Returning Rebels quickly buy into Hauck’s game plan

A coaching change usually means a roster overhaul as well, with some football players being run off and others leaving on their own.

That hasn't been the case at UNLV.

Only two scholarship players who lettered last season, defensive tackle Malo Taumua and cornerback Warren Zeigler, have left since spring practices ended. The decision to depart wasn't their own.

Bobby Hauck said his two big surprises since becoming the coach were recruits' interest in UNLV and the "buy-in" he has received from returning players.

"The percent that has bought in is high," Hauck said.

Part of that could be due to how close the Rebels have come to bowl eligibility the past two seasons, falling just a game short each time.

Now UNLV, which hasn't been to a bowl since 2000, gets a coach who went 80-17 at Montana.

"It's such a big change in a positive way for the team," senior safety Alex De Giacomo said. "We feel a lot more togetherness. Everybody is more hungry to win."

■ STICKING AROUND -- If one player had the perfect excuse to leave, it was redshirt freshman safety John Therrell. His dad, Dennis, was the defensive coordinator under previous coach Mike Sanford and was let go with the rest of the staff.

"I wanted to stay the whole time," said John Therrell, who went to Bishop Gorman High School. "It's a great opportunity for me, and I couldn't leave my teammates."

Dennis Therrell is still around, too. He was hired as the Las Vegas Locomotives' linebackers and assistant special teams coach.

"He'll be able to come to a few of the games," John Therrell said. "Having him in town as a support factor is going to be nice."

■ HEATING UP -- After two days of practicing in shorts and no pads, UNLV goes into shoulder pads at 8 a.m. today at Rebel Park.

"Once you get the pads on, then it's going to be more full speed," Hauck said.

The Rebels go into full pads Wednesday after arriving in Ely, intensifying the hitting and competition for positions.