Aggressive defense part of Rebels’ plan this season

UNLV doesn’t go into fall pads until Monday, but there was plenty of hitting this morning for the first time in this preseason camp. It was the Rebels’ first time in shoulder pads.

If the session was any indication, expect a more aggressive defense this football season. Defenders applied plenty of pressure with players such as junior linebacker Starr Fuimaono and junior end/tackle Isaako Aaitui making plays.

"We need to be an aggressive, pressure defense," coach Mike Sanford said. "A lot of that depends on how our secondary develops, how aggressive we can be."

FIVE’S A CROWD

There are so many cornerbacks competing for the two spots that Sanford did not rule out consistently playing three at a time.

"A lot of that has to do with what kind of offense we’re playing against," Sanford said. "When we face spread offenses with four wide receivers, the answer to that question is ‘yes.’ When we see a two-back, tight end, classic power football offense, probably not."

Sophomore Will Chandler, junior Mike Grant, junior Quinton Pointer, sophomore Deante Purvis and junior Warren Zeigler are the top five players competing at cornerback.

"That doesn’t mean that other guys are out," Sanford said. "But I would say those five right now are the top five."

Senior nickel back Terrance Lee will play a combination of cornerback and safety.

"That’ll add to the competition," Sanford said.

ANOTHER COMPETITIVE POSITION

UNLV now has three punters competing to start thanks to the addition of junior walk-on Daniel Ayers (6 feet 2 inches, 193 pounds) from Laney College in Oakland, Calif. Junior Brendon Lamers and senior Kyle Watson also are in the running.

Sanford said he would prefer to have a starter by the mock game Aug. 29 at Sam Boyd Stadium, and that all three are off to promising starts.