Rebels’ Klorman relishes move back to defensive tackle

ELY -- UNLV's previous coaching staff asked lineman Alex Klorman to walk on in 2009, but it seemed like a poor fit from the beginning.

Klorman was moved outside to defensive end, a position that didn't feel comfortable for him. Then he received few repetitions at the new spot while redshirting that season.

When Mike Sanford and the staff were fired following that season, in came a new staff under Bobby Hauck that wasn't beholden to any players.

"They came in, and everyone was on an equal playing field," Klorman said. "It didn't matter if you were on scholarship or not. Everyone's getting the same amount of (repetitions), and you get your chance to prove yourself. And that's all you can really ask, as a walk-on."

The new coaches even gave Klorman the chance to play, and last season they also moved him back to defensive tackle. He appeared in all 13 games in a reserve role.

Now the former walk-on from Del Sol High School enters his sophomore season as a probable starter for the Rebels' Sept. 1 season opener at Wisconsin.

"I like his attitude," defensive tackles coach Michael Gray said. "He's a student of the game. He wants to learn. He asks questions. He's a junkie. He loves football. That carries guys a long way."

Klorman was a standout on both sides of the ball at Del Sol, receiving first-team all-region honors at offensive and defensive line in 2008. He also made the Review-Journal's all-state team on the offensive line after blocking for two 1,000-yard rushers.

Though scholarship offers didn't roll in, Sanford and his staff saw enough to invite Klorman to walk on.

Then came the move to defensive end.

"They put me at defensive end because they needed people," Klorman said. "I felt like my talent was more at tackle. I like the physicalness inside. There's less space to run around. I like to be aggressive, hands on everybody."

He found it difficult to adjust to a new position when he didn't receive many practice reps. That also made it tough to show coaches his potential.

The new staff honored Klorman's request to switch back to tackle, and he played well enough in limited time last season to be given a No. 1 spot before spring practices earlier this year.

"My confidence went through the roof because (coaches) gave me confidence," Klorman said. "It was like, 'It's yours to lose.' "

He didn't lose it, and he even received a scholarship at the end of spring practices.

Klorman (6 feet 2 inches, 275 pounds) also gained at least 20 pounds in about a year, giving him a better chance when he plays daunting offensive lines such as Wisconsin's.

"He works extremely hard," Gray said. "That's not just during the season. He's much stronger; he's much wiser."

UNLV needs Klorman to come through on a defensive line with many questions.

"These coaches will give you an opportunity to play," Klorman said. "You just have to make your opportunity the best you can every rep and go as hard as you can."

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