UNLV Rebels Camp Report, Aug. 14

ELY – Jordan Sparkman shifted from tight end to defensive end last season.

Seems to be a good move.

The sophomore is one of UNLV’s more promising young defensive players, and he showed why during Monday’s afternoon practice. He sacked senior quarterback Sean Reilly and tackled junior running back Tim Cornett for a loss.

"Coming up to Ely is a big change," Sparkman said. "We changed our focus up a lot. We got all the distractions out of the way. It’s just football."

Coach Bobby Hauck praised the physically imposing Sparkman (6 feet 6 inches, 265 pounds), and had kind words for the defense as a whole after that side of the ball made a series of big plays.

Sophomore linebacker Perry Cooper and redshirt freshman defensive back Brandon Baker had interceptions. Redshirt freshman safety Peni Vea put a big hit on sophomore fullback William Vea.

The defense seemed intense – and on edge – throughout much of the afternoon practice. Freshman lineman Marcell Frazier got in the face of junior lineman Alex Klorman late in the session, and various defensive teammates continued to have words.

The hostility seemed to translate onto the field.

"I think we’re an aggressive bunch," Hauck said. "I think we care. If we’re in our seventh straight day of practice – we’ve been going long and hard – and they’re still passionate about it and it’s important to them, I think it’s a good deal."

NOTABLE

Sophomore running back Dionza Bradford has a sprained right ankle, but could return to practice today. … Redshirt freshman quarterback Nick Sherry used a beautiful play-action fake to complete a 50-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Marcus Sullivan in stride. Sherry also threw a nice 16-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Taylor Spencer in the back of the end zone. … Lightning interrupted the afternoon practice for about 20 minutes.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CORNERBACK: Secondary coach J.D. Williams, who also serves as defensive coordinator, said he is impressed by all four cornerbacks. He is counting on Sidney Hodge to be among the Mountain West Conference’s best.