from suspension? If not, will Kevin Crook lead his team to wins? Will P Joe Kristosik and WR Carlos Baker rebound from sub-par junior seasons? Can JC transfers beef up offensive line? Who will pick up where record-breaking tackler Scott Patton left off? When will special teams become special?

COACH HORTON SAYS: "We're obviously in much better shape than when we started five years ago ... I'll be disappointed if we don't challenge for one of the top four spots in the league. I feel good about this group of players and this coaching staff. Everyone around here is tired of losing. They're not going to accept just being close anymore."