By Mark Wallington, UNLV Sports Information
"This train is moving down the tracks. Either you're going to get on board or it's going to run you over."
-- Mike Sanford, Dec. 6, 2004
New Rebel head football coach Mike Sanford played for the legendary John Robinson at USC in the 1970s. Turns out, he also coached under him with the Trojans in the early 1990s. And yes, the first-time head man succeeded none other but JR himself right here at UNLV.
But make no mistake, this football program no longer resembles anything but a Sanford-styled setup.
Hired on Dec. 6, 2004, one of the hottest coaching prospects in the nation while at league rival Utah has quickly and decisively overhauled everything from the coaching staff to the practice regimen to the office letterhead. And oh, yeah, there's also the not-so-small matter of installing a new offense, defense and special teams system. And Sanford, who turned 50 during spring practice, appears no less optimistic heading into the fall than the day he stood behind a press conference lectern and proclaimed his lofty goals to success-starved UNLV football followers.
"It's been great -- I really feel that there is an excitement and expectation around town about Rebel football," Sanford says of his half-year on the job. "We've also had a great response from the local high school players and the recruiting year we had was indicative of that.
"Also, I am excited about our coaches. I believe we have one of the top staffs in the nation. It is a collection of really good people who are also good teachers of the game."
Sanford says the group's first order of business was to change the culture of Rebel Football.
"We are developing an attitude and ethic on our team where we play hard every play. If you can get your team to play hard all the time, you'll have a chance. We've made it hard on them. A lot of what we are doing was a shock. But it turns out there are a lot of people on this team who just want to win and are willing to do what it takes. There is a strong attitude of being fed up with losing. They've made some sacrifices and are working hard."
Having waved off a long-range rebuilding plan from day one, Sanford, after seeing his personnel in action for the first time during spring practices, says his plan to elevate Rebel Football remains on track.
"My expectations are very high and haven't changed since the day I took this job. Our goals are going to be to win the Mountain West Conference, go to a bowl game and get ranked nationally. I am even more excited today."
THE OFFENSE
It is listed officially as the Shotgun Spread, this innovative and wildly successful offense imported to Las Vegas by Sanford. It is a plan that didn't fare too badly for the BCS-busting Utah Utes the last two years.
A head coach who will call his own plays, Sanford says he and his staff, including new coordinator Noah Brindise, implemented about 50 percent of the offense during the spring.
"The players have had a good opportunity to be exposed to the offense -- to start the learning process," Sanford says. "There are some who are moving at a faster pace than others - those players that showed a combination of work ethic, attitude and production. What was really frustrating was that we had to practice quite a bit without several guys who we fully expect to challenge for starting spots on the offensive line and also at receiver."
All of which means the Shotgun Spread is certainly a work in progress, but looks to be worth the wait.
"There is an anticipation surrounding our program because an exciting spread offense is being put in place. There is an attitude of a fresh start. People saw what we did at Utah and are hoping that we can do something similar here. This is a different school and a different program but we are taking much the same approach."
QUARTERBACKS
Only one Rebel quarterback returns in 2005 and that's not necessarily a bad thing considering the position accounted for only 11 passing touchdowns, tossed 17 interceptions and netted minus-23 rushing yards a year ago. In fact, you would have to go all the way back to Jason Thomas' bowl run in 2000 to find what fans would call a successful season from a UNLV signal-caller.
Expect that trend to change -- right now.
As top NFL pick and Heisman Trophy finalist Alex Smith can attest, Sanford's offense demands a smart and efficient quarterback. There are two men vying for the coveted position: that lone returner previously mentioned is true junior Shane Steichen (6-4, 200, JR-2L) who has bulked up his frame and looked like a new man under the fresh system in the spring. Also in the mix to start is junior-college pickup Jarrod Jackson (6-1, 205, JR-TR), who benefited greatly from signing in December and going through spring ball.
"We went into spring with a competition between Shane Steichen and Jarrod Jackson and we come out of spring with that same competition," says Sanford. "Both need to continue to develop and work hard. We'll make a decision on who the starter is somewhere around 10 days before the first game. I say our quarterbacks are a plus.
"Shane has done a nice job. He has a lot of ability. This offense is really well-suited for him. The perception is that he is just a tall, skinny drop-back passer but he has athletic ability and he can really run. He ran a 4.6-forty this spring, which is a good time for someone with his frame. He can make all the throws but he needs to improve on his consistency and eliminate the negative plays. However, he's been through the wars, which is a plus.
"Jarrod is developing. It was great to have him in spring ball but he still has a ways to go. He is a very intelligent kid with a lot of character and a great work ethic. Now he needs to immerse himself in the intricacies of the offense. He makes good decisions in the run game but needs to make better decisions in the passing game."
Also, incoming freshman Mike McDonald (6-1, 205, FR-HS) will get a long look for the team's third QB spot.
RUNNING BACKS
The Rebels must account for the loss of MWC rushing champion Dominique Dorsey (1,261 yards in '04) and will do so with a near clone of the diminutive one: former-walk-on-turned-fan-favorite Erick Jackson (5-6, 180, JR-2L). Showing explosive bursts in limited duty (154 yards on just 31 carries), Jackson has taken the opportunity to emerge as a featured tailback and, well, run with it.
"Erick was working hard in the off-season and it carried over into the spring, where he sort of distanced himself from the pack" Sanford says. "He is a tough, smart guy with good running instincts. He will make a lot of people miss and he's also a good pass protector for his size."
Also vying for carries this fall will be veteran former Ohio State transfer JaJa Riley (6-2, 210, SR-1L), who is attempting to escape the injury bug after a strong debut a year ago (89 yards on 19 carries in four games before a season-ending injury).
"JaJa Riley has a ton of ability but was not 100 percent healthy in the spring. We are excited to see what he can do when he is at his best in fall camp."
Another transfer, former Nebraska signee Ronnie Smith (5-10, 170, SO-TR), is listed at both tailback and H-back while local product David Peoples (5-9, 190, FR-RS) looks to earn carries.
Sanford also anticipates two recruits getting in the mix immediately when they hit campus: highly touted big back Torrie Coleman (6-2, 210, FR-HS) from Las Vegas' Cheyenne High School and Chris Brogdon (5-9, 215, FR-HS) out of Phoenix.
The new U-back position, which is a cross between a fullback and tight end, looks to be filled by thick-body Chad Henley (6-1, 245, SR-1L -- 18 yards on six carries) and James Kraham (6-2, 260, JR-TR).
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
What Rebel fans saw in the spring won't be what they see in the fall at this position as more than half the corps was sidelined with injuries while a trio of incoming freshmen will push for serious playing time.
One positive that came out of the depleted lineup was the emergence of a potential new star, Donell Wheaton (6-0, 185, JR-2L), who only hauled in four catches for 72 yards last year. His sometimes-dominating play down field during spring has him penciled in as a starter at one WR (X) spot.
"Donell Wheaton is one of those guys who really turned it on," says Sanford. "He was worried when we came here but he jumped in with both feet. He is a team leader with a great attitude. He doesn't know how to go anything but full speed and is extremely fast. He is going to be a major part of what we're going to do here."
The team's leading returning receiver Alvin Marshall (5-10, 190, SR-1L - 37 catches for 437 yards), missed all of spring with a viral infection. A proven playmaker, he is tentatively listed at H-back but his health status for the fall is still uncertain. Also missing was speedy Tremayne Kirkland (5-11, 155, JR-1L), who sat out all of 2004 with a shoulder injury is now listed atop the H spot ahead of Marshall and Smith.
Alaskan Casey Flair (6-1, 185, FR-RS), who wowed onlookers while catching for the scout team a year ago, is atop the heap at another WR spot (Z) while Shelvion Williams (6-3, 210, JR-2L - 6 catches for 71 yards) and the promising Marques Johnson (6-3, 210, SO-1L) will also vie for time. The depth chart is highly tentative, however, in anticipation of the arrival of the talented trio of ball-catchers that will lend immediate help: Californians Corey Anderson (6-1, 170, FR-HS) and Justin Marvel (6-0, 175, FR-RS) and Floridian Renan St. Preux (6-2, 190, FR-HS).
"Those three receivers have the ability to come in and play here now -- depending on how fast they can make the adjustment. I think they are going to be dynamic players."
Down at tight end, two quality veterans return who will look to carve their way into the new offense. Last year Greg Estandia (6-8, 255, SR-1L) started out as a Mackey Award candidate but instead ended up redshirting after being injured just before the first game. Also hit-and-miss health-wise during the spring, Estandia looks to turn in a complete season that could make him a serious pro prospect.
"Greg Estandia is guy who has a ton of ability and can be a special player. He has had an issue with injuries and needs to get in great shape, get stronger. He will be both an inside receiver standing up and also as an attached tight end."
Also sure to see plenty of action, fellow-senior Michael Freund (6-3, 245, SR-3L) ended up starting every game in '04 and proved sure handed with 13 grabs for 182 yards. Joe Del Castillo (6-5, 245, JR-1L) heads into the season listed third.
OFFENSIVE LINE
To say the Rebel offensive line was banged up in spring practice is like calling the World Famous Las Vegas Strip well-lit.
Out with various injuries were former starters Marco Guerra (6-5, 315, JR-2L), Zach Gorham (6-5, 315, SR-3L), Chris Bowser (6-6, 285, JR-1L) and Tyler Crandal (6-7, 285, SR-1L).
"It is an area of concern and frustration," Sanford says. "We were expecting to look at some guys for starting spots and they didn't end up playing. These are guys who have to come back. That is our biggest challenge on offense."
While some missed out on learning the new scheme, other players took the opportunity to show what they could do up front. Exhibit A: Jesse Knight (6-4, 285, SR-1L). A former transfer who last year competed as a tight end, Knight moved to a position he had never played, right tackle, and emerged a starter before beefing up this summer.
"Jesse Knight comes out of spring as a real plus. Right now he is our best O-lineman. He's a tough player that symbolizes everything we want to do in this program."
Listed at the other tackle spot is veteran Brandon Gray (6-4, 315, JR-2L) ahead of Bowser. Left guard is headed up by Mike McKiski (6-6, 310, SO-1L) and Aaron Mueller (6-2, 290, JR-1L) while Guerra and Gorham will battle on the right side. Marcus Bryan (6-4, 300, JR-1L), Dustin Forshee (6-5, 290, FR-RS), Mario Jeberaeel (6-4, 255, FR-RS) and Josh Smith (6-5, 330, FR-HS) will work for time while Sanford says don't be surprised if rookie A.J. Rodriguez (6-5, 300, FR-HS) immediately competes for a job as a true freshman this fall.
Tim Goins (6-4, 280, SO-1L) came out of spring leading at the center position while Kea Toledo (6-4, 290, JR-TR) and Forshee are next on the depth chart.
THE DEFENSE
While listed as a 3-4 on the depth chart, the UNLV defense, under the direction of new defensive coordinator Vic Shealy, will show opponents a lot of different looks come fall. But it is an emerging never-take-a-play-off attitude that should refresh fans the most.
"Our defense is starting to learn what we expect as far as effort, running around and flying to the ball," says Sanford. "We need to continue to develop that. We became better tacklers this spring and need to continue that into fall camp and the season. I am excited about the defense."
DEFENSIVE LINE
Projected as a team bright spot, the line could challenge immediately to rank among the best in the MWC according to the head coach. Veterans abound on the depth chart, including two of three returning starters.
Talk in the middle is building around big tackle Howie Fuimaono (6-0, 335, JR-2L - 20 tackles) who started all 11 games as a run-stopper and has worked on getting his weight down to become even more effective.
"If Howie continues to get in shape, he will be one of the best defensive linemen in this league," says Sanford.
Not far back from that level is big senior Isaiah Tafua (6-2, 295, SR-1L - 23 tackles) who figures to step it up this year after transitioning from junior college.
The ends are led on the left side by 11-game starter Leon Moore (6-5, 285, SR-3L - 49 tackles) who boasts 11 career sacks, including four last fall. A big body that excels at harassing passers (10 career PBU), Moore is a local product who seems set to emerge as a star if he can find the consistency that so far has eluded him. To that end, he will battle Isaac Watts (6-2, 280, SR-1L) for the starting nod while Ryan Heise (6-4, 250, JR-2L) is next on the depth chart.
Penciled in on the right side is former JC transfer Mario Hill (6-2, 260, SR-1L) followed by a couple of big-bodied youngsters: Faauo Faga (6-3, 270, SO-1L) and local player-turned transfer Jacob Hales (6-6, 270, FR-TR) who is still getting back into the game after serving a church mission. Another big factor here could be Pete Dunbar (6-4, 265, SR-1L) who missed all of last year with a sports hernia after being projected as a starter for '04.
"The strength of our defense is the line. I'm pleased with their progress. Their goal is to become the best defensive line in the conference and they can get there."
LINEBACKERS
It's not often a coach is faced with completely rebuilding an entire position but that is the challenge facing Sanford after the top six UNLV linebackers all graduated. Including two players that were drafted by NFL teams -- career MWC tackles King Adam Seward (Panthers) and all-time league and school forced fumble leader Ryan Claridge (Patriots), -- the departed half-dozen dandies accounted for an astounding 361 total tackles just last fall, including 41.5 TFL and 15 sacks.
However, there was one emerging youngster among 2004's stable of stars, Beau Bell (6-3, 230, SO-1L -- 26 tackles), who is the younger brother of just-graduated LB Zach Bell, and was simply too talented to keep off the field as a true freshman.
"Beau Bell is going to be something special," says Sanford after seeing the young playmaker for himself during spring. "In a group of very young, inexperienced players, he is a clear-cut starter and leader."
Four other backers with scant experience at the Div. I-A level are listed as potential starters at the strong side and middle positions: Matt Pattison (6-3, 225, JR-RS), Bobby Kelly (6-2, 225, SR-1L), former JC star Dan Catalano (6-3, 230, JR-TR), who redshirted last fall to heal from a serious injury. Omega Faga (5-10, 230, FR-RS) looks to be a potential sparkplug while Ryan Welter (6-3, 240, SO-1L) was slated to get some quality time before breaking his leg in the 2004 opener. Redshirt Dan Rankin (6-2, 235, FR-RS) should also contribute.
"Dan Catalano has the makings of a starter but he finally got back on the football field late in the spring and needs to get game-action again. Omega Faga, before he got a hernia that pulled him out of spring, was playing fast and intense. He is a bit undersized but he is going to compete for a lot of playing time. Getting all of these young guys into the swing of things is going to be a high priority in fall camp. It has to be."
SECONDARY
Two-time All-American safety Jamaal Brimmer is gone but not so another player that has quietly played his way into an honors candidate -- former converted linebacker Joe Miklos (6-2, 210, SR-3L). Honorable mention All-MWC a year ago, Miklos is the squad's leading returning tackler with 86, while his two interceptions and four forced fumbles ably demonstrate his play-making abilities. Now, essentially, the face of the Rebel D, Miklos should get his due in '05 playing at left safety.
"Joe Miklos is our top safety and definitely a leader for us," says Sanford. "He loves to play football and he makes plays."
On the right side, Will Tagoai (6-3, 205, SR-1L) came back with a surprisingly strong spring before re-injuring his knee, which has put his 2005 in serious question. That means former converted receiver Jay Staggs (6-1, 215, JR-2L -- 16 tackles) will battle former Saint Mary's transfer Nate Kenion (5-11, 210, JR-TR) for the starting nod. Young Jeff Brown (6-1, 185, FR-RS) and Nate Wederquist (6-2, 215, SO-1L -- nine tackles) will lend quality depth.
The football team's cornerback situation is looking up after a less-than-stellar 2004. Recognizing the holes, Sanford targeted junior-college corners that could step in right away and found a pair of early signees that could do just that. On the right side, super-fast first team JC All-American John Guice (5-9, 180, JR-TR) seemingly grabbed the starting nod with a stellar spring. Veteran Ernest Gordon (6-1, 170, JR-2L - 18 tackles) is on top at left corner but will have to hold off the other JC addition, E.J. Whitley (5-9, 170, JR-TR). D-II transfer Narcus Wesley (6-0, 190, JR-TR) did some nice things in spring practice after sitting out last fall while Shannon Nowden (5-11, 180, SR-1L) and Solomon Smart (6-0, 180, SO-SQ) will also be involved, as will some newcomers in the fall. Chanti Bloomer (6-0, 195, SR-1L) emerged as the top choice as a nickel back while young KC Asiodu (6-3, 220, FR-RS) and Demario Reynolds Sr. (6-1, 215, JR-TR) are both athletic enough to get time.
"John Guice is what we thought he was when we recruited him," says his head coach. "In fact, both JC corners were critical for us and they are both positives. I feel very good about our safety position and Chanti Bloomer has been a pleasant surprise.
"Our secondary overall showed a lot of improvement this spring. After we fill in with some incoming freshmen, the position will be very competitive. This will eventually be a good tackling group that challenges people to throw the ball against us."
THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Perhaps the best-stocked unit on the team is right here as the new staff must only replace a punter and kicks holder.
Highlighting the returnees is honors candidate Sergio Aguayo (6-1, 200, SO-1L), who will once again handle field goals and extra points after breaking school freshman records in both last fall. Aguayo, who led the team with 60 points, is rock-solid from inside 40 yards and became only the second Rebel ever to go through an entire season perfect on point-after attempts (27-27). Veteran kickoff man Hubi Schulze Zumkley (6-3, 230, JR-2L) will try to hold that job once again.
Former four-year starting punter Gary Cook figures to be replaced by Brian Pacheco (5-11, 200, JR-TR), who hits campus in the fall after an All-American JC career, while a backup is yet to be identified.
Long-snapper Ryan Heise returns while Pacheco and Casey Flair will vie for the team's holding duties for the first time.
In the return game, Tremayne Kirkland is back after a sophomore season lost to a separated shoulder. However, he led the MWC and ranked 17th nationally in punt return average in 2003 (a school freshman record 12.6) and figures to return to form this fall. His replacement last year, Donell Wheaton (5.9 YPR), will also be in the mix. Erick Jackson, who turned in a 20.7 average on kickoffs last year is a leading option for the long balls along with Wheaton and others.
Sanford says that while he is heartened by the tools available, he is most pleased with the overhaul of team efforts.
"We got a lot done this spring in the areas of punt protection, field goal, field-goal block and kickoff return. I feel good about our personnel and that we got a lot of work done in the spring. Special teams will be a weapon for UNLV from now on."
THE SCHEDULE
The Good News: back-to-back trips to perennial top-25 teams Tennessee and Wisconsin are now just memories of 2004. The Bad News: Sanford's coaching debut is still a doozey on the road, which is a place his team better get used to in a hurry as the Rebels play four of their first five games away from home.
UNLV will open its 38th season of football on Sept. 5 by traveling to play New Mexico in a special Labor Day game on national television. The matchup will be only the second time in history and first in 21 years that the school has opened a season vs. a conference opponent.
"We are looking forward to opening the league schedule and even though we have a new offense, defense and special teams, we have to hit the ground running if we are to win that game in Albuquerque," says Sanford. "We don't have the luxury of getting to ease into anything."
The home opener follows on Sept. 10 when UNLV faces new WAC-member Idaho for the fifth time ever but first time since 1994. The Rebels then have three straight road games: the annual Battle for the Fremont Cannon at UNR on Sept. 17, at Utah State for the first time since 1994 on Sept. 24, and the initial league road contest at Wyoming on Oct. 1, where UNLV has won three straight visits.
San Diego State returns to Sam Boyd Stadium on Oct. 8 before the Rebels head to play Air Force on Oct. 15. Three of the final four games of the season will take place in Las Vegas, starting with defending MWC champion Utah on Oct. 22. The season's only bye week kicks in on Oct. 29 before BYU comes to town on Nov. 5. The Rebels close their road schedule by playing at new MWC rival TCU on Nov. 12 for the program's second-ever visit to Fort Worth and first since 1996 when both schools were members of the 16-team WAC.
UNLV will close its regular season on Nov. 19 by welcoming Colorado State. The game will mark the first time the Rebels have played their final MWC game at home since 1999.
"It certainly will be a challenging start to the season but we have to turn it into a positive," says Sanford. "We are going to come together as a team right away while traveling together. Playing together and being successful on the road is a big deal for us. And the flip side is that we play a lot of home games late, which is to our advantage."
