Coach Hauck enjoys first day of football practice
Coach Bobby Hauck conducted his first UNLV practice today, and some differences from the previous staff were especially noticeable, perhaps most importantly the change in tempo.
Mike Sanford, the Rebels' coach the past five seasons, insisted his players hustle off the field. Hauck made sure they ran onto the field and up to the line of scrimmage.
“(Hauck) wants us getting excited on the field," defensive tackle Malo Taumua said. "You’ve got to get ready to play football and get your motor going.”
Other changes included the absence of a clock so players wouldn't see how much time remained and the reopening of the extravagant front gates. Players entered through a side gate during Sanford's stint.
As for Hauck, he said he enjoyed the first day.
“Any time things are all new, it’s a little bit haphazard,” Hauck said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but it was fun to be out there with the guys.”
He had to get used to the planes taking off overhead, but didn't seemed bothered, saying, "It was perfect because my language gets a little colorful. It drowns it out.”
TALKING BASKETBALL
Hauck was hired in December after spending seven seasons coaching his alma mater, Montana. The Grizzlies' basketball team is in the NCAA Tournament, and will play a first-round game Thursday against New Mexico.
Even though Hauck is in the Mountain West Conference, he said he couldn't cheer for the Lobos over Montana.
"The Grizzlies are going to hammer them, mark my words," Hauck said. "Blow them out."
GOING BACK
Taumua, a senior to be, played defensive tackle two seasons ago and was switched to end last year. Now he's back at tackle, though he's currently on the second team.
Senior Preston Brooks, who is returning from a shoulder injury, is practicing at second-team defensive end.
UP NEXT
UNLV takes today off, but returns to Rebel Park at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
