Change in coaches has been positive

A healthy amount of attrition is expected during a coaching change, but that hasn't been the case with UNLV.

Only two scholarship players who have lettered — defensive tackle Malo Taumua and cornerback Warren Zeigler — are no longer on the team since spring football ended. And it was neither player's decision not to return.

The Rebels, who have not had a winning season or bowl berth in 10 years, are eager to reverse course. They have come within a game of being bowl eligible the past two seasons, and now play for a coach, Bobby Hauck, who went 80-17 at Montana.

"The buy-in of our football team, the percent that has bought in is high," Hauck said.

Senior safety Alex De Giacomo said the differences are easy to see between this year than last, the fifth and final season under Mike Sanford.

"It's such a big change in a positive way for the team," De Giacomo said. "We feel a lot more togetherness. Everybody is more hungry to win. Last year, we expected to go and do a lot of big things, but it just didn't happen.

"The perfect time is now."

STILL ONBOARD — Redshirt freshman safety John Therrell, who went to Bishop Gorman High School, decided to stay around even though his dad wasn't returning. Dennis Therrell was the defensive coordinator under Sanford.

"I wanted to stay the whole time," John Therrell said. "It's a great opportunity for me, and I couldn't leave my teammates."

Dennis Therrell also will remain around. After the family moved to Kentucky, he was hired as the Las Vegas Locomotives' linebackers and assistant special teams coach.

"He'll be able to come to a few of the games," John Therrell said. "Having him in town as a support factor is going to be nice."

HEATING UP — After two days of practicing in shorts and no pads, UNLV goes into shoulder pads at 8 a.m. Monday at Rebel Park. The Rebels will remain in shorts.

"Once you get the pads on, then it's going to be more full speed," Hauck said.