March 10, 2014
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - A few clouds and some wind greeted the Rebels on Monday as the UNLV football team entered its second week of spring practice on campus.
Practice number four of 15 was the second time the players were in full pads at Rebel Park.
"We had pretty good day today," head coach Bobby Hauck said. "In terms of where we have been in the past, I think we are farther along then we have ever been at this point in the year."
DEFENSIVE PRESENCE
UNLV returns two key pieces to the defensive secondary. Rising seniors Kenneth Penny and Tajh Hasson led the team with 18 and 11 pass breakups, respectively, in 2013. The two helped the Rebels record the most pass breakups in 20 years.
Penny ranked second in the country with 18 pass breakups and that also was the third most in a season at UNLV. He tied with Western Michigan's Ronald Zamort and was two pass breakups behind Indiana's Tim Bennett. Hasson's 11 pass breakups are tied for the 11th most in a season.
Hasson also recorded four forced fumbles while Penny recovered two fumbles last season.
"Both Kenny and Tajh have evolved into pretty good cover guys and on top of that they are good tacklers," Hauck said. "Kenny Penny is relentless with his effort and chases the ball every play. Tajh has gone from being a guy that wasn't the most physical player to being a guy that has some big hits in him and has some turnover causing ability. They both play the ball pretty well so I am excited about their coverage ability. "
UP NEXT
The Rebels will resume practice on Wednesday afternoon and will have their first scrimmage on Friday morning.
UNLV is scheduled to work out three times a week except for taking off for spring break from March 17-21. 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 11 on campus at Rebel Park that begins at 5:30 p.m.
UNLV 2014 SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
PLEASE NOTE: ALL DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGEMarch 12 Wednesday Practice 5 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmMarch 14 Friday Practice 6 Scrimmage 9:45 am-12:00 pmMarch 17-21 Spring Break No PracticesMarch 24 Monday Practice 7 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmMarch 26 Wednesday Practice 8 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmMarch 28 Friday Practice 9 Pads 9:45 am-12:00 pmMarch 31 Monday Practice 10 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmApril 2 Wednesday Practice 11 No Pads 3:45-6:00 pmApril 4 Friday Practice 12 Scrimmage 9:45 am-12:00 pmApril 7 Monday Practice 13 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmApril 9 Wednesday Practice 14 Pads 3:45-6:00 pmApril 11 Friday Practice 15 SPRING SHOWCASE 5:30-6:30 pm on campus
