Rebels riding momentum
of strong finishThird in a series
UNLV football fans got a look at what the future might hold when the Rebels played at Colorado State at the end of last season. And it looked as bright as The Strip, as UNLV toppled the No. 13 team in the land 36-33.
Underclassmen like running back Larry Croom, wide receiver Earvin Johnson, linebacker Adam Seward and safety Jamaal Brimmer shined in the victory. They made the faithful wonder why the Rebels went only 5-7 in 2002. But -- like the gambler who has a good last day to take the sting out of an overall losing trip -- the Rebels have high hopes for the next go-round.
Media members who cover the Mountain West Conference aren't as confident; they pick the Rebels to finish fifth in the league.
But legendary coach John Robinson believes UNLV has turned the corner after two consecutive losing seasons.
"We have had a high number of could've, should've games that we have been in and not won," Robinson said. "UNLV may be one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the country this season. We will be in a lot of games that will come down to the last minute. Whether we make the dynamic play at the end will dictate how our year will go."
While there are playmakers aplenty, three-year starting quarterback Jason Thomas must be replaced. Junior Kurt Nantkes (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) put up some good Vegas numbers in a scrimmage Saturday, completing seven of 11 passes. He threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
Croom (5-10, 205) busted out against Colorado State with 222 yards on 20 carries. The senior Arizona transfer will be the featured back this fall at tailback. Senior Andrew Faga (6-0, 250) and junior Dyante Perkins (6-0, 225) have zero career carries between them, but are the leading candidates at fullback.
The aforementioned Johnson also had a magical outing against the Rams, catching 12 passes for 132 yards and two TDs. The junior has good speed to go with his 6-3, 200-pound stature. On the other side, senior Michael Johnson (5-11, 190) owns a 20-game streak of catching at least one pass.
The left side of the offensive line and senior center Dominic Furio (6-3, 295) are experienced. Furio, senior left tackle Matt Williams (6-6, 300) and junior left guard Marcus Johnson (6-1, 300) missed only one start among the three of them in 2002. Nine candidates came into fall camp looking for work at the two spots on the right side, and senior Ryan Clifford (6-2, 250) is the favorite to start at tight end.
Safety's first on defense -- strong safety Brimmer (6-1, 210) was the Mountain West defensive player of the year last season after making 100 tackles, including 17 in the opponents' backfield. The consensus preseason All-American will be joined by either sophomore Joe Miklos (6-1, 205) or junior Will Tagoai (6-1, 205). Tagoai is a cousin of former Hawaii linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. Junior Ruschard Dodd-Masters (6-0, 175) and sophomore David Olsen (5-11, 195) man the corners.
Like Brimmer, junior middle linebacker Seward (6-2, 250) is a Las Vegas-area product. And he can also flat-out play. Seward led the Mountain West with 133 tackles last fall and won all-conference honors. He will likely be flanked by junior Ryan Claridge (6-3, 250) and junior Reggie Butler (6-0, 220).
The big man up front is senior tackle Dietrich Canterberry (6-4, 310). He's joined by senior Joe Oniwor (6-1, 300). At end, senior Chris Eagen (6-4, 270) missed spring drills with an abdominal injury, but should be ready to go in the opener a week from Saturday against Toledo. Sophomore Leon Moore (6-5, 260) showed signs of his potential last year with 11 tackles-for-loss as a backup.
Senior kicker Dillon Pieffer is nothing out of the ordinary, but he does have three years of experience. Junior punter Gary Cook is better than his 38.3 yards-per-punt; 26 of his kicks ended with the foes starting inside their own 20.
Speedy junior Alvin Marshall (5-10, 185) hopes to jump start a return game that was very poor in 2002, ranking 104th in kickoffs and 96th in punts.
Robinson's stepping down as athletic director allows him to focus more on the team.
"Our program is now at a level that is consistent with a yearly contender in the league," he said. "We have drawn even with most of the league. We have the tools to be very explosive."
UNLV Rebels
2003 schedule
Aug. 30 Toledo Sept. 6 at Kansas Sept. 13 at Wisconsin Sept. 19 Hawaii Oct. 4 at Nevada Oct. 11 at Air Force Oct. 18 Utah Oct. 25 Brigham Young Nov. 1 at New Mexico Nov. 8 San Diego State Nov. 22 Colorado State Nov. 29 at Wyoming 2002 results
5-7 overall, 3-4 Mountain West Aug. 31 Wisconsin L, 7-27 Sept. 7 Kansas W, 31-20 Sept. 14 at Oregon State L, 17-47 Sept. 21 at Toldeo L, 21-38 Oct. 5 Nevada W, 21-17 Oct. 12 New Mexico L, 16-25 Oct. 19 at Brigham Young W, 24-3 Oct. 26 at San Diego State L, 21-31 Nov. 2 Wyoming W, 49-48 (OT) Nov. 9 at Utah L, 17-28 Nov. 16 Air Force L, 32-49 Nov. 30 at Colorado State W, 36-33
