Aug. 21, 2015 LAST SCRIMMAGE IN THE BOOKS
The squad staged its final scrimmage of #CampRebel Friday morning with a heavy emphasis on special teams but also a lot of work for starting quarterback Blake Decker leading the No. 1 offense. Head coach Tony Sanchez said there was give and take on both sides of the ball, typical of most scrimmage situations. Hear coach's general thoughts right here:
POSITION PREVIEW: LINEBACKERSOne of the most experienced groups on the 2015 Rebels is the linebacker corps, which is now being led by first-year defensive coordinator Kent Baer.
"The guys are doing well but have a lot to learn," says the veteran coach, who came to Las Vegas from the University of Colorado. "It's such a tough position to learn. They are totally involved in both the run and pass game. It's a tremendous learning curve at linebacker."
Leading the way is returning starter
Tau Lotulelei (6-1, 30, JR-2L), whose older brother John is a Rebel alum at the same position and jersey number (55) and currently plies his trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. Tau had 100 total tackles as a sophomore and looks to make another jump this fall.
"Tau has had a really good fall camp," says Baer. "Sometimes we have to get him refocused but he's getting better at that aspect of it. He's a leader by example -- by how hard he plays. I'd like to see him be more vocal.
Ryan McAleenan (6-2, 220, JR-1L) and
Matt Lea (5-10, 215, JR-2L) are more vocal and they also put the time in on the field so all three of them can be leaders in their own way."
Other veterans include
Najee Johnson (6-4, 220, SR-1L),
Trent Langham (6-2, 205, JR-2L) and
Kimble Jensen (6-0, 215, SR-1L).
"We only have one scholarship newcomer in
Bailey Laolagi (6-1, 205, FR-HS out of Folsom, Calif.)," says Baer. "We are pleased with his progress. He is going to be a really good player for us one day."
CAMP REBEL TEMPO SYSTEM SONG OF THE DAY: "Viva Las Vegas (Djs from Mars Remix)" by Tony Sylla & Yves Larock, released Feb. 24, 2012.
UP NEXT: #CampRebel comes to a close with a dress rehearsal practice at Sam Boyd Stadium on Saturday. It is closed to the public.
