UNLV’s starting lineup… for now
UNLV’s starting lineup is far from settled and probably nowhere near what it will look like when the Rebels open Sept. 4 against Wisconsin at Sam Boyd Stadium.
But these were the first-team offensive and defensive units in Thursday’s practice:
OFFENSE
Left tackle — Matt Murphy, senior. Should keep job. Possibly UNLV’s top linemen.
Left guard — Jason Heath, sophomore. Will face a big battle for the spot when redshirt freshman Sean Tesoro is fully recovered from ankle injury.
Center — John Gianninoto, senior. Appears to be his spot to lose.
Right guard — Doug Zismann, sophomore. A talented lineman, but could be pushed by sophomore Yusef Rodgers.
Right tackle — Evan Marchal, senior. Should keep the position.
Wide receiver — Phillip Payne, junior. Hard to imagine him not starting.
Wide receiver — Michael Johnson, junior. Also would be difficult to beat out.
Tight end — Kyle Watkins, junior. Fine for now, but could have difficulty holding on to position when junior college transfer Anthony Vidal arrives.
Quarterback — Omar Clayton, senior. Has junior Mike Clausen and redshirt freshman Caleb Herring right on his heels.
Tailback — Channing Trotter, senior. A hard-nosed runner with plenty of competition to hold off in redshirt freshman Bradley Randle and junior C.J. Cox.
Fullback — Jordan Barrett, sophomore. Actually listed as a tight end, but has worked at fullback in practices.
DEFENSE
End — James Dunlap, junior. Far from secure with plenty of competition.
Tackle — Isaako Aaitui, senior. Will be stunning if he doesn’t start.
Tackle — Ramsey Feagai, senior. Probable starter, but senior Malo Taumua should push for job.
End — Daniel Mareko, senior. In similar spot as Dunlap.
Linebacker — Nate Carter, junior. Chances are good he will start, but it’s not a lock.
Linebacker — Ronnie Paulo, senior. Odds-on favorite to win the job.
Linebacker — Starr Fuimaono, senior. If he doesn’t start here, it means he’s probably a first-teamer at safety.
Cornerback — Mike Grant, senior. Could start, but probably will be part of three-man corner rotation that also includes junior Deante Purvis.
Safety — Alex De Giacomo, senior. Improved toward end of last season, and chances look good he will be the No. 1 guy.
Safety — Travis Dixon, senior. Write his name in pencil, not pen.
Cornerback — Quinton Pointer, senior. Should keep position and be in three-player rotation.