Aug. 16, 2006
The Rebels returned to the field for two practices on Wednesday as the perfect weather continued.
Head Coach Mike Sanford said his team was productive in the morning session.
"We got a lot of work done," he said. "The defense did better than the offense, overall. The offense is not as good in the run game as we need to be. I was disappointed in some of our senior offensive linemen who have to practice better than they did today."
After a lunch of grilled chicken and baked potatoes, the team rested, met and returned for a spirited afternoon practice. Sanford was pleased overall and pointed an outstanding performer for each side of the ball: "(Wide receiver) Casey Flair had an outstanding day and made some great catches. (Cornerback) Eric Wright is also playing very well right now."
POSITION UPDATE: DEFENSIVE LINE
Although the UNLV defensive line only returns a lone starter in senior honors candidate Howie Fuimaono, assistant coach Kurt Barber says his area of the team has so far turned in a solid performance.
"Camp has gone really well," said Barber. "The vets have looked real good with solid play and good technique. And the young guys have shown some ability. Howie has been working hard to get into good shape. He already was a top run-stopper but now he is also working himself into a pass rusher."
Asked to evaluate the newcomers, Barber pointed out Las Vegas product Perry Eppenger and JC transfer end Jeremy Geathers. Also turning heads has been junior Faauo Faga, who is battling up-and-coming sophomore Jacob Hales.
REBEL CAMP NOTES:
-- With junior-college WR Aaron Straiten requesting to wear No. 1 and that jersey already being owned by senior veteran cornerback John Guice, the Rebels will field a set of double numbers in games this fall. While a common practice by many teams in the nation, and especially in the Mountain West Conference, the double-number doings are rare in these parts as the Rebels have not had two active players wearing the same jersey number in at least a decade.
-- Senior offensive lineman Kea Toledo out of Honolulu was awarded a scholarship by head coach Mike Sanford on Wednesday. The former Mesa State College transfer is going into his third season in the UNLV program.
--Sanford announced after the morning practice that offensive lineman Marcus Bryan will not be returning to the team this season. The two-time letterman played in 10 of 11 games a year ago as a reserve blocker.
