Hauck expects Carroll to have impact on UNLV offensive line

Junior college transfer Allen Carroll was cleared to begin practicing Wednesday, and it wasn't a moment too soon for a UNLV offensive line that needs size and experience.

Carroll (6 feet 4 inches, 300 pounds) spent a redshirt year at Washington before playing two football seasons at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Calif.

Though Carroll was a tackle at Sequoias, the Rebels are working him at guard.

"A bigger presence inside, that's what we need," coach Bobby Hauck said.

Also, redshirt freshman Cameron Jefferson and junior Yusef Rodgers are the clear leaders at tackle, so there is more of a need at guard.

Carroll said it isn't a tough transition.

"I'm versatile," he said. "I can play left guard, left tackle, all the positions on O-line except for center. I've just got to get back into it."

Carroll sat out Tuesday's first day of training camp because UNLV hadn't medically cleared him. He has had tendinitis in his back, but said he hasn't felt discomfort.

"The heat is a little different for me, so I've got to adjust to that," Carroll said. "But other than that, it was great getting back moving around."

n FIRED UP -- At least three skirmishes broke out between offensive and defensive linemen Wednesday.

"It should be competitive, and it's good to see them get after each other," Hauck said. "It's hand-to-hand combat in there, so it should be a little heated. When we take the field, we've got to be a little bit feisty."

The intensity should only increase today when the team goes into half-pads for the first time.

"It's completely different in terms of the physicalness and the ability to practice blocking and tackling," Hauck said. "We'll get after it."

n BADGER OUT VS. REBELS -- Wisconsin sophomore wide receiver Manasseh Garner is expected to miss the Sept. 1 season opener against UNLV because of a hernia.

Though Garner was the probable No. 3 receiver, his loss hurts the Badgers' depth. Two freshmen and a sophomore now compete for that spot.

"I haven't seen somebody step forward there," Badgers coach Bret Bielema said.

n TOUGH GUY -- UNLV redshirt freshman wide receiver Taylor Spencer remained in a blue no-contact jersey, but ran pass routes.

He is returning from a broken leg.

"He's fighting through it," Hauck said. "It's a credit to him because he's sore."

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