Trotter, Beavers’ Kristick need no intro
When UNLV tailback Channing Trotter tries to elude Oregon State linebacker Keaton Kristick on Saturday, it might bring back some memories.
They played against each other in high school in the Phoenix area.
“We’re going to have to block him hard,” Trotter said. “I know he plays very hard, he’s physical, and he’s a very good athlete.”
Kristick ranked second on the Beavers last season with 82 tackles, including 10 in their upset victory over Southern California.
UNLV plays Oregon State at 8 p.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium.
• OH, BROTHER — It’s bad enough that the Rebels have to worry about Oregon State tailback Jacquizz Rodgers, the Pacific-10 Conference Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman last season.
His older brother, James, is a playmaker, too. In the Beavers’ 34-7 victory over Portland State last Saturday, James Rodgers caught an 87-yard touchdown pass and returned a kickoff 49 yards.
• MORE CLAUSEN — Sanford said he will continue to play backup quarterback Mike Clausen even while the outcome remains in doubt.
“That has been a successful strategy for us,” Sanford said. “It was really good for us last year. Obviously, we’d love to have Omar (Clayton) be healthy the whole year, but we’re going to continue to play Mike Clausen and have him prepared and ready to go so if we need him, he can play.”
Clausen started the final three games last season after Clayton injured his right knee.
• STILL WAITING — Even though UNLV tailback Bradley Randle and cornerback Courtney Bridget didn’t play in an opening 38-3 win over Sacramento State, Sanford hasn’t ruled out playing the freshmen this season.
That’s especially true regarding Randle. Sanford wants to make sure before moving forward with a redshirt, and he could gradually work Randle into games.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest UNLV football updates at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.