Bradley rises to occasion playing at higher altitude

ELY -- It took some time for UNLV redshirt freshman tailback Bradley Randle to adjust to the 6,427-foot elevation of this Eastern Nevada town.

But once he got used to the thin air, it was as if had played football in it all of his young life.

Randle made some attention-grabbing runs Wednesday, including a 35-yard gain in which he dragged three defenders 15 yards. On another carry, he burst through a hole up the middle before the defense could react.

"It's funny, until I watch the film, I'm watching effort, I'm administering the practice, so a lot of time I don't see who's in," coach Bobby Hauck said. "There were a couple of plays he made today that stood out."

Randle entered training camp No. 2 on the depth chart behind junior C.J. Cox, though that could change by the Sept. 4 season opener against Wisconsin at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"Whatever the play is, whenever I get in, I'm going to make something happen," Randle said. "I'm just happy to be in there because last year I couldn't put out an effort. So right now I know it's time for me to turn it on."

■ LONG DAY -- The Rebels went through a three-hour practice, their first workout in full pads, after the long bus ride from Las Vegas.

"I was impressed with our team," Hauck said. "They got off a four-hour-plus bus ride, hopped off the bus and had a really good practice. I think that means we're making progress in terms of our work ethic and our understanding of what it takes to prepare."

UNLV has its first double-practice session today, starting at 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

■ FINALLY CLEARED -- Multipurpose athlete Tajh Hasson and offensive lineman Brett Boyko, both freshmen, were cleared to join their new teammates.

The pair must go through a five-day acclimation period before being allowed to practice in full pads.

It's been quite a journey for Boyko. He drove more than 20 hours to Las Vegas from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, after paperwork issues initially made it look as if he would have to grayshirt and enroll in January. "As soon as we got the phone call, we left," Boyko said.

■ ROTATING CORNERS -- Senior Quinton Pointer, junior Will Chandler and freshman Sidney Hodge split time at the two starting cornerback spots.

"I think we'll probably play up to five," Hauck said. "On defense, assuming that we can develop our depth, we really want to play our two-deep. We want to play at a certain tempo and a certain speed. In order to do that, we feel like our second group has to contribute.

"You'll see us play a substantial number of guys on defense if we can."

■ INJURY UPDATE -- Junior defensive end B.J. Bell (ankle) returned to practice. Sophomore wide receiver Mark Barefield (knee) was held out again.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.