With final camp scrimmage on tap, UNLV lineup takes shape

The opening game is still two weeks off, but UNLV's training camp, in effect, ends today with a scrimmage at 8:10 a.m. at Rebel Park.

With classes starting Monday, the Rebels are about to enter normal game preparation. No more double sessions. No more scrimmages.

Here is how the lineup, which is still evolving as the Sept. 5 season opener at Northern Illinois approaches, looks for now.

QUARTERBACK

Pros: Senior Blake Decker (6 feet 2 inches, 215 pounds) built on his strong play to end spring practices and secure the starting job. He has looked sharp in camp and like a quarterback in charge.

Cons: Decker threw 18 interceptions last season, so he can't produce that kind of number again. He also must stay healthy because there is quite a drop-off behind him on the depth chart.

RUNNING BACK

Pros: Freshmen Lexington Thomas (5-9, 165) and Xzaviar Campbell (5-11, 220) look like a duo that will be tough to stop in coming years. Thomas, in particular, gives the Rebels the X-factor of being a playmaker in more ways than simply taking handoffs.

Cons: UNLV averaged 129.2 yards rushing last season, last in the Mountain West. The Rebels are more talented this season, but they are unproven at that position.

WIDE RECEIVER

Pros: Sophomore Devonte Boyd's talent is obvious. Boyd (6-1, 175) was the Mountain West's top freshman last season, and he will be Decker's top target again this fall. Another sophomore, Kendal Keys (6-4, 200), also will be tough to defend and will make it difficult for opponents to double team Boyd.

Cons: Ability isn't the issue. It's depth. UNLV will use six receivers, all capable, but the Rebels can't go deeper than that.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Pros: UNLV has the makings of a solid starting five, especially at center with junior Will Kreitler (6-0, 290). The Rebels should block better than they did last season despite needing to replace three starters.

Cons: Injuries would be real problem because the Rebels lack depth. The fact they have three incoming freshman backups who might play is telling. Plus, the starters still need to prove they can get it done in games and not just on the practice field.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Pros: Four newcomers have provided a much-needed boost to the line, especially sophomore end Mark Finau (6-3, 230) and freshman tackle Salanoa-Alo Wily (6-0, 285). Senior end Sonny Sanitoa (6-3, 270) is the line's anchor and a proven player, and sophomore tackle Mike Hughes Jr. (6-2, 310) could be in for a strong season.

Cons: Trying to mix in so many new players could prove problematic. And though coaches feel much better about the line than they did after spring practices, whether the front can produce is another question. UNLV can't have another season in which it gives up almost 300 yards rushing per game.

LINEBACKER

Pros: This is the most experienced position group on the team, led by junior Tau Lotulelei (6-1, 230), who topped the Rebels with 100 tackles last season. It's also a deep group, with five players making up the rotation.

Cons: The linebackers need to pick up their play from last season. Lotulelei made 10½ tackles for loss, but no other linebacker had more than three.

SECONDARY

Pros: Senior Peni Vea (6-1, 205) is one of the Mountain West's top safeties, and newcomers Darius Mouton (5-10, 165) and Jay'Onn Myles (5-8, 165) have the makings of being top defenders. Mouton is a freshman nickelback, and Myles a junior cornerback who also will play nickel. Junior Torry McTyer (6-0, 180) has the ability to be a quality cornerback.

Cons: Only Vea is back among the starters, so chemistry could be an issue. McTyer also missed more than a week of practice because of a left knee injury, and that slowed his development. This also remains an unproven group.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Pros: Junior Nicolai Bornand (6-1, 225) should be more effective now that he no longer plays linebacker. Senior Logan Yunker (6-2, 200) is a solid punter.

Cons: Bornand needs to be more consistent, and it's a mystery what kind of return game the Rebels will put on the field. Special teams was a liability last season, and there's no reason to think it will be a strength this season.

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