There are several position battles taking place during UNLV’s football training camp. Three offensive line positions, in particular, are up for grabs.
Mark Anderson
Reporter: UNLV football and basketball
Email: manderson@reviewjournal.com
Phone: (702) 387-2914
Mark Anderson has been at the Review-Journal since January 1999. He covered UNLV football for 17 seasons before moving to the men’s basketball beat in January 2016, and was president of the Football Writers Association of America in 2016. Anderson returned to the football beat in 2017 and still covers men’s basketball. Before coming to the R-J, he covered UNR football for five seasons at the Reno Gazette-Journal and was the high school sports reporter for the Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat from 1988-94. He is a native of Tallahassee and a graduate of the University of Florida.
UNLV sophomore defensive tackle Kolo Uasike is expected to return to practice Friday after missing nearly a week because of weight-loss issues. Also, junior guard Justin Polu was named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list.
UNLV sophomore backup quarterback Max Gilliam is showing that he could adequately replace starter Armani Rogers if needed. The backup has started at least one game at UNLV each year since 1997.
UNLV went into full pads Tuesday for the first time this training camp. The Rebels get their first off day on Wednesday.
UNLV junior safety Evan Austrie has missed significant playing time the past two football seasons because of injuries. Now he’s at the top of the depth chart and plans to have a big season.
UNLV training camp notes: Rebels agree to home-and-home series with Brigham Young. Also, injury and personnel updates.
UNLV football notes: A new rule allows players to get in up to four games without losing a year of eligibility, which could make a huge difference for the Rebels.
UNLV defensive tackle Kolo Uasike did not practice so that he could re-hydrate after a tough Saturday session. Interior offensive lineman Justice Oluwaseun is getting closer to returning from a torn ACL.
The NCAA changed the kickoff return rule so that fair catches inside the 25-yard line, even those in the field of play, put the ball at the 25. It could result in more squib and onside kicks.
Competition for spots is heating up after only two days of UNLV’s football training camp. Linebacker Bailey Laolagi and offensive lineman Sid Acosta have shown their versatility by playing multiple positions.
UNLV quarterback Armani Rogers had a successful freshman football season in 2017, but he completed 52.4 percent of his passes. That’s a number he’s trying to improve.
The familiar No. 84 in the white jersey lined up in the left slot Friday, but there was nothing routine about UNLV senior wide receiver Kendal Keys going through drills on the first day of training camp.
UNLV senior wide receiver Kendal Keys practiced just a week after his brother, Kenny, fatally shot himself. Also, the Rebels hope to get an NCAA waiver to play transfer cornerback Alex Perry this season.
One yard. Two plays. One long offseason. It’s a memory that drives UNLV as it opens football training camp Friday morning at Rebel Park under coach Tony Sanchez.
Facebook will broadcast UNLV’s football game at Utah State on Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.