Thursday brought higher temps and even more sun as UNLV took the field at Rebel Park for the second time this spring.
After the two-hour practice outfitted in shorts and helmets, it was defense day for the media and Jacoby Windmon (New Orleans/John Ehret High School) was on-hand to discuss his move to inside linebacker.
Windmon is one of the unit's leaders after leading the Rebels in quarterback sacks last fall with five. His sacks-per-game average of .83 tied for fourth in the MW and 20th in the nation. The sophomore finished second on the team with 39 total tackles and added two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Even playing just six games, his sack total was the highest by a Rebel in a season since 2013.
The honorable mention All-Mountain West player said it all didn't mean much without the victories.
"Not winning last year just gives me motivation," Windmon said. "It makes me feel like I could do more for myself and for my team. It puts a chip on our shoulder for sure. It was definitely something that we can learn from and build from. We can learn from our mistakes and build from there."
Windmon also discussed his big move from the edge to inside linebacker this spring.
"I'm fired up about the new position. It's definitely a good position change for my future. And I feel like that's what's best for me because I'm a physical guy and feel like it's the best way to help the team. It was something that I wanted to do and the coaches wanted to do so it's something that's better for my future and for the team's future."
Windmon said he is learning from all of his fellow linebackers.
"We have young guys and we have older guys in the (linebacker) group. I know I've learned a lot from (returning super seniors) Vic (Viramontes) and Farrell (Hester), and I definitely learned a lot from younger guys too because like I said, my game always has room to improve. So I'm willing to learn from everybody."
Asked about how he can improve going into his third year, Windmon said technique is important.
"I think the biggest thing I can improve on is playing with a lower power level. That way I'm lower and always in athletic position and I give myself the ability to make more plays. And I think just playing smarter – there is always room to improve in my game so that's what I'm always looking for."
