Rebels put faith on the line

ELY -- Mike Sanford didn't hesitate to answer.

Yes, he said, these are the best offensive and defensive lines UNLV has fielded during his four seasons as coach.

"Without a doubt," he said, adding there is depth "especially on defense. Some depth on offense, but we need to develop more. But we have some depth on the defensive line, quality players, not just guys."

He has plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

The defensive line, led by tackles Jacob Hales and Malo Taumua, was the team's best unit during spring drills. It could be even stronger after two walk-ons were added last week.

The offensive line loses only left guard Tim Goins from the last year's starting unit and has at least two potential stars.

But what does it all mean?

Will UNLV finally dictate the action at the line of scrimmage or be pushed around?

"That remains to be seen," Sanford said. "We haven't played a game yet. That's something I would want."

Despite the preseason promise, both lines have room for improvement as the Rebels prepare for their season opener against Utah State on Aug. 30 at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Last season UNLV ranked eighth in the nine-team Mountain West Conference in sacks made and allowed, seventh in rushing defense and sixth in rushing offense despite having a nearly 1,000-yard back in Frank Summers.

New defensive line coach Andre Patterson said he likes what he has seen going back to the spring. All four starters were in his office every day watching video and asking questions before successfully transferring that knowledge onto the practice field.

"It just didn't happen by chance," Patterson said. "They put in the work.

"If I can get the whole group to buy in like that, then we've got a chance to be pretty good."

Hales (6 feet 5 inches, 295 pounds) and Taumua (6-0, 270) particularly stood out in the spring. Hales, a senior from Las Vegas High School, was the spring's best player as recognized by the coaches, and the sophomore Taumua was second.

"It just makes football fun to go out there and make plays," Hales said. "You don't want to come off the field."

A more committed Perry Eppenger (6-3, 300), a junior from Cheyenne High, also figures to bolster the interior, along with last week's junior college transfers, Martin Tevaseu (6-3, 320) and Lale Taiese (6-3, 275).

The ends are pretty well established, with senior Thor Pili (6-3, 285) and sophomore Isaako Aaitui (6-3, 300) starting and junior Heivaha Mafi (6-1, 250) and sophomore Preston Brooks (6-3, 250) the leading backups.

"I play eight guys," Patterson said. "I try to keep the D-line fresh. ... There's no difference between the ones and twos, and we just roll through the course of the game. If we play 50 plays, and (each player plays) 25 and 25, I'm happy because now we have a chance to play fast the whole game."

The offensive line returns sophomore Matt Murphy (6-4, 290) at the left tackle spot that protects quarterback Omar Clayton's back side.

Murphy played in all 12 games last season, started the final nine and earned Freshman All-America status by the Football Writers Association of America.

He said last year was a confidence-boosting season, "but it still doesn't change the fact that you've still got to come and work hard."

Another sophomore, Evan Marchal (6-7, 290), is the starter at right tackle.

Center was a big concern coming out of the spring when sophomore John Gianninoto (6-3, 290) sat out because of mononucleosis and an enlarged spleen, but he is back running with the first team.

Junior Joe Hawley (6-3, 300) played center last season, but has moved to right guard.

Johan Asiata (6-4, 310) is No. 1 at left guard, and fellow senior Sifa Moala (6-1, 325) is expected to see significant time and could switch between right guard and center.

"Right now, I'd feel real comfortable with the first four guys we've got right now," interior offensive line coach Keith Uperesa said.

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