LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV football team wrapped up its fifth spring practice under head coach Tony Sanchez by staging its annual Spring Showcase sponsored by Findlay Toyota in front of a crowd of 3,500 fans on a beautiful Las Vegas Saturday.
For the sixth straight year, the team moved across campus from the Rebel Park practice fields to the school's soccer stadium -- Peter Johann Memorial Field – and turned in a controlled scrimmage for fans, family and alumni.
Three different Rebel quarterbacks threw a touchdown pass as starter
Armani Rogers found
Darren Woods Jr. on a pretty 27-yard strike in the end zone to open the scoring;
Max Gilliam hit
Patrick Ballard from 18 yards out; and true freshman Travis Mumphrey would find
Andre Collins Jr. over the middle on a play that turned into a 65-yard sprint to the end zone.
Running back Tariq Hollandsworth pushed one in from two yards out and Tyree Jackson had the afternoon's other score on a one-yard run. Chad Magyar led all rushers with 26 yards on four carries to go with 43 receiving yards on three grabs.
Gilliam, who like Rogers will be a junior this fall, led the way with 89 passing yards on 8-of-12 passing but also had the day's only interception, hauled in by Myles Plummer. Defensive back Kyle Moses led all players with five total tackles.
"I'd say it went really well today," said Sanchez, who emphasized all spring how pleased he was with the team's long-developed depth finally coming to the forefront. "It was the first time we've ever been able to get so many twos and threes that many reps in the spring scrimmage. All of the quarterbacks got an opportunity. I love the depth from both sides.
"We obviously know we need to improve on defense but I thought the linebacker and the safety positions did a really good job throughout the course of spring. Returning 16 of 17 offensive linemen and having 10 guys up front who already have starts is a big deal. You really saw that veteran leadership this spring."
UNLV will hold its next practice in early August as it prepares to open its 49th and final season playing football at Sam Boyd Stadium. The season opens August 31 vs. Southern Utah in what is the first of six home games. Season tickets, which start as low as $99, are available now by calling (702) 739-FANS or visiting unlvtickets.com.
UNLV Athletics has announced its 2019 football season ticket renewal packages, including the new Faithful Fan Pricing initiative. Fans purchasing season tickets this year may purchase season tickets for the same price per game in the new Las Vegas Stadium opening in 2020. UNLV's 2019 season ticket holders will receive the benefit of the same per-game price for comparable seat locations in Las Vegas Stadium in 2020.
