Ex-Gorman standout Bobak hits stride at defensive end for Rebels
ELY -- UNLV sophomore defensive end Ian Bobak let out a primal scream and punched his right fist into the air.
He had just recorded a sack toward the end of Monday's afternoon practice. Bobak had two sacks in the morning, giving him three for the day.
"The game's really starting to slow down for me," Bobak said. "I'm really starting to get my rhythm again.
"The mental presence is just there. It's really starting to click for me."
He said gaining 15 pounds to get up to 245 on his 6-foot-3-inch frame has made a noticeable difference. Bobak also has increased his bench press by about 20 pounds to 355 and his squat about 50 pounds to around 450.
"I don't want to get bullied out here," Bobak said, showing a sense of humor.
Coach Bobby Hauck said Bobak is being considered for both end spots, and the Bishop Gorman High School product is working with the second-team unit.
"Ian's done a nice job this first week of camp," Hauck said. "He's opened some eyes, and really kind of stepped it up from his performance in spring."
Bobak said he also could be used as a specialist, such as a rush end on third-down situations.
"I'm Polish, not a Russian," Bobak deadpanned.
He might have been kidding, but the scream was in all seriousness.
"I just want to keep the tempo upbeat," Bobak said. "If we're up by 20 or down by 20, I just want everyone to know that the D-line's going to play physical and play fast, and the emotion's there. We aren't going to let anybody down this year."
NOTABLE
Junior H-back Aaron Reed's season could be in jeopardy because of a right knee injury. "His knee's pretty swollen right now," Hauck said. "It doesn't look very good. He's going to rehab it while we're up here, and when we get back to Vegas, we'll make some decisions." ... Sophomore quarterback Caleb Herring threw three touchdown passes in a red-zone drill, and junior Sean Reilly tossed two TDs. ... Junior safety Dre Crawford intercepted his second pass in two days. ... Sophomore linebacker Tim Hasson returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown. ... Sophomore running back Tim Cornett rushed for a 57-yard score.
