UNLV Rebels

Head Coach

Mike Sanford	4th year
07-08	2-10
Mt West	1-7
FCR	109

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - Three years, six wins not what Mike Sanford envisioned when he took the job. They return nine starters on offense and five on defense but the heats on in the dessert and the locals refuse to support anything less than a winner. Septembers schedule is tough and spell the end of Sanford era at UNLV.

Quarterback - Sophomores Travis Dixon and Omar Clayton both return and the battle is on as they both got the chance to start last year. Dixon started last season and was replaced by Clayton, but he regained his job when Clayton suffered a season ending broken hand. Clayton appears to have the inside track coming out of spring but he’ll need to produce to keep the job.

Running Backs - Senior Frank Summers was outstanding last season rushing for 928 yards in just 202 carries, he also hauled in 23 passes for 252 yards. Summers’ is a punishing runner and the Rebels will rely heavily on him this season. Sophomore Channing Trotter has slightly more speed than Summers’ and could offer a nice change of pace in the UNLV attack.

Receivers - This is a solid unit led by junior Ryan Wolfe who had 66 receptions for 784 yards and should again be the go to guy In senior Casey Flair they’ve got an excellent number two receiver, junior Rodelin Anthony could put big numbers as he’ll often draw one-on-one coverage. Junior Jerriman Robinson will see action as the Rebels number four receiver and has the skills to contribute. When UNLV uses the tight end senior Ryan Worthen will get the call.

Offensive Line - This unit will be led for the next three seasons by sophomore Matt Murphy at left tackle, he excels in the running game and will only get better as a pass protector. On the other side will fellow sophomore Evan Marichal. At the guards will be senior Johan Asiatya and junior Joe Hawley. Sophomore John Gianninoto will be called upon to take over the line signals at center. Sophomore Ramsey Feagai should see action at guard and if he’s healthy Richie Plunkett will compete for playing time at tackle.

Defensive Line - With the early departure of Jeremy Geathers to the NFL the Rebels have holes to fill on the outside. At one spot will be senior Thor Pili who was solid in a reserve role last year, JUCO transfer Heivaha Mafi is a speed rusher who will start and is expected to contribute immediately to the UNLV pass rush. Inside they return both starters in sophomore Malo Taumua and senior Jacob Hales. Taumua was a solid run stopper and also had three sacks, Hales is a solid all-round player who has ALL- Mt West talent.

Linebackers - UNLV must replace MWC Defensive Player of the Year Beau Bell, not an easy task. On the strongside will be returning starter Starr Fuimaono, his season ended early due to a shoulder injury, if he’s 100% the junior will have a big year as covers the entire field. Mississippi St transfer Jimmy Miller, a junior will start in the middle and junior Jason Beauchamp will be on the weakside. Miller was a big time recruit coming out of high school and now needs to play up to that level; Beauchamp had 43 tackles last year as a backup.

Defensive Backs - At the corners will be senior Geoffery Howard and sophomore Quinton Pointer, both were sometime starters last season and have the talent to shine now that they’re in the spotlight. At one safety will be junior Daryl Forte who was second on the team with 94 tackles and excels against the run, sophomore Rico Thomas possess excellent speed and will man the other safety spot.

Special Teams - The Rebels must replace both of their kickers this season; the placekicking job should be between junior Kyle Watson and sophomore Ben Jaekle. At punter, look for Watson and JUCO Zach Davis to fight it out. The return game is in good hands with senior Casey Flair and sophomore Quinton Pointer handling the duties.

Schedule - The good news is seven home games, the bad news is the only sure win appears to be the home opener against Utah St. If they can beat Nevada in week 5 they could get five wins and maybe Sanford gets another year. Probably not going to happen, it’s another long year in the desert and UNLV gets only 3 wins this year.