Rebels wrap up spring practice with short showcase
Spring football games often are more for the fans than the players, and that’s especially true with UNLV today.
UNLV already has done the important work this spring, and the players are expected to put on a crisp, one-hour scrimmage, running through about 60 plays, at 5:30 p.m. at Rebel Park. Admission is free.
The scrimmage is less than half the length of the one the Rebels staged a week ago.
“We really loaded it up last Friday,” coach Bobby Hauck said. “You have to get the work done. You have to get the live (repetitions). You have to go play in order to gain as much experience as you can.
“It’ll be fun for our guys to get out in front of some people on a Friday evening and cap it off, so it should be good action. It will just be a little more abbreviated.”
Separate teams were selected for today’s game, which will be scored. Some players, such as the quarterbacks, will play for both sides.
As has been the case all spring, some key players will not take part because of postseason surgeries. Those missing include senior running back Tim Cornett (arm), junior wide receiver Devante Davis (leg), junior offensive linemen Brett Boyko (leg) and Robert Waterman (arm) and senior defensive lineman Parker Holloway (arm).
The reduced roster has meant other players have received extra looks, which should benefit them in August and during the season.
“It’s nice to be able to work with guys that are usually backups and give them a lot more reps, a lot more time on the field,” sophomore quarterback Nick Sherry said. “I think when Tim and Devante and those guys come back, they’ll jump right in the loop, and we’ll be a solid team.”
This will be the final practice of spring. The next time the Rebels take the practice field will be to prepare for the season.
Sherry said he was optimistic going forward from the spring session.
“I think we’re going to come out strong in the spring game,” he said. “I think we’re going to have a good summer.”
■ NOTE — UNLV fans can purchase new and game-used Rebels athletic apparel for all sports from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The event will be at the North Gym inside the Paul McDermott Physical Education Complex on campus. Proceeds will benefit UNLV athletics.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.