Bradford buoys ground game
UNLV could field one of the Mountain West Conference’s top running games this football season, thanks largely to the return of sophomore Dionza Bradford.
He left during spring practices to tend to a personal matter but was back with UNLV on Monday at Rebel Park for the first day of training camp.
“Coach (Bobby Hauck) let me go home and take care of some things,” Bradford said. “I was always hoping that I could come back. I’m just really grateful to be back.”
Bradford rushed for 615 yards and three touchdowns last season, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Tim Cornett, now a junior, ran for 671 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards.
Each had three 100-yard games.
“He’s done a nice job of working his way back,” Hauck said of Bradford. “Obviously, he’s still got a ways to go, but we’re glad he’s here.”
Cornett is the No. 1 back, but Bradford should provide plenty of competition for him and junior Bradley Randle.
“(Hauck) told me that I would have an opportunity to come back and work for a spot back on the team,” Bradford said. “I have to earn it back. Nothing is given back to me.”
■ MORE ADDITIONS – Junior defensive lineman Mark Garrick was put on scholarship this summer after transferring from Sacramento (Calif.) City College. He first committed to Syracuse but didn’t sign after reportedly undergoing knee surgery in late January.
Junior Max Ehlert and freshman Iggy Porchia, both linebackers, walked on and are expected to receive scholarships. Ehlert is from Finland and Germany but played at Chabot College in Hayward, Calif. Porchia went to Venice High School in Los Angeles.
As expected, junior running back Adonis Smith joined UNLV. He will sit out this season after transferring from Northwestern, where he rushed for 266 yards and three touchdowns last season.
■ BANGED UP – Senior linebacker John Lotulelei wore a cast on his left hand, which he strained lifting weights. Lotulelei is expected to be healed by the Aug. 30 season opener against Minnesota at Sam Boyd Stadium.
■ ODDS AND ENDS – Tight end Justin Chandler, who signed in February, did not qualify academically. … Offensive lineman J’Ondray Sanders, who went to Basic High, will grayshirt and enroll in January. … The Rebels practice at 8 a.m. each day through Saturday. All practices are open. They leave for Ely on Sunday.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.