Former QB Barnhill likes trading places

The only giveaway that UNLV's second-string middle linebacker used to play quarterback is his No. 16 jersey.

Maybe it's time to get sophomore Taylor Barnhill a number in the 40s or 50s, because at 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds, he not only looks the part at linebacker, he has shown -- at least in practice -- he can play the part.

Barnhill was third-year coach Bobby Hauck's first quarterback signee, a strong-armed Texan who played the position with perhaps a touch more Butkus than Brady.

"It's a pretty severe transition from offense to inside linebacker," Hauck said. "He's done some good things. It's obviously not going to be something like a light switch and come on after a couple of spring practices. He's got the athletic ability. He's got the toughness."

Barnhill ran the pistol offense in training camp last August, the only quarterback then and during the season who sometimes didn't wear a yellow no-contact jersey in practices.

He threw only a combined 22 passes in starts at New Mexico and Texas Christian. Barnhill ran 29 times for 86 yards, returning UNLV to a time when the forward pass was frowned upon.

Coaches liked his aggressiveness -- not to mention his big frame -- and they first planned to switch Barnhill from football's most glamorous position to tight end. The Rebels, though, appear deep there with three freshmen who have taken hold of the position.

UNLV needed more help at linebacker, especially in the middle to replace Nate Carter, who last season led the team with 84 tackles. Junior Tani Maka (6-1, 240) moved from weakside to the No. 1 spot on the depth chart, and Barnhill was placed behind him.

"I just wanted to make a move that's best for the team," Barnhill said. "If I had never gotten to play quarterback, I probably would've regretted moving. But I played a little bit and saw how it was, and now I'm ready to move on to linebacker."

Though Barnhill is still trying to figure out the basics, such as the proper pad level, his potential is noticeable. He doesn't seem lost trying to understand where a play is going.

"I'm loving it," he said. "It's awesome so far. There is a learning curve, but I'm picking it up pretty quick. I believe I'm physical enough to play the position."

Whether he's experienced enough is another question. Barnhill hasn't played defense since his high school freshman season near Dallas-Fort Worth.

"He's obviously aware of what offensive plays look like, so that's a good thing ... an advantage for him," linebackers coach Tim Hundley said. "Learning to train your eyes from the other side of the ball, that's something you have to learn every day. That's not natural. He's got to see things and react to what he sees. But he's getting there."

Barnhill often played like a linebacker when he was a quarterback, taking the ball himself on option plays and bowling over defensive ends and safeties, but also absorbing their toughest shots.

Should Barnhill remain on the two-deep entering the season opener Aug. 30 against Minnesota, he will have plenty of chances to do to quarterbacks what defenders did to him when he played the position.

But Barnhill must wait. UNLV's quarterbacks remain mostly off limits in practice.

"I want to hit them pretty bad," Barnhill said. "But they're all my good friends. I can't do anything like that."

Lucky for them.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.