Defense stands out for Rebels in scrimmage

ELY -- Linebacker Jason Beauchamp got it started early for UNLV's defense.

He sacked quarterback Mike Clausen, and a Saturday full of big defensive plays was under way in the Rebels' preseason football scrimmage.

"We started fast," Beauchamp said.

His sack was the first of eight, and each was by a different player. Seven players also each tackled a running back for a loss.

Clausen absorbed most of the punishment, getting sacked six times. He completed 4 of 18 passes for 37 yards with an interception.

"He was going against the (No.) 1 defense, and that's what you would expect," coach Mike Sanford said. "If he didn't, you'd be concerned.

"Guys weren't getting open like they should, and it was a good pass rush. The No. 2 offensive line didn't do as good a job as they should've protecting the quarterback. I do think he ran around and made some plays scrambling."

Sanford also said he blew a quick whistle when the quarterbacks were touched, that they would have worked themselves free more often in an actual game. Those games begin Aug. 30 against Utah State at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"Blocking isn't always going to be perfect, so me having to move around helps a lot," Clausen said. "As Coach says, the scramble play's the best play in college football, and we sure did work that a lot today."

Starting quarterback Omar Clayton completed 8 of 12 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 21 yards on three carries.

His most impressive stretch occurred during a two-minute drill. Actually, 1:30 was left when the offense took over at its 30-yard line. Clayton completed 4 of 5 passes for 47 yards to set up tailback Channing Trotter's 2-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds left.

"We drill it pretty good," Clayton said of the two-minute offense. "Coach wants us to feel comfortable when we do it. He kind of stresses that even though things are moving at a faster tempo that we don't get crazy with it. He wants us to be composed and ready to make things happen, and that's what we try to do."

Starting tailback Frank Summers didn't receive much work, carrying the ball once for no gain. He caught two passes for 21 yards.

Trotter took his place most of the morning, but aside from the touchdown, he struggled, losing 5 yards on four rushes.

Instead, incoming freshman tailbacks and fellow Texans Imari Thompson and C.J. Cox stood out. Thompson, who fumbled once, gained 61 yards on six carries. Cox picked up 34 yards on eight attempts.

All three backs are vying for the No. 2 spot. Thompson said the scrimmage helped in that competition.

"It gave me a lot of experience and knowing how it feels to go full speed with the next level," he said. "There are still a lot of things I need to work on. I gave it my best effort, and I think I did pretty well."

• NOTES -- Tight end Kyle Watson led receivers with three catches for 34 yards. The receptions among other players were spread out fairly evenly. ... Kicker Ben Jaekle, a Bonanza High School graduate, made 5 of 6 field goals, missing from 39 yards. His competition for extra points and field goals, Kyle Watson, made 4 of 6, missing from 48 and 37 yards. ... Wide receiver Ryan Wolfe played center field as part of a prevent-defense package.

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