By Mark Wallington /unlvrebels.com
What a difference a year makes.
A season ago, the UNLV football team was gearing up for unquestionably the most anticipated campaign in its 33-year history. The school's first-ever top 25 preseason ranking by preview magazines, multiple dates with national television, a schedule peppered with intriguing opponents, an assortment of pro prospects pulling on the pads, even an honest-to-goodness Heisman Trophy campaign all combined to kick interest in Rebel Football to an all-time high.
However, after opening flat and finishing 4-7, preparations at Rebel Park on campus are understandably subtler this time around.
Now, with the guts of the skilled group back - six starters on each side of the ball along with both kickers - and the national expectations receded, head coach John Robinson's fourth UNLV edition may get back to surprising folks. But the man who is just two wins away from his 200th career coaching victory in college and the NFL says that will happen only if key losses are adequately addressed.
"There is a lot of talent around here and this year's team has the ability to become much better if we accomplish several things," Robinson says. "We have to replace both offensive tackles, a big-time safety and cornerback and that will be challenging for us. We have players who have potential to do it but they lack key experience so important to those areas on the field. We received leadership and high skill from those areas so there has to be people to step in on both sides of the line. We have a number of transfers coming in and their contributions are going to be really important."
Those new people include the traditional collection of junior college standouts as well as two potential starting blockers from a disbanded program at Cal State Northridge. But also pumping new blood into Rebel Red veins will be a cache of transfers from highly visible I-A programs. After a NCAA-mandated year on the sidelines, two tailbacks, a linebacker and safety from the Pac-10, Big 12 and SEC, respectively, will look to make a significant impact from the first whistle.
"We will have some new faces from other schools that are really frontline players," says Robinson, who has already welcomed eight former Pac-10 players to the desert. "They were proven and sought-after players. When you come from a junior college, you are making a major step up and the adjustment usually takes a while. When you transfer from another four-year program, it's a little bit like bringing in a free agent in the NFL. You already have a sense of what the pace is like and what the demands are. I suspect that these men will bring a maturity that will help us tremendously."
With these transfers now active, UNLV's running back and quarterback spots are as deep and talented as anytime in history while the front line at linebacker also ranks among the best in the West. Another team positive is special teams as reliable performers are back, including return men that can potentially change games.
"Our offensive backfield and linebackers are among the best such groups in the country while our special teams units will be equally outstanding," says the coach. "Seniors Jason Thomas (QB), Joe Haro (RB), Steve Costa (FB), Tony Terrell (OL), Troy Mason (WR/KR), Ahmad Briggs (DE), Jamal Wynn (CB), Trevan Sorensen (DE) and Tyrone Tucker (LB) will be our foundation. In fact, I am excited about this Rebel team's leadership. We have a group of seniors that are hungry and ready to put the team ahead of individual glory. I just have the feeling that this is one of those classes that could do some special things."
THE OFFENSE
"The backfield is really our strength," Robinson says of a unit that returns 87 percent (2,124 yards) of its rushing attack, which ranked 16th in the land a year ago. "We have experience and quality depth at quarterback, tailback and fullback. However, we must find a way to use all of their skills effectively, which means occasionally having three or four of them on the field at the same time."
Even with three of the six returning starters on this side of the ball lining up in the backfield, the head man cautions not to label the Rebels a running team, especially with the line largely under construction with only one starter back. "We'll have a balanced attack. We just have to make steady gains and prove that we will be able to block as well as the last two years."
Overall, Robinson expects an offense that more resembles the bowl effort of 2000 than last year's attack, which ranked 74th.
"Using the skills that we have at running back combined with improvement at wide receiver will help us create the best environment possible for Jason Thomas as a passer and runner, which will lead to success offensively."
RUNNING BACKS
Amongst a ground game that Athlon magazine ranks sixth in the nation, talk at tailback begins with gutty runner "Jersey" Joe Haro (5-10, 195, SR-3L/1,107 yards rushing), who is only the fifth 1,000-yard rusher in school history and the first to return to play another season since Kirk Jones in 1985. After breaking his leg while playing as a defensive back the previous season, Haro switched back to offense and put a stranglehold on the starting spot last fall with five 100-yard games, including a 226-yard explosion on just 26 carries at Wyoming. His 100.6 yards-per-game average was good for 29th in the nation as he also pushed in 10 touchdowns to lead the team.
"Joe Haro had a phenomenal year," says Robinson. "He made a big commitment to having a big season and came through. I know he is the kind of person who can do that again as a senior. He is the ultimate team player that has developed into a star. He has really good speed and is much more powerful than he looks."
Despite the fact that the Doak Walker Award candidate is the class of the conference returnees, he will most likely have to hold off some pure-bred competition in the form of two highly respected Pac-10 Conference transfers.
Larry Croom (5-10, 205, JR-TR), who once started for Arizona, seems to be equally elusive catching a pass or receiving a handoff. And the biggest of the trio is former Washington State record setter Deon Burnett (5-11, 210, JR-TR) whom Robinson will look to as a power player.
"Deon Burnett made great improvement throughout the spring after taking a year off," Robinson says. "He is a very solid all-around back who will have the ball in his hands a lot over these next two years. Larry Croom is one of the more versatile players that I have coached. He is a very elusive runner and is as good as it gets at making you miss."
Labeled as "phenomenal" by his head coach, sparkplug Dominique Dorsey (5-6, 165, SO-1L/379 yards) missed time late in the year with ankle injuries and then sat out spring ball completely because of personal reasons. However, the MWC Freshman of the Year, who paced the team with a 6.6-yard per-carry average, returned to campus during the summer and should get his share of touches on the ground and through the air. Fellow Tulare High grad Johnny Graham (6-0, 220, SR-1L) will add further depth.
Combining startling speed and strength, hard-nosed Steven Costa (6-1, 225, SR-3L/136 yards) is mastering all facets of the role at fullback.
"Steve Costa may be one of the most improved players over a three-year period that I have known," says Robinson. "He has played two years at a difficult position. Our fullback is a ball carrier, a pass catcher and a big blocker. He can do all three at a high level."
Former Idaho State transfer Andrew Faga (6-0, 240, JR-1L) showed signs of being a more than capable fill-in and talented youngster Dyante Perkins (6-1, 220, SO-SQ) may get time here along with reserve Royce Boone (5-10, 210, JR-1L).
QUARTERBACKS
The problems that plagued ultra-talented quarterback Jason Thomas (6-4, 230, SR-2L) a year ago seem to be have been solved in the off-season. A surgically repaired shoulder is healthy. A conditioning program has produced a leaner JT. The addition of a quarterback coach will bring around the fundamentals. And the overly optimistic hype machine Thomas always resisted has finally quieted.
"I think we will see Jason Thomas regain the form he established as a sophomore." Robinson says. "He had a difficult time last year. It seemed like everything went wrong, but he has done a lot of things to get himself back on track and his shoulder is 100 percent. He has matured and focused his energies into becoming a great player through refining the individual skills of the position. He improved every day this spring and played with an energy that excited everybody. He is benefiting from having a quality quarterbacks coach in Vince Alcalde, whom we hired to help our entire passing game (which ranked 104th a year ago)."
Thomas' air production sagged after the loss of his go-to receiver to graduation but he still became the first 1,000-yard career rushing quarterback in UNLV history by adding 481 in 2001. His touchdown-to-interception ratio must be reversed and a more seasoned group of receivers can go a long way toward making that a reality. With no preseason awards campaign in the works, JT looks to get back to doing what he likes best - winning football games.
Behind Thomas for one more season will be Kurt Nantkes (6-4, 215, SO-1L), a second-year former pro baseball pitcher who is actually a month older than JT and showed positive signs while filling in as a rookie, including making one start at New Mexico.
"Kurt Nantkes continues to give us evidence that he is going to be a really fine quarterback," Robinson says.
Scott Turner (6-3, 200, FR-RS), the son of NFL coach Norv Turner, may be the No. 3 man while the future looks increasingly bright for youngster Tyler Arciaga (6-3, 230, FR-HS) who competed in the spring.
OFFENSIVE LINE/TIGHT ENDS
The biggest question on offense comes up front where only potential all-star right guard Tony Terrell (6-4, 310, SR-3L) returns from a line that surrendered only 12 sacks a year ago. The squad's iron man with 33 career starts, including 28 straight, the "Knight Rider" will have to help break in a nearly all-new crew.
"Inside, Tony Terrell is the leader," says Robinson. "I am as proud of Tony as any player I have ever coached. He has become an example of the value of college athletics. He has improved his skills dramatically and is a definite pro prospect."
The other guard should be Marcus Johnson (6-1, 200, SO-1L), who looked good during spot duty a year ago while Joel Menendez (6-3, 275, JR-2L) and Joe Eddleman (6-4, 310, SO-TR) also will see time. The center position will be a battle between Dominic Furio (6-3, 295, JR-2L) and former Cal State Northridge starter Carlos Acosta (6-4, 290, SR-TR), who won't hit campus until August camp for his one year in Las Vegas. Another former Matador standout, Keith Kincaid (6-3, 300, SR-TR) had the advantage of going through spring drills with his new program and can be penciled in at right tackle. On the other side, big Matt Williams (6-6, 300, JR-RS), who redshirted after coming in from junior college last year, will look to earn the start while Eddie Freas (6-2, 285, SR-1L) and up-and-comer Zach Gorham (6-5, 310, FR-RS) will also compete for tackle time.
"On the offensive line, the tackle position is critical for us this year," Robinson says. "We won't fall off much with people like Johnson, Furio, Kincaid and Acosta. We have the bodies, they just need the experience. But we must find an effective tackle rotation to succeed."
Down the line at tight end, DeJhown Mandley (6-4, 240, SR-3L) could be a Mackey Award candidate as a senior. The big man has set career highs in catches and yards each of his three years (including 16 for 174 in 2001) and actually led the squad with three touchdown receptions last fall.
"I think DeJhown Mandley is an all-conference player in terms of his ability and he has all kinds of experience," Robinson says. "So often the success of veterans depends on their ability to improve and not level off. DeJhown continues to improve each year and I expect his final season to be no different."
With one former backup moved to defense and another who decided to transfer, there must be new faces in the tight end rotation. Former running back recruit Michael Freund (6-2, 225, FR-RS) showed potential in the spring and will look to stay ahead of former transfer Ryan Clifford (6-2, 250, JR-1L) and perhaps an incoming recruit for the No. 2 slot.
WIDE RECEIVERS
After future San Diego Charger Nate Turner led the league in catches, yards and touchdowns for the Rebels in 2000, UNLV shockingly did not place a single receiver among the top 10 in any of those categories last fall. That's the bad news. The good news is that three members of the four-man rotation are back in '02 and additional help hit the field back in spring. The four-man rotation is apparent while the starting assignments will not be decided until leading up to the opener.
Michael Johnson (5-10, 190, JR-2L), who paced the squad with only 25 catches and 435 yards, showed he has long-range ability but needs to develop consistency. Meanwhile, the veteran of the group, Troy Mason (5-10, 170, SR-3L/19 catches in 2001) will look to get back to his sometimes-spectacular sophomore form. Lanky Earvin Johnson (6-3, 200, SO-1L/12 catches) is a future star that was perhaps forced into action prematurely by a catch-starved offense. Expect David Relf (6-1, 190, JR-TR), who was a favorite Jason Thomas target when both attended Dominguez High School and who later attended the same JC as Turner in Compton, to get plenty of looks after benefiting from spring ball. Former DB Toby Smeltzer (5-10, 185, SR-3L) may surprise in his last collegiate campaign while Deon Barnes (6-0, 190, SR-1L) and Derrick Barnes (6-1, 185, JR-RS) may get significant time on special teams.
"We fell off at this position last year," Robinson says. "It's simple - we have to perform much better this time around. Earvin Johnson is on his way to becoming a really outstanding player. He has a better understanding of the speed and intensity needed to succeed and wants to be that great player. David Relf is a JC player who is coming in and has showed signs of becoming a solid, Nate Turner-type of team contributor. The big-play guy on our offense, however, is Troy Mason. He had an all right season in 2001 but we think he can have a big year for us catching the ball."
THE DEFENSE
With a school-record four defensive players taken in April's draft, it's not hard to identify a top goal on this side of the ball.
"We lost four great players to the NFL last year," Robinson says. "Replacing them has to be our No.1 challenge. Developing the talent and experience we lost, especially in the secondary, will be a tall order."
Even with the six returning starters spread equally between the three defensive units, it is the linebackers that are expected to shine this year.
"Keep an eye on our linebackers this fall as we will feature a transfer teaming up with perhaps the best young tackling duo in the West," says Robinson. "That is our strength but we have a lot of young talent all around the positions. As long as we are playing with maximum speed, energy and aggressiveness, this group has the talent to succeed."
DEFENSIVE LINE
Gone to the NFL are Anton Palepoi and Ahmad Miller. Gone to graduation are super subs Scott Parkhurst and Steve Newton. And gone are 12 of the 14 quarterback sacks produced by the D-line a year ago.
Name tags anyone?
"We lost a lot but there is a nice mix of veterans and young guys we have to break in," insists defensive coordinator Mike Bradeson, who is the dean of the coaching staff as he enters his seventh season at UNLV. "Obviously when you lose four talented guys, including a second-round NFL pick (Palepoi) there will be questions of depth. But are there bodies that can get it done this year? Oh yeah."
Returning end Ahmad Briggs (6-4, 230, SR-3L), who had the other two sacks, should thrive in the brighter spotlight this fall while converted tight end Trevan Sorensen (6-4, 270, SR-3L) has the size and speed to be a surprise force on the other edge despite missing all of spring with a serious spinal injury.
Two junior-college additions - Shaun Siaki (6-4, 250, JR-TR) who got plenty of practice in the spring, and Chris Eagen (6-4, 265, JR-TR) should be part of the rotation while local redshirt Leon Moore (6-5, 255, FR-RS) proved in spring that he is loaded with potential.
Inside, Robinson calls two-year starter at tackle Dietrich Canterberry (6-4, 300, JR-2L) one of the most improved players on the team while former JC man Garrett Brassington (6-2, 285, SR-1L), who was an effective contributor at the end of 2001, should head into preseason camp as the starter at right tackle. Another important JC addition, Joe Oniwor (6-1, 285, JR-TR) will battle for time along with veteran Phil Reed (6-3, 270, SR-3L) and Jason Ramirez (6-1, 260, JR-TR).
"Briggs and Canterberry are the stalwarts up front," Bradeson says. "Add Trevan Sorensen into the mix and you have a guy who is relatively new to the position (four games) but is bigger and as fast as Anton Palepoi was going into his senior year."
Robinson agrees.
"Ahmad Briggs can become an all-star-type of athlete this year," says the head coach. "He has great quickness and explosiveness coming off the edge. After missing spring with an injury, Trevan Sorensen has to essentially put a whole career into one year - and it may be a fantastic year."
LINEBACKERS
Even with the unexpected loss of projected starter Tosh Burrus, who had to retire because of medical reasons concerning his back, this is the best-stocked spot on defense.
Moving to the outside will be ultra-athletic Ryan Claridge (6-3, 250, JR-2L) who nearly led the nation in forced fumbles while finishing second on the team in tackles with 71. Moving into the middle slot is Adam Seward (6-2, 240, SO-1L), who is the second-leading returning tackler with 60. And looking to make some noise on the strong side is former Iowa State backer Tyrone Tucker (6-2, 240, SR-TR), who only has one year to play after sitting out 2001.
Coaches are excited about the speed of youngster Joe Miklos (6-1, 205, FR-RS) while veteran Bill Cofer (5-11, 225, SR-3L) will also be back on the field. Additional depth comes from two players who recently moved to the position: former safeties Zach Bell (6-0, 220, SO-1L) and Derek Olsen (6-3, 205, JR-2L) combine to offer the big-time mobility called for in the UNLV scheme.
"We have a set of young, impressive linebackers coming back in Ryan Claridge and Adam Seward while Tyrone Tucker has experience playing in the Big 12," Bradeson says. "Combine that with an infusion of young guys and we have a lot of talent. This is a faster set of players than last year but our depth must be developed over the season."
SECONDARY
Record-breaker Kevin Thomas exited after four dominant years on the corner that culminated in being named All-America and conference defensive MVP. Super safety Sam Brandon led the last two Rebel squads in tackles despite coming to college as a receiver. Both will be on NFL rosters in the fall. However, Bradeson is not asking anyone for sympathy in the secondary.
"We are not looking to replace Thomas or Brandon," he says. "You talk about finding another corner and safety but they don't really have to be the same type of players. We won't be asking them to do the same things. The key is developing a new cornerback and finding the right combination of safeties."
Veteran Jamal Wynn (6-0, 185, SR-3L) returns to one corner spot and will be pushed by Ruschard Dodd-Masters (5-11, 175, SO-1L) and former Idaho State transfer Michael Clancey (5-10, 170, JR-TR). On the other side, boisterous JC transfer Daniel Jones (5-10, 180, JR-TR) will look to fend off former safety Chamieon Sutton (5-11, 180, SR-1L), who is the only player on the current squad with even one interception to his credit.
Free safety will be home to two nice-sized defenders. Former Alabama starter Connie Brown (6-2, 200, SR-TR) and veteran Ross Dalton (6-3, 210, SR-3L) will look to continue Brandon's big-hitting tradition. Jamaal Brimmer (6-1, 205, SO-1L) is expected to patrol the strong side along with Sean Mackey (6-1, 195, JR-2L).
THE SPECIAL TEAMS
"For us to be successful, we must be among the best in special teams and I expect that will be the most improved part of our team," Robinson says. "We have to shore up our coverage and be more consistent in each kicking area."
Those hopes are buoyed by the fact that almost the entire bunch returns.
Although he made only seven of 12 field goal attempts overall, veteran place-kicker Dillon Pieffer (5-11, 180, JR-2L) missed only two after Week Three. He also proved he could hit the long ball by nailing two over 40, including a career-long 49-yarder. Also, the team's extra point conversion rate improved from a dismal 84 to 94 percent after he took over full time.
Punter Gary Cook (5-11, 195, SO-1L) was thrown in action as a true freshman but steadily improved throughout the year, even snagging a MWC special teams player of the week award for a fine effort at UNR along the way. His 38.4-yard average, which included a 64-yarder, should climb higher as a sophomore. The Rebels lost kickoff specialist Hubi Schulze Zumkley to the German army after spring ball so Pieffer, Cook and perhaps an autumn walk-on will compete to proffer a replacement.
UNLV's return game figures to continue as a weapon after finishing sixth nationally in kickoffs and 16th in punt returns. One of the nation's best at punts is Troy Mason, who finished 15th with 12.9 yards per return and is always a scoring threat after taking two back for touchdowns in his career.
Dominique Dorsey took his first career kickoff return 87 yards vs. Northwestern and continued to pour on the gas until sprained ankles curtailed his availability. He fell two attempts short of qualifying for second in the national rankings but his 10 returns still produced a UNLV single-season record 34.6-yard average. Joining 'Nique in the hunt for return time will be Joe Haro and newcomers Larry Croom, who did some returning at Arizona, and Deon Burnett.
Toby Smeltzer returns for a final year of holding kicks while long-snapper Eddie Freas is back but may be pushed by rookie Ryan Heise (6-3, 250, FR-HS).
THE SCHEDULE
A nationally televised visit by Wisconsin and six home games overall for the first time in six years highlight the 2002 UNLV slate.
Expecting a state-record crowd of more than 42,000 with the Badgers in town, UNLV opens at home for the first time since 1994.
Next, the Rebels stay at Sam Boyd Stadium for a second week by meeting Big 12 Conference member Kansas for the first time in history on September 7.
After UNLV heads to Pac-10 Conference member Oregon State on September 14, the Rebels travel to Mid-American Conference champion Toledo on September 21, marking their first meeting since UNLV downed the Rockets in the 1984 California Bowl behind Randall Cunningham.
After the first of two scheduled byes, UNLV will host Nevada, Reno in the 28th edition of the Battle for the Fremont Cannon on October 5.
UNLV will play its fourth home game in six dates on October 12 by opening MWC play as a host to New Mexico. A trip to defending MWC king BYU on October 19 follows and the Rebels will attempt to down the Cougars for the first time since 1981. UNLV will stay on the road and take on San Diego State on October 26 when Robinson's team will look for its third straight win over the Aztecs.
Wyoming comes to town November 2 hoping to break the Rebels' three-game winning streak in the series before UNLV heads to Utah on November 9 looking for its first-ever win in Salt Lake City.
After the home schedule closes out November 16 when Air Force invades Sam Boyd, the Rebs will enjoy a rare second week off before traveling to Colorado State on November 30 as the Rams are the last of four bowl teams UNLV will face in 2002.
"We face a very challenging schedule again, especially on the road," says Robinson. "Our non-conference schedule is daunting. We play impressive teams but I think we have a solid chance to win in each case. Our league schedule is difficult primarily because we play the top teams -- Utah, BYU and Colorado State - all on the road.
"The Mountain West Conference is the most balanced league in the United States. Just about every game is decided late. The team that comes out on top each year is the one that can win the close ones. We were reminded last season how small the margin of error is in winning or losing. We are competitive enough that we should be in every football game. This year's team will have the talent and ability to be successful but whether we develop the mental edge and physical skills necessary to win the close games will be the answer to how successful we'll be."
