March 4, 2011

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Football wrapped up its first of four weeks of spring practice with a full-pads affair at Rebel Park Friday and second-year head coach Bobby Hauck said he was pleased overall with the initial week of work.

"We just strung together four really good practices, which we didn't do all last year in spring ball," Hauck said. "I really like seeing the enthusiasm out there coming from the players and not just the coaches. They are pushing each other out there, which is a good thing."

QB QUESTION

With the graduation of four-year quarterback Omar Clayton, who played in more games at the position than anyone in Rebel history, the big question is who is next in line under center?

Three quarterbacks are taking part in spring practice and we asked second-year offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Rob Phenicie to give a quick update on the trio of gold-jerseyed signal callers.

"We are about where we want to be at this time of the year but we have a long way to go. Caleb Herring (who will be a sophomore in the fall) has really taken on a nice leadership role this year. Sean Reilly (who is a junior-college midyear transfer) is probably as far along for a quarterback after four practices as anyone I've had before. Taylor Barnhill (who will be a redshirt freshman in 2011) has improved tremendously from the fall."

VISITING OURS

Plenty of visitors made their way to campus during the four practices to take a peek at the squad. Spotted at Rebel Park this week: former UNLV head coach and current radio personality Harvey Hyde, MAACO Bowl Las Vegas Executive Director Tina Kunzer-Murphy, 2010 starting offensive lineman Evan Marchal, former Rebel great and current Canyon Springs High School head coach Hunkie Cooper (along with his son A.J.), former Rebel and NFL lineman Jerry Reynolds, former UNLV running back Mike Waters, 2010 defensive MVP Alex De Giacomo and Darrell Randle, who lettered as a tight end for the Rebels in 1989-90. Team optometrist and former Rebel lineman Dr. Keith Kohorst also made appearances. His son, Nolan, was the starting place-kicker as a freshman last fall at UNLV.

CHILDERS CATCHING ON?

UNLV has already seen a local product make the move from defensive back to wide receiver earlier this week in the form or Taylor Spencer (Bishop Gorman High School). But another former Gael was seen wearing the white jersey and catching passes for the first time -- Charles Childers, who has played sparingly in the secondary in his two years on campus, worked out with the receivers on Friday.

UP NEXT

The Rebels are off this weekend but return to Rebel Park on Monday for the first or four practices next week. Fans are invited to attend but please note that the use of cell phones or other mobile communication devices is not allowed while at Rebel Park.

UNLV 2011 SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE - OPEN TO THE PUBLICPLEASE NOTE: ALL DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGEMarch 7  Monday    Practice 5   Pads            3:45-6:00 pmMarch 8  Tuesday   Practice 6   Pads            3:45-6:00 pmMarch 10 Thursday  Practice 7   Pads            3:45-6:00 pmMarch 11 Friday    Practice 8   Scrimmage       3:45-6:00 pmMarch 14-18        Spring Break No PracticesMarch 22 Tuesday   Practice 9   Pads            3:45-6:00 pmMarch 23 Wednesday Practice 10  Pads            3:45-6:00 pmMarch 25 Friday    Practice 11  Pads            3:45-6:00 pmMarch 26 Saturday  Practice 12  Scrimmage/Coach Clinic  9:45-11:30 amMarch 29 Tuesday   Practice 13  Pads            3:45-6:00 pmMarch 31 Thursday  Practice 14  No Pads         3:45-6:00 pmApril 2  Saturday  Practice 15  SPRING SHOWCASE 10:00 am at Rebel Park