March 14, 2014

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - A hot March sun bathed the UNLV football team at its first scrimmage of 2014 spring practice on Friday at Rebel Park on campus.

The weather was fitting because the session not only wrapped up the squad's second week of practices but also marked the beginning of the university's spring break. In fact, the Rebels are now off the field until Monday March 24 when they begin the final three-week cycle. This all leads up to the annual Spring Showcase on campus April 11 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Head Coach Bobby Hauck was upbeat about the work done not only this day but in all of the six practices now in the books.

"The first two-fifths of spring practice have gotten us off to a great start in 2014," Hauck said. "I'm very excited about this team and we are way ahead of any previous year here at this point on the calendar."

Now in his fifth year in Las Vegas, Hauck said the system in place is paying dividends, starting with last year's bowl season.

"Things out here are working the way they're supposed to now. We don't have to spend time teaching on how to do things but instead get to coach players to be better."

HELLO, MY NAME IS:

Among the big group of spectators on hand at Friday's scrimmage were some former Rebels, both old and new.

Former NFL offensive lineman Jerry Reynolds (lettered 1990-93) was at Rebel Park, as was current NFL fullback Frank "The Tank" Summers (2007-08), who was dressed in the gear of the team he starts for -- the Buffalo Bills.

Frank Crawford (2013) was also watching the action along with his brother, a previous Rebel defensive back, Dre Crawford (2012). Former UNLV quarterback and then safety Travis Dixon (2007-10) was visiting after earning another degree and serving as a quality control coach at Arizona State in his hometown state.