Tenpenny brings hope for backfield

At this point last year, running back Altee Tenpenny was preparing to help Alabama try to win a national championship.

The Crimson Tide came close, losing in the semifinals, and soon after Tenpenny announced he was transferring.

He wound up choosing UNLV, and Tenpenny's presence at Rebel Park on Friday morning was a welcome sight for those who follow the program.

Tenpenny, from Little Rock, Ark., must sit out this season because of NCAA transfer rules, but he'll have two seasons of eligibility and represents the future for the Rebels.

"When he's out there, he looks fantastic," coach Tony Sanchez said. "He's got an unbelievable burst. He's a great player. The first time he touched the ball, it was evident how special he is."

Tenpenny (6 feet, 220 pounds) was ranked among the nation's top running backs by several recruiting services when he signed with Alabama in 2013, but he got limited playing time in his two seasons. After deciding to transfer, he also considered Ohio State, Kansas State and Oklahoma State.

"They've already got programs established," Tenpenny said. "This is the best place for me.

"There's no history to compete with (at UNLV) except for Ickey Woods and the great Ickey Shuffle. Like Coach Sanchez said, we're coming here to bring life to the city. Not saying there's not life because it's Las Vegas, but we want to do something special with the football program."

* GETTING STARTED — Friday was Sanchez's first UNLV training camp practice and also the first for many players. He's trying to work them into the flow with players who went through spring practices.

"We inserted a bunch of new guys, so that's great to have some fresh blood out here," Sanchez said. "We have more depth now, so it's good. It's more competitive now, and it will definitely help us moving forward."

The Rebels practiced in shorts and will do so again at 7:30 a.m. today. Then they'll go into half pads for two days and full pads starting Tuesday.

"We're building on what we left off in spring," Sanchez said. "A lot of stuff is going back and rehashing it and continuing to teach it and get good. There's a little bit more to install, but not much."

* PHILIPPI HOBBLED — Junior fullback Marc Philippi, who played for Sanchez at Bishop Gorman High School, is out three to six weeks with a broken right foot.

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