2013 UNLV Spring Football Analysis

UNLV Rebels 2013 ... Head Coach: Bobby Hauck

UNLV Rebels

2013 Schedule
Not Yet Released

Why To Be Excited Okay, enough is enough. Head coach Bobby Hauck has been around long enough to have what he wants in place, and while this is still a relatively young team, it’s also full of veterans with 20 starters returning. The offense can’t help but be better with the return of big bomber Nick Sherry and excellent senior running back Tim Cornett. All the top receivers are back along with almost everyone on defense including the entire secondary and all four starters on the line. Not only do the Rebels have the starters, they have the depth to fight for jobs.

Why To Be Grouchy Even with all the returning talent, can anyone actually play? There were some stunners last season, but for the most part the team got obliterated time and again. The offensive line that was such a positive at times is one of the few places that takes a hit losing tackle Yusef Rodgers and guard Doug Zismann on the right side. There’s only one starter gone on defense, but linebacker John Lotuleilei was the best player and heart-and-soul leader.

What Needs Working On First and foremost, the passing game has to be more efficient and more effective. Sherry was thrown to the wolves, and it showed at times starting out the year throwing three picks in the loss to Minnesota, and closing out throwing three more interceptions in the loss to Hawaii. He was able to get things moving against the nation’s worst defense, Louisiana Tech, but overall he made too many mistakes and there were rarely any big plays down the field. No one feared the Rebel passing game, and that has to change coming out of spring ball.

Team Concerns For 2013: Just get a few wins. The Rebels aren't used to being anything more than a punching bag, but with 20 starters returning it's time to finally start producing. The defense has to be better against the decent passing teams and has to be far, far better at getting off the field after allowing opponents convert 46% of their third down chances and a whopping 52% of their fourth down tries. The running game found something with Tim Cornett turning in a good year, but the painfully inefficient passing game has to get more from the receivers down the field.

The 2013 Class Is Heavy On ... JUCO transfers. UNLV is always in a desperation WIN NOW mode, but there are a few nice high school gets for the offense led by running back Keith Whitely from Texas. However, Bobby Hauck is looking to improve the defense immediately with four defensive end JUCO transfers with Austin Koki and Pingi Moli from Mount San Antonio in California and Efrem Clark leading the way. Two more JUCO types - Damon Collins and Kori Gaines - are in at corner, while Jack Killian and guard C.J. Backlund will be part of the rotation right away.

2012 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 89. That Class Was Heavy On ... Head coach Bobby Hauck has done a good job on the recruiting trail over his first few seasons, but it hasn’t shown on the field. He wants his team to be far more physical on both sides, but he’s not doing too much for the offensive line with the defense expected to get more talent coming off a few deep classes of defenders. 

2011 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 89. That Class Was Heavy On ... Cornerback. The last two classes focused on the defense, with the 2009 haul loading up on defensive back. This class is trying to get more pop for the offense with a few decent quarterback prospects, led by JUCO transfer Sean Reilly, and the star of the entire class is JUCO linebacker Princeton Jackson, but the best position is corner. Fred Wilson and safety-sized Brandon Baker promising for down the line, while JUCO transfer Kenneth Spigner has to make a splash right away.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 100. That Class Was Heavy On ... Key defensive linemen. Bobby Hauck didn't have much time to put together the recruiting class he might have wanted, but he did a good job of sprinkling in some star prospects with the bulk. Only two defensive linemen were brought in, but tackle Desmond Tautofi could be a cornerstone tackle while Ian Bobak should be a pass rushing terror with a little bit of time. Overall, Houck wants a more physical team, and this class should be a good start. 

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 81. That Class Was Heavy On ... Defensive backs. While this is a class full of variety, there isn’t a lot of star power. JUCO defensive end B.J. Bell will be asked to shine right away, Jordan Barrett is a top-shelf outside linebacker prospect, and the defensive backs should be solid. JUCO transfers Mike Grant and Warren Ziegler will provide instant depth at corner, while Courtney Bridget is a tall, promising corner for the other side. Chase Childers is a fast safety.