March 4, 2013
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - A total of 87 players suited up for the first day of 2013 UNLV Football Spring Practice on Monday at Rebel Park on campus. Enjoying perfect early March weather, the squad turned in some good work as the first of 15 allotted sessions went for just over two hours.
Fourth-year head coach Bobby Hauck gave the day good reviews.
"It was pretty sharp for a first day, especially with two new coordinators (offensive coordinator Timm Rosenbach and defensive coordinator Tim Hauck)," Hauck said. "The effort level and tempo was good and really for a non-pad practice -- being out here for the first time since November -- it was really good."
ADONIS GETTING LOOKS
With senior-to-be rushing leader Tim Cornett sitting out spring while healing up from an injury and second-leading rusher Bradley Randle leaving early to try his hand at the next level, the Rebel running corps is a bit short on personnel during the spring.
Enter Adonis Smith, the junior from San Mateo, Calif., that transferred to UNLV from Northwestern and sat out last season while waiting his turn. In two years playing for the Wildcats, Smith played in 17 games and had 462 rushing yards, nine receptions and three touchdowns. He now stands as the only scholarship running back taking carries this spring for the Rebels and will get the majority of work along with some walk-on players at the position.
HELLO, MY NAME IS
The first day of spring drills brought out some special guests Monday.
Former players making an appearance at Rebel Park included current NFL cornerback Quinton Pointer, who just completed his rookie season, playing in six games and recording five tackles for the St. Louis Rams. Former NFL Draft Pick Frank "The Tank" Summers also stopped by after a workout as the running back tries to catch on with another pro team in 2013. Former Rebel O-lineman Keith Kohorst was on hand to check out his son, senior-to-be place-kicker Nolan Kohorst, who is coming off a season that earned him First Team All-Mountain West honors.
Former UNLV head coach Harvey Hyde (1982-85) and offensive line coach Al Tanara(1982-85) also made an appearance at their old stomping grounds.
UP NEXT
The Rebels' next practice will be Wednesday. The team will then pull on the full pads starting with Friday's session.
UNLV is scheduled to work out three times a week except for taking off for spring break from March 25-29. Two earlier scrimmages are scheduled for Friday March 22 and Friday April 5 at Rebel Park.
All practices are open to the public but viewing areas are restricted and no use of mobile communication devices will be allowed while at Rebel Park. Please note that times are subject to change.
The public is invited to attend the FREE family-friendly Spring Showcase on April 12 at Rebel Park that begins at 5:30 p.m. The third annual event is scheduled to include activities for kids, autograph and photo opportunities with staff and players as well as concessions stands offering food and drink for purchase.
UNLV 2013 SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE -- OPEN TO THE PUBLICPLEASE NOTE: ALL DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGEMarch 6 Wednesday Practice 2 No Pads 3:45-6:00 pmMarch 8 Friday Practice 3 Pads 9:45 am-12:00 pmMarch 11 Monday Practice 4 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmMarch 13 Wednesday Practice 5 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmMarch 15 Friday Practice 6 Pads 9:45 am-12:00 pmMarch 18 Monday Practice 7 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmMarch 20 Wednesday Practice 8 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmMarch 22 Friday Practice 9 Scrimmage 9:45 am-12:00 pmMarch 25-29 Spring Break No PracticesApril 1 Monday Practice 10 No Pads 3:45-6:00 pmApril 3 Wednesday Practice 11 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmApril 5 Friday Practice 12 Scrimmage 9:45 am-12:00 pmApril 8 Monday Practice 13 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmApril 10 Wednesday Practice 14 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmApril 12 Friday Practice 15 SPRING SHOWCASE 5:30-6:30 pm at Rebel Park
