Rebels’ line bulks up

UNLV's offensive linemen didn't have the luxury of time the past two seasons. Because of inexperience (2007) and youth (2008), they had to come together quickly, form a bond and hope it served the unit well on game days.

The 2009 version cannot complain about inexperience or youth. It is now a veteran unit, and expectations are considerably higher.

Their challenge is quite different from the previous two seasons. While continuing to develop, the linemen are practicing alongside a redshirt freshman who is in the same situation that they were a short time ago.

Sean Tesoro, listed No. 1 at left guard, has unquestioned talent, but he figures to have some trying rookie moments. That's why this spring is critical for him and the rest of the line to work on developing the necessary chemistry.

"What he does have are fundamental skills," interior line coach Keith Uperesa said. "He's got strength, and he understands what we're doing. That's been the biggest thing, his learning curve. He'll learn a lot, and he'll learn real fast."

Senior right guard Joe Hawley and junior left tackle Matt Murphy, each with 21 starts, have the most experience. The other starters are junior right tackle Evan Marchal (11 starts) and junior center John Gianninoto (eight).

"The coaches don't have to worry about all the little stuff now," Murphy said. "They can start teaching us more advanced techniques and what to start looking for in the defense because we don't have to worry about exactly where our feet go."

UNLV's line showed mixed results last season. It permitted only 14 sacks, second fewest in the Mountain West Conference, but the Rebels ranked second to last in rushing offense, gaining only 121.7 yards per game and 3.6 per carry.

"We need to have consistency in both areas -- we've got to run block and pass block better than we did," coach Mike Sanford said. "Just in general (with the entire team), we need to raise the bar."

In trying to raise that bar, Sanford has the more enviable task of adding a young and inexperienced player to the mix rather than fielding a line full of such athletes.

Plenty has been expected of the 6-foot-2-inch, 290-pound Tesoro since he signed with UNLV. Scout.com ranked him the nation's No. 56 guard when he attended Baldwin High School in Kahului, Hawaii.

Coaches saw enough of his ability last season to make Tesoro the only redshirt player to travel to all road games. They plan to do that next season with incoming freshman quarterback Caleb Herring.

There still is the unknown, though, especially considering Tesoro takes the place of Johan Asiata, who did not give up a sack last season.

"It's a good feeling (to be No. 1), but I'm not going to let up," Tesoro said. "I'm not going to be comfortable with it. I'm going to keep working hard."

• READ MORE ABOUT THE REBELS -- The Review-Journal blogs after each practice. Fans can read about Sanford's thoughts after each session as well as breaking news. Look for the next blog update at 8 p.m. today at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.