Windmon, UNLV defense forging new identity as season concludes

UNLV junior Jacoby Windmon didn’t have any expectations when asked to move from outside to inside linebacker this preseason. No goals, he says, other than being the “best person, best teammate, best player I can be.”

“Just lead by example,” he added. “The transition has been pretty good for me.”

And even better for the Rebels.

Windmon will conclude an all conference-caliber season Friday in UNLV’s season finale against Air Force. He played on the outside last season and led the Rebels in sacks, but moved inside this year when asked to do so by the defensive coaches.

The move has paid dividends for Windmon, who has 101 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks — all of which lead the team.

UNLV (2-9, 2-5 Mountain West) is allowing nearly 100 fewer yards per game this season (393.5) than last season (482.7) and surrendering almost seven fewer points (31.1 this year, 38 last year).

The improvements have helped shape the program’s identity.

“Our defense has played shoulder-to-shoulder, disciplined football,” Rebels coach Marcus Arroyo said. “If I was to ask the other opponent … ‘What do you see from us?’ I want them to say that ‘You guys are being more fundamental. You’re tackling better. You’re playing together. You’re tough’ … We’re getting there. We’re not there yet. But we will (be).”

Make no mistake, Windmon was dynamic and impactful on the edge. He had five sacks in six games last year, proving a disruptive pass rusher. But the role restricted his impact and relegated him primarily to one side of the field.

He began the transition during the offseason and emerged in the fall as the dutiful leader of a defense that needed to improve.

His combination of size, speed and strength makes him a factor on all three downs.

“The guy can go sideline to sideline,” Arroyo said. “He can be at the line of scrimmage. He can be at the second level. He can be in coverage. … I think he’s only scratching the surface of what he can do for us.”

With Windmon inside, UNLV’s run defense is much improved — allowing 145.6 yards per game this season compared to last season’s average of 255.6, which ranked among the bottom six in the FBS. Their allowed third-down conversion rate of 39.4 percent is down from last year’s rate of 46.8.

Fourth-down conversions against UNLV have dropped from 66.7 percent last year to 47.4 percent this year.

That’s also a credit to other impactful defenders such as senior defensive back Bryce Jackson, who leads the secondary with 58 tackles. And fellow defensive backs Phillip Hill and Ricky Johnson, who have a team-high three interceptions apiece. Freshman linebacker Brennon Scott is second on the team with nine tackles for loss and four sacks.

Junior defensive end Adam Plant Jr. ranks third with seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Windmon and the defense will be tested Friday by the Falcons (8-3, 5-2), who employ an option offense and lead the nation in rushing with 321.7 yards per game.

But “there’s a lot of good stuff going on,” Arroyo said. “You’re playing for 3-1 in November is what you’re playing for. You’re playing to go out on a high note. You’re playing for the seniors. You’re playing versus a good opponent. You’re playing to get better every time.

“The work ain’t done,” Arroyo added. “There is not any sense of taking our foot off the gas.”

Contact reporter Sam Gordon at sgordon@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.