LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – More than 3,000 fans were on hand at Saturday's UNLV football spring game at Rebel Park on campus.
The team's spring sessions culminated with the annual event outside the Fertitta Football Complex and saw new quarterback Jackson Arnold throw for a touchdown (a nifty one-handed grab by running back Jaylon Glover) and run for another while returner Alex Orji threw a touchdown to his fellow former Michigan Wolverine, new receiver Amorion Walker, who also corralled one tossed by true freshman signal-caller Derek Garcia as part of his big day. Up-and-coming defender Logan Christensen's interception was the day's only turnover.
Meeting with the media following the two-hour scrimmage, head coach Dan Mullen was optimistic about his squad's foundation in year two.
"I feel pretty good coming out of spring," said Mullen. "We have a really good group of guys. We have a great foundation leaving spring. Our coaches have a real solid idea of what we need to do offensively, defensively, kicking-game-wise.
"One of the things defensively is that we have created some depth. There are a couple of spots we still need to clean up but there's going to be that comfort feeling during this next break between now and training camp about who can do what and how can we can put them in position to make a lot of plays and how can we create the depth where we can roll a lot of guys through on the defensive side of the ball."
Asked about the big crowd, Mullen was all smiles.
"It's pretty special and I think it shows the buy-in from the Rebel fans and belief in our football program and what we're trying to build. Hopefully that's going to continue into the season -- have the excitement roll over and everybody wants to come out to see exciting college football at Allegiant Stadium.
"Amazing support today -- building off of last season, winning 30 games the last three years, creating the energy and excitement in the city. We're Las Vegas' team. It's going to be a fun fall. I hope we pack Allegiant Stadium every single week. We have six Saturdays this fall for people to come cheer the Rebels on every week."
Season tickets are on sale now by visiting www.unlvtickets.com or calling (702) 739-FANS.
