In anticipation of the team's second of three scrimmages this spring (set for Saturday), the squad returned to Rebel Park Thursday on yet another perfect weather morning in Las Vegas.
Working with the emerging wide receiver corps in 2021 is one of the new faces on the staff, assistant coach
Jonathan Krause.
The former SEC and NFL player spent the last three seasons as a member of the University of Oregon staff and said he was drawn to Las Vegas because he's "bought in on what Coach Arroyo is building here, changing the culture, the whole nine yards."
During his three seasons in Eugene, Krause helped Oregon to a 27-9 overall record, a pair of Pac-12 Conference championships and a trio of bowl games, including the 2020 Rose Bowl title with Arroyo serving as offensive coordinator before moving to UNLV.
"Absolutely pumped to add
Jonathan Krause to our coaching staff," Arroyo said when the hiring was announced. "Coach Krause will bring elite energy, enthusiasm and personal NFL experience to our wide receiver room. His success at Oregon in helping to develop wideouts speaks for itself. His familiarity with our system allows us to continue to prepare for 2021 seamlessly. We are excited to add a coach of his caliber, especially one who is familiar with our high standards and expectations."
Krause spent parts of four seasons in the NFL, originally signing a free agent deal with the Cleveland Browns. He won a Super Bowl ring as member of New England's practice squad when the Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1, 2015.
A four-year letterwinner at Vanderbilt, Krause played in all but two games during his career as a collegiate receiver.
After nearly a month of spring ball, Krause said the Rebel ball-catchers are coming along nicely.
"It's going good," said Krause. "(The receivers) are making strides. We're getting better every single day."
