Aug. 24, 1999
"We're asking people to believe in us, to care about the team again. We're asking Las Vegas to have some faith in Rebel Football." - John Robinson
LAS VEGAS - It is not simply a throw-away catchphrase nor an empty marketing line.
To the contrary, when you size up the 1999 Rebel football program, the slogan ?IT?S A NEW GAME? says it all in four words.
There is a new league with the school?s move into the freshly formed Mountain West Conference after three years in the WAC. Then there?s an $18 million renovation and expansion of Sam Boyd Stadium that includes a state-of-the-art press box, all the amenities for fans and an 8,000-seat increase. Even the playing field will be new with the shelving of an ancient artificial turf in favor of the natural stuff. In fact, the Rebel program is literally new from head (new helmet design) to toe (new Nike shoe contract).
However, none of these considerable reforms was as sweeping as the hiring of John Robinson as UNLV?s eighth head coach on Dec. 3, 1998. In a move that shocked many across the nation?s football landscape, the former Southern California and Los Angeles Rams coach brought instant credibility to the 31-year-old football program. He heads into this fall as the sixth-winningest active collegiate coach by percentage with a career record of 104-35-4 (.741).
And make no mistake, Robinson has no plans of lowering his expectations of success while overlooking the world-famous Las Vegas Strip from his office in the sparkling Lied Athletic Complex.
?The infusion of resources into the program, an expanded facility and the new conference makes this a perfect time for us to be here,? Robinson says. ?It excites me to build something that hasn?t been there before. That really turned me on to this job.
?The first step was to hire a good staff,? he says. ?We?ve done that. This could actually develop into one of my very best staffs. We have a great mixture of experience and youth among the coaches. The second step was to have a good recruiting year. And we think we?ve done that too. The third step is to build a winning edge, a winning foundation. This is a great city and a great environment for change and attempting to do what we want to do. There is a Can-Do attitude in Las Vegas. There is a built-in sense of optimism in this community.?
For the Rebels, there is nowhere to go but up after a winless 1998 campaign ? the school?s first in history. But, Robinson says, that has nothing to do with this year?s squad.
?We must get across a sense of renewal ? to get the kids to realize that this team is 0-0,? he says. ?We will not take the burden of an 0-11 record into 1999. We have to start at square one and build. This is going to be a winning program. The only question is when. We?d rather it be sooner than later but we?re determined to build our team on a solid front. To me, that means running the football and playing run defense well. We will establish an approach that you have to win the physical part of the game to win the game.?
The former national championship coach says he was happy with the progress made in his first spring at Rebel Park but the sessions also confirmed that he will have to go to battle this fall with a young and thin roster.
?Spring practice produced more strengths than I expected but in some ways some clear weaknesses,? Robinson says. ?One of the strengths is the under class of this team. We have a number of young players that have showed promise to become better than average to very good players in time. It is imperative that we get these players on the field and game-experienced.
?The lack of depth, however, is frightening. We must play only those players who have demonstrated the competitiveness and skills to succeed. We need to have responsible people who will bring an ethic and a spirit to this team. There must be identifiable leaders. You?ve heard of the Dirty Dozen? Well, we may become the Tough 25 or something along those lines. We must overcome depth problems with passion and physical conditioning.
?No one can anticipate the injury factor, but if we are healthy and follow our philosophies, we will field an improved team from week to week. If we stay relatively injury-free, we could be a reasonably strong team from midseason on.?
THE OFFENSE
QB Jason Vaughan
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With no designated coordinator, the Rebel offense, which returns five starters, will be a three-headed beast this fall. Along with Robinson?s overall input, the passing game will be overseen by long-time Texas coordinator Gene Dahlquist, while the running game will be the charge of veteran coach John Jackson.
It is no reach to theorize that a Robinson-led Rebel attack will be built through a solid running game, which just happens to be where UNLV is deepest this fall.
?It will be a multiple offense,? he says. ?We want to be balanced but we have to be able to run the football. It takes a certain amount of stubbornness and patience to build a running game but if we don?t start there, we won?t reach our goals.?
Early indications are that help is on the way for the UNLV offense. Robinson?s hire led to a talented trio of junior-college stars being lured to Las Vegas and none disappointed during spring practice. Fans will quickly get to know wide receiver Nate Turner (6-2, 210, JR-TR), who was an All-American athletically and academically at Compton CC, running back Jeremi Rudolph (5-10, 170, JR-TR), a former Florida State signee who headed west from Southwest Mississippi CC, and quarterback Jason Vaughan (6-4, 205, JR-TR), a former Dixie all-star who began his career at Ole Miss.
?All three are going to be starters and all three showed signs of being not only solid players but top players,? Robinson says.
Quarterbacks
Vaughan, who spent last year at Middle Georgia College, was named the starter after a solid performance in spring practice. The nice-sized southerner seems ready to fill Robinson?s request for someone to lead the Rebels down the field.
?Jason Vaughan wants very badly to be a good player and has a lot of the skills needed to become one,? the head coach says. ?He is someone that is good at a lot of things but not great at any one thing. We need to get him comfortable with our offense and able to play within himself. If we maintain a proper balance between pass and run and not ask him, or any one player, to win by himself, Jason will make steady and important progress each game. With time, he will master what we want to do and become a very effective quarterback.?
The passing game returns only one scholarship quarterback, Chris Hayward (6-4, 210, SO-1L), who started two games last year and is listed No. 2 heading into fall. He will be pushed for backup duties by incoming prep standouts Ryan Hanson (6-3, 225, FR-HS) and Matt Ray (6-2, 190, FR-HS).
Tailbacks
The tailback slot should feature newcomer Rudolph, but a stable of other runners, including lettermen Coury Hankins (5-9, 185, SR-3L) and Dahrin Footman (5-8, 195, SR-3L) will make sure there is no shortage of able bodies in the backfield.
?Jeremi Rudolph has the darting quickness of a break-away back,? Robinson says. ?We thought that about him when we recruited him and he confirmed that this spring. He is a tough guy who will run inside and get you three or four yards instead of always trying to break one. He was very difficult to tackle in scrimmages this spring. I predict that there will be an excellent highlight reel on him after the season.
?Coury Hankins is a tough, physical and intelligent runner while Dahrin Footman can break it at any time. They both advanced a great deal under the tutelage of John Jackson.?
Fullbacks
Last year?s leading rusher, James Wofford (6-0, 200, JR-2L), started all 11 games in a one-back set to the tune of 816 yards. But with a new two-back scheme ready to go, the ultra-tough Wofford will find himself lining up as the fullback much of the time. Emerging BJ Edwards (6-2, 205, SR-1L) and youngsters Steven Costa (6-2, 200, FR-RS) and Joe Haro (5-10, 190, FR-RS) offer impressive depth.
?James Wofford and BJ Edwards are two of our most responsible players,? Robinson says. ?Both need to be on the field in every opportunity we can get them out there, whether it?s special teams or even a double fullback situation. Both are the kind of men you want on your team.?
Wide Receivers
Back for ball-catching duty is Len Ware (6-1, 185, SR-3L), who not only led the squad with 39 receptions for 500 yards in ?98, but also will attempt to leave as the school?s career leader in both departments.
?Lenny Ware has excellent size and speed and is a graceful, long-striding receiver who can really get separation from you,? Robinson says. ?He is a true deep threat. He is also one of the real men on our team in terms of intelligence and commitment.?
Turner, who came in and dazzled spectators this spring, will occupy another starting spot. ?Nate Turner was the most eye-catching of anyone on our team this spring,? the head coach says. ?He has some unique gifts as a receiver. He is one of the most competitive players I have coached in terms of just going to get the ball. He reminds me of (former USC All-American) Keyshawn Johnson in that regard. As he improves the little skills that make up a great receiver, Nate has a chance to become a great one.?
Speedy redshirt Troy Mason (5-10, 170, FR-RS) will be in the mix along with four-game starter Duane ?Toy Train? James (5-9, 175, SO-1L), who was even more exciting as a return man a year ago as he led the squad in all-purpose yardage. Also look for heralded recruit Michael Johnson (5-11, 175, FR-HS) to get a long look as a true freshman.
Tighte Ends/H-Backs
Tight end is home to the most competition for a starting spot. Peter Tramontanas (6-6, 260, SO-1L), who started on the offensive line last year before returning to his natural position this spring, will battle Kris Fisher (6-2, 250, JR-TR) and Brad Osterhout (6-4, 250, FR-RS).
?The tight end position has been a pleasant surprise,? Robinson says. ?Peter Tramontanas had a good spring. He is an excellent blocker and if you throw him the ball, he?ll catch it. Kris Fisher and Brad Osterhout did good things as well. It will be extremely competitive for those three.?
A new H-back slot is being formulated with talented JC transfer Jermaine Curtis (6-3, 230, JR-TR) in mind.
?The H, or as we are also calling it, the A-back, is a combination tight end and receiver like (Denver Bronco) Shannon Sharpe. Jermaine Curtis is a very physical receiver who will do some blocking. On obvious passing downs, we?ll have four receivers with him on the line.?
Rapidly growing DeJhown Mandley (6-4, 245, FR-RS) may also line up in the H slot.
Offensive Linemen
Young but talented is the best way to describe the Rebels? front line. There is a lot of size available with at least four 300-pounders and seven men standing at least six-foot-five. The key will be to mold a lot of players into contributors by kickoff.
?I?m nervous about the lack of experience but excited about the potential,? Robinson says. ?It is going to be a race to get them ready to play in September.?
The center position is a bright spot after the emergence of former defender Danny Pacheco (6-2, 290, JR-2L), who will be the first starting UNLV center not to be one of the Gonzalez brothers (Jose and then Bubba) since 1994.
?Danny Pacheco is a big-time player,? says his coach. ?He is very smart and tough and has the quickness and strength that is crucial for a center. He needs to be a leader, to be one of the people we rely on.?
JC transfer Greg Hulett (6-3, 295, JR-TR) and newcomer Joel Menendez (6-3, 270, FR-HS) will add depth.
The group of guards includes a redshirt who wowed coaches with his potential this spring. In fact, Tony Terrell (6-3, 295, FR-RS) is tabbed as the starter on the right side despite not yet playing a down.
?Tony Terrell is a freshman and obviously has a lot to learn and will have some growing pains,? Robinson says. ?But he is everything you want in an offensive lineman and he will be an all-star player at UNLV.?
Brian Hart (6-5, 290, JR-2L) will try to hold off former starter Glenn Pilarowski (6-4, 300, SR-1L) on the left side while Shane Wagers (6-5, 315, SO-SQ), Blake Livingood (6-8, 330, JR-1L) and newcomer Dominic Furio (6-2, 290, FR-HS) will help round out the contingent.
At the tackle spots, only right-side starter John Greer (6-5, 290, JR-2L) has started at least six career games and he missed the entire spring with a bad back. The left side features easily the biggest surprise of spring camp, former walk-on Brandon Bair (6-7, 290, SO-RS).
?Brandon Bair has super size,? Robinson says. ?He is almost a prototype for the kind of player you want there. He shows excellent balance and a knack for the skills needed for the position.?
Also vying for playing time will be sometimes-starter Robert Grundy (6-5, 315, SR-1L), up-and-comer Marquez Ologbosele (6-7, 295, FR-RS) and redshirt Allen Williams (6-4, 285, FR-RS).
THE DEFENSE
LB James Sunia
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Under the direction of former Oregon State coach Jeff McInerney, the UNLV defense will be based on speed in a 4-3 scheme. A prime example was presented during the spring as former ends found themselves playing tackle while some linebackers took a shot playing down as pass rushers.
?Speed is the first requirement,? Robinson says. ?We are going to find ourselves recruiting players who may be undersized but never slow. We want to establish a defensive philosophy that is sound. We don?t want to be one of those fanatical gambling teams that gets seven sacks in a game but gives up four touchdowns.?
Defensive Linemen
Up front, former star Talance Sawyer and his 50 career tackles for loss must be replaced. The unit?s only returning starter, Roderick Jones (6-2, 245, SR-3L), moved inside to tackle but missed nearly all of spring with an injury. In fact, much of the projected interior had not yet set foot on campus as two JC players and prized Las Vegas recruit Kawika Sagapolu (6-4, 295, FR-HS) are expected to reshape the depth chart come autumn.
?Most unsettling is the defensive line but there are potential solutions,? Robinson says. ?Rod Jones, Kawika Sagapolu, Anthony Suggs (6-1, 25, JR-TR) and Ahmad Miller (6-4, 280, SO-TR) were not there this spring but will be expected to play this fall. It would be a miracle if they got off to a great start because of the inexperience. But it is reasonable to expect that they will make vast improvement as the season goes along. After all, this is a big, talented group.?
Out on the ends, two former linebackers are among the leaders to start. At rush end, fifth-year man Bret Gilbert (6-2, 230, SR-3L) and young Bill Cofer (5-11, 210, FR-RS), an attacker who turned in what Robinson labeled a ?magnificent spring,? successfully made the transition up front. On the other side, veteran Alonzo Jones (6-2, 215, SR-3L) will compete with up-and-coming redshirt Ahmad Briggs (6-3, 235, FR-RS).
Linebackers
Call it a party of five.
?Linebacker could be the strength because there is experience there with our fivesome,? Robinson says. ?If they give us leadership and consistency, it will make for a solid position.?
That experience comes mainly from two starters, including freshman All-American James Sunia (5-10, 240, SO-1L) in the middle.
?If our interior line can keep the tide from washing James Sunia back, he could be an all-star player. He has as good a sense against the inside run as I?ve seen. He is very physical for a linebacker. Some may see him as a short player, but his size allows him a low leverage and quickness at pad level.?
Backing up the middle is expected to be Dusty Pearce (6-2, 250, SR-1L), who also may show up on the rush end at times.
The other returning starter is Jerrad Pierucci (6-2, 225, SR-3L), who will line up on the strong side. The remaining duo is Tyler Brickell (6-4, 230, JR-2L), who is listed No. 1 at weak side in front of A.C. Smith (6-1, 225, SR-2L).
Youngsters Steve Newton (6-3, 225, SO-1L) and Austin Allen (6-2, 230, FR-RS) will also get field time this fall.
Defensive Backs
Three starters are back in the secondary, led by hometown two-year veteran Randy Black (6-0, 205, JR-2L) at strong safety. ?Randy Black is another of our real men,? Robinson says. ?He is a solid, physical player who understands the game. I expect a lot of him.?
Another veteran safety, three-year letterwinner Quincy Sanders (6-3, 200, SR-3L), applied for medical hardship status early in last year?s campaign but will be expected to start at the free spot.
?Quincy Sanders comes back from a serious injury,? says the head coach. ?He must put a whole career into one senior season and has the ability to do just that. He has size and range and speed and must be counted as being part of the leadership category as well.?
Fifth-year senior Amar Brisco (6-0, 175, SR-3L), who will play both free safety and corner, and newcomer Toby Smeltzer (5-10, 180, FR-HS), who took a run at playing quarterback in the spring, will offer much-needed depth.
On the corners, Kevin Thomas (5-11, 175, SO-1L) started every game as a freshman and Andre Hilliard (5-8, 155, SR-1L) was at the other side most of the time.
?K.T. is going to be an outstanding player for us and is already an accomplished corner at this point,? Robinson says. ?He has the combination of size and speed that you?re looking for at corner. Andre Hilliard has great speed and competitiveness. The two of them make us pretty good at that position. We just have to look for young people to supply us with backup. Jamal Wynn (6-0, 180, FR-HS) has no experience but has real gifts at the position.?
THE SPECIAL TEAMS
KR Jeremi Rudolph
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Gone is punter Joe Kristosik, who simply led the nation in average and became his school?s first-ever unanimous first-team All-American. Hoping to fill those big booting shoes will be high school standout Ryan McDonald (5-11, 170, FR-HS). ?We will have a brand new punter,? Robinson says. ?Ryan McDonald has never punted in a college football game but we feel he is a super technician, which we hope leads to a powerful punter as he gets bigger and stronger. He should have consistency immediately and the range will come later.?
Tim O?Reilly (6-0, 205, SR-3L), who has never missed a field goal attempt less than 30 yards, will return as place kicker and also has punting experience. ?Tim is a proven performer,? Robinson says. ?Like every kicker, he has an effective range. Once you?re in Tim?s range, he is among the best. Our plan is to increase that range.?
JC transfer Ray Cheetanay (5-11, 170, JR-TR) can also play both spots and is the leader for kickoff duties after spring.
Robinson calls the Rebels? return game a plus. Duane James showed signs of stardom on both punts and kickoffs in 1998, including logging a 78-yard punt return for a score. The Toy Train finished 22nd nationally with a 25-yard average on kickoffs and led the squad with a 12-yard average on punts. Jeremi Rudolph and Nate Turner both bring solid reputations as return men and look for Len Ware and Troy Mason to also be involved back deep.
THE MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE
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A member of its third conference in four years, UNLV joined seven other former WAC teams in forming the more powerful, if smaller, Mountain West Conference, which begins play this fall. Robinson says he sees nothing but positives about the move.
?The Mountain West automatically starts off as one of the better football conferences in the country,? Robinson says. ?With an eight-team league, you?re going to be very competitive. That will give us an advantage over some conferences because we play every team every year and will establish some new rivalries. There are no automatic wins in this conference and we don?t intend to be one for anyone else.
?There are some of the most renowned coaches in the country working right here and you?ll see the Mountain West really establish itself in the next five years.?
THE NEW SAM BOYD STADIUM
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Opened in 1971, Sam Boyd Stadium finally will become a showplace for football in the desert with an all-new look almost three decades later. In addition to the new grass playing surface, the renovation includes an expanded concourse, new sound, video and scoreboard systems, better traffic patterns and a three-story press tower that will also house luxury suites and club seating.
?The amenities will make it more pleasing for the fans? Robinson says. ?The key for us as a school is to get 40,000 people into it. That will make it a formidable place to play in. The closeness of the field gives us a chance to create a great atmosphere. I?d love to try to squeeze 50,000 people into those 40,000 seats. Fans who buy a ticket and can?t find a seat can stand down next to me if they need to. I would love to see that kind of atmosphere and someday it will happen.?
THE SCHEDULE
The seven conference games are highlighted by Utah and BYU traveling to Las Vegas for the first time since the early 1980s as well as the school?s first meeting with New Mexico since 1991. Road dates with Wyoming and Air Force are on tap before back-to-back home clashes with San Diego State and Colorado State. However, the John Robinson Era at UNLV officially begins on Thursday, Sept. 2 at North Texas with a trip to Baylor scheduled just one week later. Iowa State opens the new Sam Boyd Stadium on Sept. 18 and the non-conference slate is rounded out by the annual Battle for Nevada vs. UNR to be played this year in Reno.
Robinson says he likes the overall feel of the schedule for what essentially is akin to a first-year program. ?My expectation is that every game this year will be close and competitive and come down to late in the fourth quarter.?
OVERALL
?My reception in this city has been tremendous,? Robinson says. ?The people here are excited in anticipation of a new era. We need to establish a fan base right now. We?re hopeful that people will commit themselves now to UNLV football, knowing that the future will be bright. I think we?re at the beginning of something special. We may have to fight through some hardships to get where we want to go. But we?re on our way.
?We are preparing to win,? the coach says about this season. ?We must not succumb to rebuilding rationales and built-in excuses about looking toward the future. While at the same time, we have to build a foundation. We can?t sacrifice our foundation for quick fixes or trickery. We are approaching our season with a plan for success.
?We?re a long shot to win, but so was Charismatic at the Kentucky Derby. In order to do it, we may need extraordinary effort from our players. If that is so, we?ll go about it that way.?
