JD Alexander is pushing for a backup linebacker spot at UNLV. He transferred from Arizona State largely because of his dad, Del, a former Rebels assistant football coach who also knew UNLV coach Tony Sanchez.
Mark Anderson
Reporter
Email: manderson@reviewjournal.com
Phone: (702) 387-2914
Mark Anderson has been at the Review-Journal since January 1999. He covered UNLV football for 17 seasons before moving to the men’s basketball beat in January 2016, and was president of the Football Writers Association of America in 2016. Before coming to the R-J, he covered UNR football for five seasons at the Reno Gazette-Journal and was the high school sports reporter for the Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat from 1988-94. He is a native of Tallahassee and a graduate of the University of Florida.
UNLV quarterback Armani Rogers struggled to complete passes in Saturday’s scrimmage at Sam Boyd Stadium. But after a series of good practices, coach Tony Sanchez said he was unconcerned about Rogers.
If there is one area in which UNLV quickly improved when coach Tony Sanchez took over after the 2014 football season, it was the ability to score.
UNLV’s football team will have its first major scrimmage Saturday in a closed-door session at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Rebels have several questions that need answers.
The Rebels spend 25 minutes in a morning meeting on special teams, 25 minutes of practice time, 20 minutes in an afternoon meeting and 15 minutes on an evening walk-through.
Injury updates from UNLV’s football training camp. Also, players shuffled in and out on the defensive line.
UNLV recorded just 11 sacks last season, second worst in the Mountain West to Air Force’s 10. Now the Rebels are working to greatly improve their pass rush.
UNLV coach Marvin Menzies was part of an ad hoc committee formed by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Their recommendations influenced NCAA rules changes that were announced Wednesday.
There are several position battles taking place during UNLV’s football training camp. Three offensive line positions, in particular, are up for grabs.
UNLV sophomore defensive tackle Kolo Uasike is expected to return to practice Friday after missing nearly a week because of weight-loss issues. Also, junior guard Justin Polu was named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list.
UNLV sophomore backup quarterback Max Gilliam is showing that he could adequately replace starter Armani Rogers if needed. The backup has started at least one game at UNLV each year since 1997.
UNLV went into full pads Tuesday for the first time this training camp. The Rebels get their first off day on Wednesday.
UNLV junior safety Evan Austrie has missed significant playing time the past two football seasons because of injuries. Now he’s at the top of the depth chart and plans to have a big season.
UNLV training camp notes: Rebels agree to home-and-home series with Brigham Young. Also, injury and personnel updates.
UNLV football notes: A new rule allows players to get in up to four games without losing a year of eligibility, which could make a huge difference for the Rebels.
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