Aug. 22, 2006

UNLV head coach Mike Sanford and his squad worked on starting fast during its only practice on a warm Tuesday morning that saw the Rebels work through 26 five-minute periods.

Five periods into practice Sanford shook up the regular practice routine and had the offense work against the defense in a workout very similar to a two-minute drill. The offense scored touchdowns on both series to cap the period, before the team then broke back into individual unit workouts.

"I wanted to change things up, because sometimes that is good for the team," Sanford said. "We want to be able to start fast since at times last year, we did not. I think this is a good way to get that mind set."

Following a lunch of baked potatoes and chicken, the Rebels watched practice film and had position meetings.

POSITION UPDATE: OFFENSIVE LINE

A healthy Marco Guerra combined with returners Chris Bowser and Aaron Mueller are a major reason that the Rebel offensive line is an improved group under offensive line coaches Keith Uperesa and Gary Bernardi. Veteran linemen Tim Goins and Mike McKiski along with newcomer Joe Hawley give UNLV a solid core of six linemen.

"Guerra and Bowser will set the tone. We become a far better group with Marco healthy," Uperesa said. "Goins has had a solid camp while Mueller and McKiski have been consistent and Hawley has played well also."

Senior lineman Kea Toledo, along with newcomers Johan Asiata and Ramsey Feagai could also be in the mix for playing time. Joining that group is senior Daniel Widders, who missed last season due to an injury and moved from the defensive line to the offense front.

REBEL CAMP NOTES:

At the end of Tuesday's practice Rebel head coach Mike Sanford ran his team through a series of individual contests termed `County Fair Days'. Among the contests were wide receivers vs. defensive backs and offensive line and running backs against defensive lineman. The highlight of the competition was offensive and defensive linemen attempting to catch punts, with Prince Brown the only one able to haul one in. At the end of it, the defense had a narrow one-point lead over the offense, and Sanford called on wide receivers coach Kris Cinkovich and cornerbacks coach Mike Bradeson to each catch a punt. Cinkovich narrowly missed his while Bradeson caught his, giving the defense the win.