ROUND 2.
As in the next round of Robinson.
As in the second season of John Robinson leading the UNLV football program.
Not simply a marketing catchphrase, ROUND 2 aptly portrays the flavor of a team that is seemingly just getting started -- a group of players and coaches who learned a lot in Year One and are raring to get another shot at success. And, in what's good news for Las Vegas, do it sooner rather than later.
"Long-range plans are overrated -- we're here to win now," Robinson said. "We're definitely looking for big improvement. You have to show progress every year, but as it gets closer to kicking it off, you just think about winning. It wouldn't be fun otherwise."
After tying for the fifth-best turnaround in college football by going from zero wins to three in Robinson's first season, the rebuilt Rebels look to carry a heavier punch in 2000.
"We wanted to win last year, but didn't most of the time," Robinson, who stands eighth among active college coaches in winning percentage, said. "However, we are not in over our heads anywhere near as much as last year. Last season, there were some games where we were clearly outmatched. I don't expect that to happen much more around here."
UNLV welcomes back 17 of 22 starters and Robinson and staff have attracted an unquestionably higher level of athlete to campus for the second straight year.
"We'll still have a young team but with more quality players overall and more players with specific skills. Add that to a coaching staff that has a clearer picture of what our players can do and I think we'll make much more rapid progress that we did last year."
THE OFFENSE
"A lot more wide open." That is how Robinson describes the 2000 Rebel offense. Quite a change from a year ago when a conservative UNLV attack gave up the fewest turnovers in the nation with 11, but also finished 106th in scoring at just 14.5 PPG.
"We were the most efficient offensive team as far as turnovers but we didn't put any points on the board," Robinson said. "When you are efficient, that's good. When you're almost last in scoring, that's bad. We need to open it up and we will."
Fueling thoughts of a revved up Rebel engine is the arrival of a cache of offensive weapons, the likes of which have never before appeared in these parts.
A dazzling trio of transfers -- quarterback Jason Thomas (USC), and running backs Raymont Skaggs (Florida State) and Kevin Brown (Washington State) all became eligible to compete this spring after sitting out 1999 per NCAA rules. Skaggs and Brown are unique in that they have only a year of eligibility remaining. Add them to last year's junior-college infusion such as tailback Jeremi Rudolph, receive Nate Turner and quarterback Jason Vaughan, and you have a diverse collection of seniors feeling nothing less than urgency.
"We are a lot like a team that has gone out on the free agency market in the NFL," Robinson, who spent nine years coaching in that very league, said. "We have newcomers who must have an impact because they only have one year. We have to use them all. We have a lot of talent in the skill positions on offense. We are looking forward to having a chance to use it. I feel a lot of responsibility to develop an attack that allows these people to contribute in their own way."
QUARTERBACKS
A fascinating three-man race has emerged at quarterback. Three different types -- and ages -- of signal-callers ensure it will be a deep position. Thomas (6-4, 240, SO-TR) has been called the biggest recruit in school history following a legendary prep career that first led him to join Robinson at USC and then found the two reunited in the desert after another recruiting push that included half of the college football's top 10. After running the Rebel scout team last fall, Thomas finally joins Vaughan (6-4, 205, SR-1L), who started the first eight games of '99 and threw for 1,043 yards, and young Matt Ray (6-3, 205, SO-1L), who started the final three as a rookie and passed for 541 yards with no picks.
"We have three guys competing at quarterback who are different kinds of players," Robinson said. "Jason Vaughan's strengths are his experience and his ability to manage the team. Matt Ray has good athletic ability and is an accurate passer. Late in the year, he also got a chance to prove he has the savvy to play quarterback. Jason Thomas brings almost stunning physical gifts to the position and appears to have a lot of the intangibles as well. His problem is that he has not played much and does not have experience."
This all makes for an enviable position at such a key position -- one that may preclude the emergence of one clear-cut starter.
"I am prepared to play two quarterbacks if it works out that way," the coach said. "It is important that I create an atmosphere here that allows players to prove themselves on our practice field. To predetermine who will win jobs is unfair. We have to have the competition play itself out. And if playing two guys would give us the best chance at success, I would not hesitate to go that route."
RUNNING BACKS
The running game features the most depth a UNLV position has boasted in recent memory -- if ever. Last year's leading rusher (693 yards) is back in the form of Jeremi Rudolph (5-9, 175, SR-1L), who would have reached the 1,000-yard plateau if not for a groin injury that slowed him for a quarter of the season. Now healthy, the former FSU signee and minor league baseball player proved a year ago that he can navigate a football field with the best of them.
This season, however, be assured that Rudolph has company on the depth chart.
Tailback Skaggs (5-10, 165, SR-TR) transfers back to the West Coast following one year running for the Seminoles and, after a season on the sideline, the former Long Beach Poly star is ready to burst down more than the Rebels' practice fields.
That's the flash. Now meet the fury.
Brown (6-2, 230, SR-TR) sat out after burning up the Pac-10 to the tune of 1,004 yards for the Cougars in 1998. His powerful body has helped Brown not only find holes but create them as well. "Kevin Brown can push the pile," Robinson says, "and that's something we haven't had here."
Although all seniors, the longtime resident of the Rebel backfield is James Wofford (6-2, 230, SR-3L), who will be used all over the field at tailback, fullback and H-back. Ranking 10th in school history with 1,672 rushing yards, Wofford also brings in 27 career receptions. "The person who gets forgotten and who may end up as the MVP on this team is James Wofford," Robinson says. "He is one of the most competitive players I have ever come across and we're going to expand his position."
If that's not enough, another transfer, Jabari Johnson (6-0, 200, JR-TR) hits town this fall after spending 1998 at the University of Washington.
"We have four, possibly five, backs that can contribute this year," Robinson, who coached two Heisman Trophy-winning runners at USC, said. "My job is to find ways to get them all on the field and establish a menu to use them according to their skills. We won't be focusing on who is first string or who is second string. It will be how to use the right man at the right time."
OFFENSIVE LINE
Blocking for all of this figurative hardware will be an offensive line that is projected to finally finish as a team strong spot.
"One of the key areas that I am focusing on is the offensive line," Robinson says. "They all return and will be much improved from a year ago. They had on-the-job training last year and it seemed like they went into a catatonic state when things went wrong. This year, they come back bigger, stronger and obviously more mature. Now they are prepared to compete with anybody. I think the overall quality of our play on the line will improve. For us to be any good this year, it has to."
Anchoring the emerging group will be veteran right tackle John Greer (6-5, 295, SR-3L) whom is an academic all-star as well as a blocking great. The former walk-on has started all but one game of his Rebel career and looks ready to lead his line-mates into the Mountain West wars.
Listed behind Greer is the line's only other senior, still-improving Brian Hart (6-5, 290, SR-3L). They are joined on the right side by big guard Tony Terrell (6-4, 300, SO-1L), whom Robinson has pegged as a future star, and former JC transfer Greg Hulett (6-3, 285, JR-RS).
The center spot belongs to reliable Peter Tramontanas (6-5, 270, JR-2L), whom made a successful late-season move back to the line after having converted to tight end and starting eight games at that position. The left side will see big Shane Wagers (6-5, 300, JR-1L) and Allen Williams (6-4, 270, SO-1L), who will have to overcome wrist surgery, compete at guard while Brandon Bair (6-6, 280, JR-1L) and hulking Marquez Ologobosele (6-7, 320, SO-1L) will battle it out for time at tackle.
Expected to make a bigger push than a year ago is the tight end position, which only contributed seven catches in '99. DeJhown Mandley (6-4, 245, SO-1L) caught a touchdown pass for his first career reception but only added two more all year. That will change.
"DeJhown Mandley is an emerging player who has a chance to be outstanding as only a sophomore. (Backup) Brad Osterhout (6-4, 260, SO-1L) was solid. Both have some experience. We need to make the tight end position more expansive after it was a non-factor a year ago."
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Rebel receivers are six deep this spring and have the luxury of an unquestioned go-to guy in Nate Turner (6-3, 200, SR-1L), who led the squad with 45 catches and 627 yards. Although he also paced the team in scoring with six TDs and turned in plenty of NFL-type highlights, the former JC star was sometimes raw in just his second season on offense and probably suffered more than anyone from last year's moderate attack.
"Nate Turner could be one of the most improved players on the team," Robinson, who has compared Turner to former pupil Keyshawn Johnson, says. "He was extremely competitive as a catcher last year and now he has developed quite a few skills. I can see him doubling his reception totals."
Duane "Toy Train" James (5-9, 180, JR-2L) is battling his former San Diego-area high school rival and JC transfer Charles James (6-2, 175, JR-TR) for starting honors on the other side. Troy Mason (5-10, 175, SO-1L), Michael Johnson (5-10, 175, FR-RS) and Nate Rydalch (5-9, 180, SR-1L) also are in the ball-catching mix.
"Duane James made dramatic improvement last season," Robinson says. "I see his numbers going up quite a bit from last year. Charles James is just getting started but he gives us a tall, fast receiver. Johnson and Mason are quicker, athletic young receivers."
THE DEFENSE
Robinson says that with a change in coordinators and a better grasp of the skills of his troops, a renewed commitment to a quick defense is in order.
"In college football today, it is hard to find the big defensive lineman," he says. "We are going to base our defense more on speed than size. If I had only one wish for our team, it would be that our defense would be speedier and more aggressive. We need to be a quick and attacking group. We will be faster this year -- we better be."
DEFENSIVE LINE
Robinson is quick to point out that the team's biggest worry in 2000 comes from the interior of the defensive line.
"We have problems with depth on the defensive front. That would be weakness number one this year. There just are not that many players."
Returning at tackle is former transfer Ahmad Miller (6-4, 300, JR-1L), who registered 36 tackles a year ago. Penciled in at nose guard is Anthony Suggs (6-1, 265, SR-1L) who will be counted on to plug the middle. Saeed Abdul Malik (6-4, 250, SR-1L) will split time between tackle and end and Phil Reed (6-3, 265, SO-1L) looks to get his feet wet.
Down the line at end, former linebacker Steve Newton (6-3, 245, JR-2L) is a candidate for a breakout year and young Ahmad Briggs (6-3, 230, SO-1L) is an emerging star. The end spots were also thin in the spring but some impressive signees will be counted on to bolster the rush corps come autumn.
"End was a huge weakness for us last year, but it must become a strength this season," Robinson says of a position that produced just nine sacks. "Ahmad Briggs is on his way to becoming a major player for us. He and Newton are really improved. And we're looking for help from the JC ranks and have high expectations of the new players."
Those anticipated additions include highly sought first-team junior-college All-American Scott Parkhurst (6-3, 245, JR-TR) and second-team honoree Adrian Watson (6-3, 240, JR-TR).
LINEBACKERS
Middle linebacker and tackling specialist James Sunia (5-10, 240, JR-2L) returns to lead in an area that deserves cautionary optimism. The gritty Hawaiian takes a 10.6 tackles-per-game career average into 2000, which has helped him move within striking distance of the school's all-time take-down record after just two seasons with 234.
"It is important for our defense that James Sunia has a more effective environment from which to work," Robinson says. "He is a physical, inside plugger. We need to not ask him to make plays on the edge, but be the guy to make the plays in the middle. We want our other linebackers to run people down."
Hoping to do just that is still-improving weak-side backer Tyler Brickell (6-4, 225, SR-3L), who will be expected to show increased range.
At the strong side, touted newcomer Lamar Owens (6-3, 220, JR-TR) possesses impressive physical skills and already offers the invaluable luxury of having suited up for spring ball.
Key reserves are converted DB Tosh Burrus (6-0, 185, SO-1L), sparkplug Bill Cofer (5-11, 220, SO-1L) and fresh-faced Austin Allen (6-2, 230, SO-1L). Robinson also says he does not discount receiving some help at the position from the incoming freshman signees.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Easily the deepest pocket of the Rebel D, the secondary's preview must begin with All-American candidate and future NFL cornerback Kevin Thomas (5-11, 180, JR-2L). A first-team All-MWC selection in '99, Thomas led the squad with five interceptions, shattered the school record with a league-leading 24 pass breakups and took in two touchdowns. One of those scores was the now-famous 100-yard game-winning fumble return to beat Baylor that made most 1999 play of the year lists.
"Kevin Thomas is simply one of the best players in the United States at his position. He was last year and he will be again this year," Robinson says matter-of-factly.
Four other Rebel corners will fight for snaps. Jamal Wynn (6-0, 185, SO-1L) and Joe Haro (5-10, 190, SO-1L) are listed on one side while Sean Mackey (6-1, 185, FR-RS) and newcomer Derek Olsen (6-3, 200, FR-HS) are penciled in behind Thomas.
The safety spots are even more stacked with quality bodies. Team leader and fan favorite Randy Black (6-0, 210, SR-3L) returns to his natural strong safety position after starting his last seven games at linebacker. Sitting 11th in career tackles at UNLV with 233, Black is showing signs of a monster senior campaign. Over at free, Sam Brandon (6-2, 200, JR-1L) is once again eligible after missing an entire season and looks to finally put his talents to use on defense. Singled out by Robinson as a big factor for his team's success, Brandon is two years removed from a strong debut season as a receiver.
Also competing at safety will be veterans Sharif Hamilton (6-0, 195, SR-1L) and sixth-year man Amar Brisco (5-10, 170, SR-3L) who was granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA. A pair of youngsters, Ross Dalton (6-3, 200, SO-1L) and Toby Smeltzer (5-10, 185, SO-1L), will look to emerge in their second season.
THE SPECIAL TEAMS
"I love Ray Cheetany (5-11, 180, SR-1L)," Robinson says.
And who wouldn't? What's not to like about a guy who transfers in, excels at kicking off, wins the punting job by Game Three and goes on to lead the league and finish fourth nationally with a 45.4-yard average? Who wouldn't be exceptionally impressed with someone who will pick up field goal and extra point duties a year after being named one of college football's top 10 special teams players?
"We're also going to ask Ray to do some blocking and tackling and maybe fly the plane," Robinson says, (presumably) joking. "Kickers don't automatically have great years every year but I am so confident about him as a player. He has a tremendous personality and is very competitive for a kicker."
Smeltzer should retain his position as holder while Tramontanas and backup quarterback Ryan Hanson (6-2, 225, FR-RS) will vie for long-snapping duties.
UNLV's kick-return spots will be handled by a fast foursome made up of receivers "Toy Train" James and Mason and tailbacks Rudolph and Skaggs.
Robinson says that his coverage teams, which produced the nation's third-best kickoff return average at 25.5, also will make a big jump in quality. "Our special teams will show that we have more athletes on the roster this year," he says.
THE SCHEDULE
The 12-game schedule, which expanded late with the addition of a December Hawaii trip, boasts four visits to 1999 bowl game participants (Ole Miss, BYU, CSU, and UH), a venture into Big 12 Country (Iowa State) and the annual Battle for Nevada (UNR) to be waged in Las Vegas.
"There are a lot of good football teams on our schedule," Robinson says. "There's a part of all coaches that has the urge to play Joe's Butcher Shop every week. But you want to make your mark and the only way to do that is against a good opponent."
Robinson says there is one thing that he would like to change about the 2000 slate.
"We play seven of our 12 games on the road. I wish we had more games at home. I do like playing on the road -- always have. My teams have always done pretty well away (including the Rebels going 3-3 a year ago). But what I look forward to most is winning one at home. We got a lot of those (losing) streaks out of the way last year but that last one (a 12-game skid at Sam Boyd Stadium that pre-dates Robinson by two seasons). And that one really sticks in my craw."
After having whetted the appetite of a victory-hungry valley in year one, the coach says ROUND 2 of Robinson's Rebels will come out swinging.
"Like every team, our success will be based on how well we develop," Robinson says. "That puts the responsibility on us as people. I do know that we are going to go out this fall and test ourselves against the teams that we came up short against last season.
"Now, we have to do the little things that breed success and develop our self-image so that this program becomes a winner. This is the year that we make the changes to make us into winners."
