Killian’s ahead: Juco transfer arrives early

Jack Killian lined up in the slot with the second-team offense and ran a route unguarded over the middle, knowing he wouldn’t get creamed by a linebacker or safety in this practice drill.

Running plays against air, of course, isn’t the same as the threat of physical contact across the middle in football games that count.

And Killian being with the second team also means little this time of year — and might not mean that much during the season.

Whether or not he starts, Killian is a midyear junior college transfer who could become an important part of what UNLV accomplishes this fall. By signing early and participating in spring practices, Killian (6 feet, 195 pounds) gives himself a chance to make a strong impact.

He certainly did last season at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif., catching 55 passes for 992 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“Those numbers would lead you to believe, which is true, that he catches everything that comes his way, generally,” UNLV coach Bobby Hauck said. “The more comfortable he gets with how we do things, the practice tempo and what’s expected daily, I think he’s going to get better and better.”

The Rebels would gladly take Killian’s 18-yards-per-catch average, a kind of extend-the-field element that was noticeably missing last season. Leading receivers Devante Davis and Marcus Sullivan averaged 14 and 12 yards, keeping UNLV from opening up its offense.

Hauck, though, said UNLV’s receivers have the speed and ability to force opponents to defend deep.

“I think part of it was inexperience more than anything,” Hauck said of last season. “The ability for guys to understand the intricacies of the position helps them get off the press better. It helps them to finish routes. They know where everything fits rather than just route memory as to where they go. They’re better players, and I think we’re seeing some of that this spring.”

Davis, sitting out this spring with a leg injury, and Sullivan are UNLV’s expected starters. Davis caught 61 passes for 854 yards and four touchdowns last season, and Sullivan finished with 55 receptions for 659 yards and four TDs. Both players are juniors.

The Rebels also will count on sophomore Anthony Williams, who showed promise in catching 22 passes for 337 yards and a touchdown, averaging 15.3 yards a reception.

Killian is fighting to find his place among that group, as are senior Caleb Herring (18 receptions, 136 yards) and junior Taylor Spencer (nine, 116).

“I like to play six guys throughout a game,” receivers coach Cedric Cormier said. “(Killian’s) going to be an energy guy coming in there and be a tough guy catching balls and moving chains.”

Killian will do whatever it takes to get on the field, playing any receiver position offered, as well as on special teams.

Though Killian put up head-turning numbers at San Joaquin, most of the attention he received came from lower-level schools.

Then UNLV entered the picture, and Killian didn’t wait long to commit to the Rebels.

“When I came on my visit, they made me feel welcome here,” Killian said. “The visit was fun, and they were my first offer. They showed me the most interest, so I had to come here.”

■ NOTES — Sophomore Nick Gstrein has been moved from tight end to center and both guard positions. He also is playing some fullback. ... UNLV has been doing some work in the pistol formation, but unlike two years ago, the Rebels are more downhill with much less option.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.