Some moderate surprises were unveiled Sunday as coach Mike Sanford released the UNLV's two-deep depth chart for next Saturday's opener at Sam Boyd Stadium against Utah State.
On the offensive side of the ball, the strong camp showing put up by true freshman wideout Phillip Payne earned him a spot as one of four first-unit receivers. The 6-foot-3 Western High grad proved time and time (and time) again in Ely that he could be a nice tool for the Rebels to mess with in the red zone. Also, junior Luke Plante is listed as the team's No. 2 tight end, having just switched to the position from his defensive line post just over a week ago.
Defensively, in the wake of Jacob Hales' dislocated elbow, the Rebels list three starting linemen with no prior starting experience. The sole returning starter who will line up next week is sophomore Malo Taumua. In Hales' place will be sophomore Isaako Aaitui.
Hales on Sunday, however, was given the Tom Weisner Award, voted on by the coaching staff and seniors to honor the Rebel senior who best carries on the late Mr. Wiesner's courage, enthusiasm, dedication and toughness.
The only spot on the depth chart with three names listed is at the other defensive tackle. Junior Perry Eppenger, who was sent home from Ely early, but managed to find his way back on to the practice field earlier this week, is listed as an interchangeable No. 2 with Lale Taiese.
Interestingly, Quinton Pointer is listed as a starter, though that is subject to change. This simply hints that there's a strong possibility the Rebels' top cornerback, who has been out for more than two weeks with a dislocated elbow, could be ready to go Saturday. Should he not be ready to go, expect Will Chandler to get the start.
The Rebs' thinnest spot on defense is at safety. Junior Terrance Lee will make his first career start next Saturday as the team's strong safety, while Daryl Forte (19 career starts) is at free. Both Chris Jones and Travis Dixon, who moved from quarterback to safety, are missing from the two-deep.
Finally, on special teams, there are two 'or' spots. Both junior Kyle Watson and sophomore Ben Jaekle will handle field goal kicking duties, it appears, while Jaekle will be the kickoff guy. Dack Isii, the team's third-string QB, will be the holder and could punt, as an 'or' separates his name from junior Brendon Lamers.
Michael Johnson, a 5-foot-8 freshman receiver who's also produced a steady camp, will be the Rebels' primary punt returner, taking senior Casey Flair out of the line of fire on special teams. Johnson will also be the kick returner alongside Geoff Howard.
Rebels' Depth Chart vs. Utah State
OFFENSE
LT
1) 75 - Matt Murphy (6-4, 290, So.)
2) 67 - Mario Jeberaeel (6-4, 285, Sr.)
LG
1) 64 - Sifa Moala (6-1, 325, Sr.)
2) 78 - Johan Asiata (6-4, 310, Sr.)
C
1) 66 - John Gianninoto (6-3, 290, So.)
2) 59 - Joe Hawley (6-3, 300, Jr.)
RG
1) 59 - Joe Hawley (6-3, 300, Jr.)
2) 65 - Ramsey Feagai (6-2, 340, So.)
RT
1) 73 - Evan Marchal (6-7, 290, So.)
2) 79 - Richie Plunkett (6-6, 290, Sr.)
WR
1) 18 - Phillip Payne (6-3, 185, Fr.)
2) 85 - Jerriman Robinson (6-1, 190, Jr.)
WR
1) 88 - Ryan Wolfe (6-2, 210, Jr.)
2) 28 - Michael Johnson (5-8, 170, Fr.)
WR
1) 84 - Rodelin Anthony (6-5, 230, Jr.)
2) 83 - Gerold Rodriguez (5-10, 175, Sr.)
WR
1) 80 - Casey Flair (6-1, 205, Sr.)
2) 81 - Tate Knutson (5-10, 185, So.)
QB
1) 2 - Omar Clayton (6-1, 200, So.)
2) 6 - Mike Clausen (6-2, 200, Fr.)
TB
1) 4 - Frank Summers (5-10, 230, Sr.)
2) 32 - Channing Trotter (5-8, 195, So.)
(TE)
1) 46 - Ryan Worthen (5-11, 235, Sr.)
2) 90 - Luke Plante (6-3, 245, Jr.)
DEFENSE
DE
1) 99 - Isaako Aaitui (6-3, 300, So.)
2) 91 - Preston Brooks (6-3, 250, So.)
DT
1) 68 - Marten Tevaseu (6-3, 320, Jr.)
2) 96 - Lale Taiese (6-3, 285, Jr.) or 71 - Perry Eppenger (6-3, 300, Jr.)
DT
1) 93 - Malo Taumua (6-0, 270, So.)
2) 98 - George Fa'avae (6-1, 260, Sr.)
DE
1) 94 - Thor Pili (6-3, 285, Sr.)
2) 42 - Heivaha Mafi (6-1, 250, Jr.)
WLB
1) 33 - Jason Beauchamp (6-3, 230, Jr.)
2) 55 - Nate Carter (6-0, 230, Fr.)
MLB
1) 56 - Ronnie Paulo (6-1, 230, So.)
2) 50 - Rusty Worthen (5-11, 235, Sr.)
SLB
1) 14 - Starr Fuimaono (5-11, 210, Jr.)
2) 54 - Bryce Saldi (6-3, 215, Fr.)
LCB
1) 7 - Geoffrey Howard (5-10, 200, Sr.)
2) 1 - Will Chandler (5-11, 180, Fr.)
SS
1) 23 - Terrance Lee (6-0, 175, Jr.)
2) 22 - Wiselet Rouzard (5-9, 210, Jr.)
FS
1) 8 - Daryl Forte (5-10, 200, Jr.)
2) 45 - Marquel Martin (5-11, 190, Jr.)
RCB
1) 10 - Quinton Pointer (5-10, 185, So.)
2) 21 - Lorenzo Bursey Jr. (5-8, 175, Sr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK
1) 37 - Kyle Watson (5-9, 205, Jr.) or 39 - Ben Jaekle (6-1, 170, So.)
KO
1) 39 - Ben Jaekle (6-1, 170, So.)
HOLD
1) 19 - Dack Ishii (6-2, 220, Sr.)
SNAP
1) 43 - Kamu Kapanui (6-0, 245, Jr.)
PUNT
1) 13 - Brendon Lamers (5-10, 195, Jr.) or 19 - Dack Ishii (6-2, 220, Sr.)
PR
1) 28 - Michael Johnson (5-8, 170, Fr.)
2) 80 - Casey Flair (6-1, 205, Sr.)
KR
1) 28 - Michael Johnson (5-8, 170, Fr.) and 7 - Geoffrey Howard (5-10, 200, Sr.)
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