Defensive overhaul strategy shows promise at Rebels camp

ELY -- UNLV's football coaches made no secret of their intent to overhaul the defense this season.

No, the changes were there for everyone to see, from the signing of new players pegged for immediate playing time to shuffling the returnees to spots where they could better use their strengths.

Whether the moves will work won't be revealed at least until the Sept. 5 season opener against visiting Sacramento State. But defensive coordinator Dennis Therrell said he is encouraged by what he saw in training camp.

"Now we've got more of a group of athletes," he said. "They might not be, one or two of them, as good as some of the guys we've had in the past, but we've got more depth. We've got twos and threes (backups) we can put in a game and play.

"Plus, the second year in a defense, guys understand it more. They know where to go. They don't make as many mistakes because it's not new to them."

The Rebels allowed an average of 32.6 points last season, and the defense often broke down at crucial times. In one stretch UNLV led three straight games in the fourth quarter and lost all of them.

UNLV couldn't stop the run, allowing a 213.1-yard average.

And the Rebels' inability to put heat on the quarterback -- they had 11 sacks all season -- made life difficult for their suspect secondary, forcing defensive backs to cover receivers longer than normal. Opponents completed 61.2 percent of their passes for a 210.1-yard average.

To address the secondary, UNLV signed four junior college defensive backs, three during the early period. The one who probably has played the best this month is cornerback Mike Grant, who signed in February and arrived in time for preseason practices. He appears a lock to start.

Also, freshmen Courtney Bridget and Charles Childers appear ready to contribute.

The line figured to be bolstered by the signing of junior college end B.J. Bell, but he still is on the third team. He has made some plays and has a chance to move up to at least second team by the opener.

The more apparent improvements up front were moves involving returning players.

Senior Jason Beauchamp, who led the Mountain West Conference with 127 tackles, probably will play more end than linebacker. Juniors Malo Taumua and Isaako Aaitui traded places, with Taumua moving to end and Aaitui to tackle.

"I'm still learning it," Aaitui said. "It's kind of difficult coming from big end to inside. (But) I feel really good about it."

To add depth, junior Ramsey Feagai was moved from second-team offensive guard to backup defensive tackle.

In camp, at least, the changes appear to have paid off. The players are bigger, more athletic and have made plays.

When the team broke camp in Ely last year, the coaches had real concerns about the defense, particularly at safety, that turned out to be well-founded.

Not all of the answers have been found, but there don't appear to be as many nagging questions this year.

"Our defense is making it harder on our offense," coach Mike Sanford said. "It's harder to complete passes. It's harder to make first downs. I like how our secondary has played.

"I also like how our defensive front is rushing the passer, and how they're defending the run, too."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest practice reports at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.