Deeper secondary provides options
UNLV’s secondary needed capable bodies last season. While it remains to be seen if the defensive backfield is improved, it certainly is deeper.
Five players are competing at both cornerback positions, and coach Mike Sanford hasn’t ruled out consistently playing three cornerbacks at a time. He said that would be a common practice against spread offenses, and the Rebels will face many of those.
Sophomore Will Chandler, junior Mike Grant, junior Quinton Pointer, sophomore Deante Purvis and junior Warren Zeigler are the top five players at cornerback.
“That doesn’t mean that other guys are out,” Sanford said. “But I would say those five right now are the top five.”
Incoming freshman Courtney Bridget, for example, could receive playing time even if he doesn’t start. Senior nickel back Terrance Lee will play cornerback and safety.
“That’ll add to the competition,” Sanford said.
• CHANGING LINES — Junior Ramsey Feagai will move from backup guard to defensive tackle for a two-week trial to try to improve depth on the defensive line.
“Then we’re going to re-evaluate it and see where we are,” Sanford said. “We need depth on both sides of the ball, but specifically in the defensive line.”
Feagai, who played in all 12 games as a sophomore and a redshirt freshman, is working behind senior Martin Tevaseu at tackle. He said he adapting well.
“It was more of a shock than anything,” the 6-foot-2-inch, 340-pound Feagai said of being told about the switch. “So far, I’m liking the (defensive) coaching staff. I’m liking who’s working with me. I like the position so far.”
• STAYING HEALTHY — Junior quarterback Omar Clayton’s season ended prematurely the past two years.
He broke his right hand as a freshman and sprained his right knee as a sophomore.
The quarterback is expected to run in UNLV’s shotgun spread, which can increase his chances of being injured. But Clayton said he can’t let that limit what he does.
“The biggest thing I can do is try to take less hits or take hits the right way,” Clayton said. “But as far as my knee injury, I don’t think there’s anything I could’ve done to prevent that. My hand was a fluke. There’s not too much I can do about that.
“My main focus is just performing well and leading the team because those are two things I can take care of.”
• SCHEDULE — The Rebels go into full pads at 8:45 a.m. today for the first time. It is their final practice at Rebel Park before moving training camp to Ely.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest practice reports at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.