LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The University of Nevada, Las Vegas football team has officially cleared the cobwebs from its pads and geared up for its annual spring game at Allegiant Stadium.
We got to see some of last year's notable contributors, including Jackson Woodard, Ricky White, and Jacob de Jesus.
There were also several rookies who got playing time, especially at quarterback.
The Rebels rotated their quarterbacks as Jayden Maiava transferred and Doug Brumfield retired for medical reasons. Gael Ochoa Lucas Nehoff, Cameron Friel and senior transfer Hadji Malik Williams were also seen.
It was a true scrimmage as the defense, Team Gray, rallied to defeat the offense, Team White, 64-53 in front of a crowd of 3,500.
Expectations rise every time a good season arrives. After the showcase, the players said they accepted the challenge.
“The ultimate standard is winning, and the ultimate goal of winning is winning championships,” wide receiver Ricky White said. “Obviously we fell short of that, but that standard is a championship.”
Head coach Barry Odom said the team will keep chasing it.
“As a competitor, you always want to be a champion. You want to be the best, so we're chasing that and we never back down from there,” Odom said. “I’m thrilled with the hard work our kids put in, not only during the 15th practice, but also on the days outside of practice, whether it’s lifting, meetings, walk-throughs, etc. Neither team showed much today. Yeah, but especially what we can do offensively, whether it's the run game or the passing game, we're going to be able to showcase and find ways to get the ball into space for our playmakers.”
The Rebels will begin training camp in the summer, with their first game against the University of Houston scheduled for August 31st.
“I'm excited about this team. They're a fun group to coach,” Odom said. “We will continue to build and continue with our mission to win championships. With strong belief, we know we are building something truly special.”
