Day One of UNLV's 2022 spring practice had a definite football feel to it even before the first whistle blew as cool, rain-freshened air greeted the 96 players along with coaches, staff and a healthy throng of media on hand at Rebel Park.
The first of 15 scheduled sessions was followed by all three scholarship quarterbacks meeting with reporters, one by one.
Doug Brumfield, who started two of the first four games last fall before missing the remainder of the season because of injury, was all smiles after practicing free of pain.
"I've been working hard, grinding," said the sophomore. "It was rough being stuck on the sidelines for a majority of the season. It's a blessing to be here throwing and running again. To be out here competing with these guys is amazing."
Another sophomore, Cameron Friel, returns after breaking the school record for completion percentage in a season by a freshman while starting eight times. The reigning Mountain West Freshman of the Year said he's more comfortable than a year ago when he showed up as a midyear rookie.
"I was a little quiet when I got here last January," said Friel. "I feel like I've grown a lot after taking the field as a freshman and being in the system for a year."
Asked about the quarterback competition, Friel said he sees it as a positive.
"We have to work together and push each other to make everyone better."
The newest member of the UNLV QB club is former Tennessee starter Harrison Bailey, who transferred via the portal and hit town on January.
Flush with calls from other destinations, Bailey was asked why he ultimately chose the Rebels to further his career.
"I had a previous relationship with Coach Arroyo from when he was at Oregon (recruiting me)," he said. "I felt like I will be the most successful personally and we can win a lot of games here."
Asked about his new receiving corps, Bailey was more than enthusiastic.
"Man, they're good! One of the strongest groups I've ever been with. It's an explosive offense."
And how has he found the quarterback room at his new school?
"We're tight," he said. "We all want what's best for each other. Everybody motivates and helps each other."
The Rebels return to practice Thursday morning.
