UNLV, ninth place

08-27-2007

By Tom Shanahan, San Diego Hall of Champions

QUARTERBACKS: Mike Sanford’s rebuilding efforts at UNLV while succeeding John Robinson haven’t gone smoothly. The city’s growth continues to outpace the university’s football program. The Rebels are still seeking a return to a bowl game that hasn’t happened since Robinson’s second season at UNLV in 2000 when the program appeared on the rise. Sanford followed up a 2-9 debut season in 2005 with a 2-10 mark in 2006. But new coaches taking over a struggling program take time to get their places ingrained in the system. For his third season, Sanford has some experience at quarterback with returning starter Rocky Hinds, a transfer from USC entering his junior season. Hinds missed spring ball after undergoing knee surgery in the offseason. He played the final 10 games limited by an injured knee, but he still managed to pass for 2,148 yards. But he must improve his touchdowns to interceptions ratio after eight TD tosses and 13 interceptions. In the spring, backups Jarrod Jackson and Travis Dixon benefited from extra snaps.

RUNNING BACKS: The running game needs to improve after David Peoples averaged only 3.9 yards as carry at running back. Peoples moved into the starting role after an injury and finished the season with 519 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. But his missed spring ball after undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury. Peoples is joined in the backfield by two transfers from BCS schools. Nebraska transfer Ronnie Smith was eligible last year when he gained 138 yards and Cal fullback Frank Summers is from Cal. Summers is the big back that UNLV lacked in short yardage situations last year.

RECEIVERS: The UNLV receivers are talented, honor and smartly named with Ryan Wolfe and Casey Flair. As a freshman last yeasr, Wolfe was not only a first-team All-MWC pick last year, he was named the conference’s Freshman of the Year. He set a conference freshman record with 911 yards on 55 catches. He caught five touchdown tosses and had three 100-yard games. Flair, now a junior, was a second-team All-MWC choice after leading the Rebels with 67 catches for 816 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Aaron Straiten is the third returning starting wideout after catching 22 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Chris Butler moves into a starting role at tight end.

OFFENSIVE LINE: With experience at the skill positions dotting the offensive lineup, it’s now up to the offensive linemen to open some holes for the running game and provide some pass protection. Two returning starters are seniors at the guard spots with Tim Goins on the left side and Mike McKisi on the right side. Sophomore Joe Hawley has earned the starting nod at center. He was one of UNLV’s top recruits and gained snaps at guard last year. The tackles are sophomore Richie Plunkett on the left side and junior Johan Asiata on the right side.

DEFENSIVE LINE: UNLV decided to take advantage of its experience on the defensive line by switching to a 4-3 front. A year ago the Rebels mixed a 3-4 with a 4-3. There are three returning starters led by junior Jeremy Geathers, who was honorable mention last year at defensive end. Junior Jacob Hales and senior Faauo Fagan were starting tackles, but Fagan is being challenged senior Elton Shackelford as a starter at the other tackle spot.

LINEBACKERS: Two of the Rebels’ three returning tackles return with senior Beau Ball and sophomore Jason Beauchamp as outside linebackers. Bell finished with 76 tackles and four sacks and Beauchamp 69 and 3.5 sacks. The defense will feature a rover this year, and sophomore Starr Fuimaono’s quickness and anticipation may fit that role better than Beauchamp. Bradley Niles, a sneior, takes over as the middle linebacker after recording 38 tackles in a backup role. Niles’ backup is sophomore Jimmy Miller and senior Adrian Bradley is in the mix at outside linebacker.

SECONDARY: The secondary might have been the strength of the team this year, but USC transfer Eric Wright, who was a second-team All-MWC pick as a junior cornerback, declared early for the draft and was taken in the second round by the Cleveland Browns. But there are still two returning starters with senior cornerback Mil’Von James and sophomore safety Daryl Forte. James has proven to be strong against the run as he recorded 55 tackles last year to make him fourth on the team and the third leading returning tackler. With Wright turning pro, junior Geoff Howard has moved into a starting role.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Sergio Aguayo has been a clutch kicker for the Rebels in the few times he’s been called upon in close games. He’s back for his senior year. But the Rebels need to find a new punter. Senior Brian Pacheco has the nod for that role. Ronnie Smith is the back as a return man.

Returning starters: 14

Offense 7; QB: 1; RB: 1; WR/TE: 3; OL: 2; Defense 7; DL: 3; LB: 2; DB: 2; ST: 1.

2006 Record: 2-10

2006 Conf. Record: 1-7

Head Coach: Mike Sanford (3)

Last Bowl Appearance: 2000 Las Vegas Bowl

Beat Arkansas 31-14

2006 Turnover Ratio: -11

Home Surface: TurfTech

Returning Lettermen: 43

Lettermen Lost: 23