After a lighter Sunday practice and an off day Monday, UNLV football was back on the field at Rebel Park Tuesday morning for a two-and-a-half hour half pads session in the Vegas sun. The Rebels will have three more practices on campus the next three days before their second scrimmage at Sam Boy Stadium on Saturday night.
Heading into the fall a point of emphasis for coach
Tony Sanchez and second-year defensive coordinator
Tim Skipper is eliminating the big plays and the group that will be counted on to do that is the defensive backs. Anchoring that last line of defense is senior strong safety
Evan Austrie, who had a breakout campaign as a junior in 2018, starting in all 11 of his appearances and ranking fourth on the team with 66 total tackles. The Vallejo, California, native also broke up three passes, forced a fumble and turned in a career-high nine tackles against Fresno State. Unfortunately Austrie's Rebel career has been marred by injuries at times as he missed four games during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2016, seven games as a sophomore in 2017 and one game a season ago. Going into his final season, Austrie is healthy and his goal is to keep it that way.
"I'm just focusing on staying consistent and staying healthy so I can help the team," said Austrie. "I know that I can play at a high level, but making sure I'm out on the field is the biggest thing I need to do this year."
He also finds himself taking on more leadership responsibilities, especially in the safeties room after junior
Drew Tejchman switched over to the defensive side of the ball and will be his safety counterpart on the backend.
"I'm definitely able to use my experience now to help out with the younger guys, especially with Drew coming over from the offense, just helping him learn the position," he said. "I think we've got a really good group and we can be successful."
Austrie credits Coach Skipper for helping him elevate his game over the last year.
"He's been a big, big part of me growing as a player, just coaching me on the small details, making sure I'm doing things right and helping me become a better leader."
RISE AND GRIND
Episode 13 - Off Day Team Outing
Episode 14 - Linebackers
UNLV opens its season August 31 by hosting Southern Utah at 7 pm. Season tickets, which start as low as $99, are available now and as part of UNLV's Faithful Fan Pricing initiative, fans purchasing season tickets this year may purchase season tickets for the same per-game price in the new Las Vegas Stadium opening in 2020.
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Single-game and season ticket mini-plans for UNLV football recently went on sale. This year's mini-plan allows fans to purchase tickets for the games vs. Boise State, San Diego State and Hawai'i for one low price that includes a meal combo and the commemorative giveaway T-shirt each week. Prices for the mini-plan are $99 for end-zone locations and $150 for sideline seats. Mini-plans, as well as full season tickets are available now by calling (702) 739-3267 (FANS) or visiting unlvtickets.com.
