March 23, 2009
LAS VEGAS - After a Saturday morning session and off-day on Sunday, the UNLV football team returned to Rebel Park on Monday for a full-pads practice that was almost at the halfway mark of spring ball.
Enjoying near-perfect spring conditions of lots of sun and cool air, the Rebels also got a break from the Valley winds soon after the first period began.
"Beautiful out here today," said head coach Mike Sanford. "With how breezy it was earlier, we were surprised it settled down so nicely for practice."
The team's work included two situational scrimmages -- short-yardage and goal-line -- and both were hard-fought.
"The defense ended up winning both so they are just a little ahead of the offense in those two areas at this point in spring. It was a very competitive practice with a good pace, I was happy with what did out here today."
BLACK JERSEY REPORT
Hitting the field wearing the famed Black Jersey on Monday for the offense was wide receiver/kick returner Michael Johnson (Suisan, CA/Rodriguez HS). Johnson, who set school records for most kickoff returns and return yardage a year ago as a freshman, is vying for more time as a position player this spring.
"Michael Johnson has had a real good spring so far," said Sanford. "He has shown us that he wants to more of a true wide receiver instead of just being an athlete lining up at that spot."
Wearing the Black on defense was big-hitting sophomore Nate Carter (Las Vegas/Las Vegas HS), who emerged from a trio of linebacker candidates to earn the honor (Jason Beauchamp and Ronnie Paulo were the others).
"Nate was just a cut above a group of linebackers who had a great performance on Saturday."
SURPRISE
Asked for early surprises after the first two weeks of spring work, Sanford named WR Johnson again for the offensive side of the ball and former Washington State transfer Preston Brooks (Los Angeles/Dorsey HS) on defense.
The former Pac-10 player has worked his way atop a rotation in an area sorely needing a shot in the arm after UNLV only recorded 11 QB sacks in 2008.
PLANTE ON THE GROUND
The Rebels had listed four possibilities to replace graduating senior Ryan Worthen as the team's starting tight end. However, none of the foursome has played even a single down at UNLV, which makes the recent news that veteran Luke Plante (Lake Arrowhead, CA/Rim of the World HS/Chaffey College) may earn another year of eligibility even more welcome. Plante, who turned into a fine blocker after moving over to tight end from defensive end last fall, will soon learn if the NCAA will grant him another season after working on an appeal concerning two seasons lost to injury since he began his career in junior college.
FLAIR SPOTTED
Former record-setting UNLV receiver Casey Flair, who caught at least pass in every game of every one of his four seasons as a Rebel, made a brief visit to Rebel Park on Monday.
"I just came out to talk to the coaches really quick and see how things were going out here," said Flair.
Asked about his playing future, the Alaskan said he's confident he'll be playing football somewhere in 2009.
"Whether it's the NFL, CFL or UFL (United Football League), I know I can play pro football somewhere, we'll just have to see where I end up."
UP NEXT
UNLV's next practice will be Wednesday (March 25) on campus and it is scheduled to last from approximately 4:00-6:00 p.m. All practices this spring are free and open to the public but visitors must stay in the designated viewing areas on the grass practice field.
Fans are also invited to attend the FREE Scarlet vs. Gray spring game on April 17 at Sam Boyd Stadium from approximately 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
UNLV 2009 SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE - OPEN TO THE PUBLICPLEASE NOTE: ALL DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
March 25 Wednesday Practice 8 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmMarch 27 Friday Practice 9 Scrimmage 9:15-11:15 amMarch 30 Monday Practice 10 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 1 Wednesday Practice 11 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 3 Friday Practice 12 Scrimmage 8:15-10:15 amApril 6-10 Spring Break - No PracticesApril 13 Monday Practice 13 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 15 Wednesday Practice 14 No Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 17 Friday Practice 15 SPRING GAME 6:00 pm at Sam Boyd (Team BBQ at 7:30 pm at Sam Boyd)
