March 20, 2010
LAS VEGAS - The UNLV football team turned in its best practice of the spring according to its head coach -- and there were plenty of witnesses on hand to back up the statement.
New leader Bobby Hauck closed what was his first week of spring practices as leader of the Rebels with a crisp, entertaining and oversized full-pads session under a sunny Saturday sky at Rebel Park. The crowd included not just the usual family members and interested fans but also more than 60 coaches that took part in UNLV's annual clinic as well as a big contingent of former Rebel players checking in.
"This was our best practice this spring," Hauck said. "Not that that means much but it was good to see."
The highlight was the final drill of the day where two defenders lay on their backs with their heads on the goal line while one ball carrier does the same 10 yards out. When the whistle blows, the offensive player has to get up and through the red-shirted duo and into the end zone before being tackled. The drill produced plenty of fireworks and was a big hit with onlookers.
"That drill was stolen from Big Timber, Montana, from the 1970s," said Hauck, referring to his hometown where his father, Bob Hauck Sr., was a longtime coach at Sweet Grass County High School.
GAGGLE OF GUESTS Former Rebels -- both recent and not -- were on hand Saturday, including the program's all-time leading receiver Ryan Wolfe. The three-time first team All-Mountain West Conference honoree said he is feeling great (after injuring his foot in November) and is planning on doing all the drills at Thursday's NFL Pro Timing Day at Rebel Park and inside the Lied Athletic Complex.
Another 2009 Rebel senior receiver, Jerriman Robinson, made an appearance, as did running back Chris Brogdon. A trio of former offensive linemen (Tom Goins, Dustin Forshee and Mario Jeberaeel) were there. Forshee and Jeberaeel are coaching at local high schools while Goins is attending graduate school at UCLA.
A pair of all-time UNLV greats hit Rebel Park Saturday as well. Arena Football League legend Hunkie Cooper, who is looking forward to his second season as head coach of Canyon Springs High School in 2010 and 12-year NFL veteran defensive back Charles Dimry. The California resident, who played for the Eagles, Chargers, Buccaneers, Broncos and Falcons from 1988-99, made a rare appearance at his alma mater to check out the new staff.
NO MOVES (YET) Hauck said after practice that no one has switched positions yet this spring and any discussion of moving players -- if any -- will take place during spring break, which is the midway point of spring ball for the Rebels.
2010 UNLV SPRING PRACTICE REMAINING SCHEDULEMarch 22 Monday Practice 5 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmMarch 24 Wednesday Practice 6 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmMarch 25 Thursday Practice 7 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmMarch 26 Friday Practice 8 Scrimmage 3:00-5:00 pmMarch 29-April 2 Spring Break No PracticesApril 5 Monday Practice 9 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 7 Wednesday Practice 10 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 9 Friday Practice 11 Scrimmage 3:00-5:00 pmApril 12 Monday Practice 12 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 14 Wednesday Practice 13 Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 15 Thursday Practice 14 No Pads 4:00-6:00 pmApril 17 Saturday Practice 15 SPRING SCRIMMAGE 12:00 pm at Sam Boyd (Team BBQ at 1:30 pm at Rebel Experience)
