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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 0-11 (0-8) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: John Robinson Returning starters: 12 (offense 5, defense 6) Outlook Expectations are soaring for Runnin' Rebels football since a certain guy named John Robinson left Los Angeles for the desert. That doesn't mean that talk of a conference title has come to The Strip. UNLV is definitely playing a low-stakes game after going 0-11 last year and currently carrying the nation's second-longest losing streak. That's not to suggest that the Rebs are not capable of surprising some teams. Robinson's coaching savvy and a stellar recruiting class might be enough to make small gains this year, and begin the process of restoring the program's credibility. Ending the 16-game losing streak would nearly be enough. Offense Quarterback Jason Vaughn wasted little time picking up the offense during the spring, which puts the JC transfer on the fast track to start this season. UNLV does have Chris Hayward returning, but his best asset is his knowledge of the offense. Vaughn's strong arm and ability to make plays should deliver him the No. 1 job. The new surrounding should not slow his transition, as this is his fourth school in as many years. He was a redshirt at Mississippi in 1996 before transferring to Division I-AA Valdosta State in 1997 and Middle Georgia last year. Before going down with an injury at Valdosta State, Vaughan threw for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns in five games. Last season, he led Middle Georgia to an 11-1 mark, passing for 1,478 yards and 13 scores. A transfer should lend stability to the running game as well. Former Florida State recruit Jeremi Rudolph was brought in to be the tailback after starring in the community college ranks. With the new staff moving away from the one-back offense featured in Vegas the past few seasons, former tailback James Wofford has been moved to fullback. There wasn't any patchwork needed at receiver. Nate Turner and Len Ware form a dangerous combo. Ware had 39 catches for 500 yards a year ago, good numbers for one of the more anemic offenses in the country. Turner is a possession specialist who can go over the middle and make the tough catch. Protecting the passer until Turner and Ware get open will be a challenge. Just two players with starting experience line up among the front four, but there is plenty of size. John Greer, had 10 starts a year ago and should start at one tackle position. Brandon Bair appears to be headed for the other spot as a 6- 6, 285-pound sophomore. It's a good sign if: Members of the new recruiting class can play immediately.It's a bad sign if: A line blessed with size is burdened by a lack of speed. Defense A series of position switches took place this spring in an effort to shore up a unit that allowed more than 230 yards rushing per game last year. Dusty Pearce moves from linebacker to end. He was expected to be paired with Roderick Jones, but coaches have moved Jones inside to tackle. He has added 10 pounds to his 6-2 frame and is currently tipping the scales at about 255. Ahmad Miller and Kawika Sagapolu will battle to be No. 1 on the depth chart at nose guard. Each is talented, but has yet to take a snap at the Division IA level. At linebacker, James Sunia is the immovable force in the middle. Jerrad Pierucci will play one outside position and Tyler Brickell is the likely choice at the other outside spot. While question marks hover above the front seven, the secondary is fairly solid. Both corners and the strong safety are back on campus. Last year the group came up with only three interceptions, but cover men Kevin Thomas and Andre Hilliard are capable of more. Thomas spent an offseason in the weight room to better handle bump-and-run coverage and to improve his tackling. He spent a fair amount of time on the track too, improving his speed to better handle the wide-side protection he is assigned to. Last year he led the team with seven pass breakups. Strong safety Randy Black provides cover support and a hard-hitting presence that will help slow the run. It's a good sign if: The secondary can come up with a few more interceptions.It's a bad sign if: Players don't adjust well to position switches. Special Teams Tim O'Reilly is back as the kicker, but he must demonstrate consistency on a team that needs to capitalize on each of its scoring chances. Last year he missed four extra points and four field goals. Ryan McDonald is ready for his first season as the starting punter. He has some big shoes to fill, as Joe Kristosik led the nation in punting last year with a 46.2-yard average. -- John Crowley |
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