Aug. 17, 2009
CAMP REBEL - UNLV's second practice of the day on Monday featured a lot of work on the passing game, with the Rebels working through 18 periods in shorts and helmets on a cool evening. That followed a physical practice in full pads this morning that focused on the ground game and featured a lot of contact.
Starting quarterback Omar Clayton (Normal, IL/Normal Community HS) continued his strong camp, with today's Black Jersey winner throwing crisp passes during pass skeleton and one-on-one drills. Sanford was also impressed with senior Jerriman Robinson (Rialto, CA/Texas Southern) and rookie Mark Barefield (Wills Point, TX/Wills Point HS) at receiver.
One of the challenges the head man said was getting the younger players to understand how to practice hard and fast in just shorts and helmets while also avoiding injury, and it is something that has been helped by the Rebel veterans.
"We got a lot done today, especially with the passing game," Sanford said. "Our veterans have done a great job in leading and teaching the younger players, even if they are competing for spots. There is a lot of togetherness and closeness on this team."
CREATIVE CONDITIONING, TAKE 2: For the second time during Camp Rebel, players were greeted at the end of practice with creative conditioning, this time a game of tag with a few wrinkles added in by the coaching staff. The players were broken down into skill groups, and starting at one goal line, they had to sprint the length of the field and avoid being tagged by selected teammates.
If a Rebel was tagged, up-downs were on tap after the sprint, and by the end of the sixth 100-yard dash the players, although they had fun, were clearly gassed.
"During practice we are working them hard, and it has been a tough and physical camp," Sanford said. "But along with that you also have to make it fun, and this is one way of doing that."
RED STRIPES GONE: A total of eight Rebels lost the red stripe from their helmet today, four following the morning session and then another four after tonight's practice.
B.J. Bell (Tustin, CA/Santa Ana College), Bradley Randle (Murrieta, CA/Vista Murrieta HS), Courtney Bridget (Baltimore, MD/Dunbar HS) and Reggie Umuolo (Phoenix, AZ/Centennial HS) had all-silver helmets at tonight's practice after having their red stripes taken off this morning. Tonight saw John Therrell (Las Vegas, NV/Bishop Gorman HS), Charles Childers (Las Vegas, NV/Bishop Gorman HS), Cedric Coleman (Keller, TX/Fossil Ridge HS) and Thomas Downs (Sacramento, CA/Sierra College) lose the red stripe.
"My trial is over and I am really part of the team now," Bell said. "Camp has been really good and I have just been trying to learn everything as quickly as I can."
TUESDAY'S SCHEDULE: The Rebels will practice once tomorrow, going in full pads from 9:55-11:45 a.m.
