UNLV REBELS

Aug. 8, 2009

LAS VEGAS - UNLV football moved one step closer toward full gear workouts, with the Scarlet group putting on shoulder pads for the first time during Saturday morning's workout at Rebel Park.

It was clear early on that the veteran group was glad to be able to dish out some more hits, as the 20-period session featured much more contact and some hitting during drills.

"It felt great to hit and give some pops out there," said Malo Taumua (Honolulu, HI/Aiea HS). "We are getting close to going full speed and that is exciting. We can't wait for that."

Sanford and the coaching staff spent a majority of today installing a lot of plays on both sides of the ball and taking advantage of teaching more with the squads being split into two groups. Isaako Aaitui (Pago Pago, America Samoa/Faga'itua HS) turned in a strong practice, recording a pair of tackles for loss and disrupting the offensive line.

"This morning was pretty physical and we got a lot done," UNLV head coach Mike Sanford said. "The attitude was great and we played fast and hard once we got going."

SATURDAY SORENESS: Three days into training camp and Sanford said he thought the Rebels were starting to feel sore for the first time, which he felt contributed to a slow start Saturday morning. Sanford was pleased though that the veterans fought through it and turned in a good practice once the group got loose and warmed up.

"It was a good practice but not a great practice," Sanford said. "It is the third day so we were a little bit sore and sleepy this morning, but it got better as practice went on."

NEW G.A.: New to the Rebel coaching staff this year is first-year graduate assistant Rhett Brooks, who will be helping out with the defense this season. Brooks comes to UNLV after finishing up a playing career at Murray State, where he played center for the Racers from 2005-08. Brooks earned his bachelor's degree in health and physical education from MSU in 2009.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: The Gray squad will close out Saturday with a practice from 6:00-7:55 p.m. at Rebel Park, and then the entire team will practice together for the first time on Sunday from 6:00-8:05 p.m. The public is invited to all practices this week at Rebel Park.