UNLV Runnin' Rebels
2000 overall record: 8-5
Conference record: 4-3 (t-3rd)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 7
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Jeremi Rudolph (1,005 yds)
Passing: Jason Thomas* (1,708 yds)
Receiving: Nate Turner* (947 yds)
Tackles: Sam Brandon* (82)
Sacks: Anton Palepoi* (8)
Interceptions: Three players with 2 each
What's new
The Rebels won't play a Saturday game until their fourth of the season. The opener is on Thursday, August 30 vs. Arkansas on ESPN (it will be UNLV's first ESPN appearance since '94). The second and third games (vs. Northwestern and Colorado State) will both be part of ESPN's new Friday night package.
Battling it out
Four starters return on the offensive line, but unanimous all-conference selection John Greer is gone from the right tackle spot. Neither of the leading candidates to replace him played a down for UNLV last season. Junior college transfer Matt Williams enrolled in January and competed with redshirt freshman Jimy Zoll during spring drills. Both looked good, but Williams has a slight lead entering the fall.
Eye catcher: TB Joe Haro
The top three tailbacks from 2000 do not return, which opened the door for someone new to step up and impress. That player was Haro. He came to Vegas as a running back, was moved to defense and missed the second half of last season with a leg injury. He made his return to running back this year and closed with 52 yards and a TD on just eight carries in the spring game. Haro has good speed and will also be looked at as a kick returner this fall. He is listed as co-No.1 at tailback with Jabari Johnson.
Budding star: FS Sam Brandon
Brandon was originally a wide receiver but moved to defense last year and led the team in tackles. He has good size (6-3, 200), receiver speed and is a big hitter. He should get some attention with the increased exposure of program this season. John Robinson has even compared Brandon to Ronnie Lott and Dennis Smith because of his hitting ability.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
