Hauck encouraged, but it’s only spring

The emcee working Saturday's spring-ending scrimmage hyped UNLV's football team so much -- the Rebels are faster and more physical, and fans should be excited -- it sounded as if they're on the verge of a major turnaround.

Then coach Bobby Hauck, as the scrimmage was winding down, took the microphone and tempered the enthusiasm.

This team, Hauck pointed out, will be among the youngest in college football next season. Though excited about the direction of the program, he is realistic as he prepares for his second season.

The program hasn't had a winning season since 2000, and last year was 2-11.

But every spring there is reason to hope progress is being made as the Rebels look toward the season opener Sept. 1 at Wisconsin.

Here is a unit-by-unit breakdown:

QUARTERBACK

Sophomore Caleb Herring entered spring at No. 1, and he maintained that position. But junior college transfer Sean Reilly could give him a run when training camp opens in August.

"When we can, we'll name a starter, when we think it's productive to do that," Hauck said.

RUNNING BACK

Four players are fighting for playing time, and a fifth could join the fray in August when freshman Elijhaa Penny arrives to compete for the three spots expected to receive significant playing time.

Sophomore Tim Cornett appears to be the leader, but sophomore Bradley Randle, freshman Dionza Bradford and senior Deante Purvis also could receive plenty of snaps.

WIDE RECEIVER

Senior Phillip Payne, a Western High School graduate, and sophomore and Cheyenne product Marcus Sullivan repeatedly made plays in the spring.

"Everybody else has got to keep coming," Hauck said.

Junior college transfer Eric Johnson and sophomore Kurt Davis showed signs of potential.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Hauck has made recruiting linemen a priority, and he prefers to sign big-framed players with room to develop.

UNLV's line probably is a year away from approaching what Hauck would like to see. So even though the Rebels appear to be strong at the skill positions, it might not matter much if there isn't room to run and time to throw.

Hauck, interestingly, singled out an undersized linemen he inherited, junior tackle Yusef Rodgers (6-2, 250), as standing out this spring.

"Any size he can gain over the summer is beneficial to him and our offensive line," Hauck said. "He's a great technician, and it's remarkable with his size that he doesn't get thrown around a little bit more."

DEFENSIVE LINE

What is true of the offensive line can be said of this group.

Sophomore end Ian Bobak, a Bishop Gorman graduate, shined in the spring game with two pass breakups and a sack. And senior end James Dunlap was a force.

LINEBACKER

All three starters from last year are gone, and Hauck said how the linebackers come together "is probably the biggest question coming out of spring ball."

Highly touted junior college transfer Princeton Jackson arrives in late summer.

The Rebels will run a 4-2-5, but Hauck called it "semantics" between that scheme and a 4-3 because there isn't much difference between a third safety and an outside linebacker.

"Most defenses are pretty multiple in terms of how they line up and in terms of different personnel groupings," he said.

SECONDARY

Senior cornerback Quinton Pointer's return from a left knee injury should boost the defensive backfield. Pointer and sophomore Sidney Hodge of Palo Verde are quality corners. Sophomore safety Eric Tuiloma of Desert Pines shows promise.

Hauck said he is happy with the cornerbacks, but would like to see more from the safeties.

"It's been good at times and it's been frustrating at times to watch our young guys try to figure it out," he said. "The problem is there's so much thinking that it slows everybody down. I think we've got some young guys that can play fast and physical out there, but until it all becomes second nature to them, it's not going to be very good."

SPECIAL TEAMS

Sophomore Nolan Kohorst, of Green Valley, could develop into one of the Mountain West Conference's top kickers, but he could be challenged by junior college transfer Chase Lansford.

Lansford figures to be the front-runner at punter.

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