Las Vegas Review-Journal - UNLV Sports

Once again, UNLV defensive tackle Malo Taumua is having another outstanding spring, and now he is in even better shape physically.

He has lost 10 pounds to get down to 268, and in addition to the weight loss the arthroscopic left knee surgery he had on Jan. 8 has made him more agile. That was obvious in this morning's scrimmage when Taumua — wearing a black jersey as the top defensive performer in Wednesday's practice — recorded three quarterback pressures on the first four passing plays.

"He's light," coach Mike Sanford said. "He's playing fast. He's playing really well."

Taumua was one of the top practice players last spring and has worn the black jersey twice this year.

"I wanted to take over what I did last spring to this spring," Taumua said. "You've got to get better every year. You can't go downhill."

ALSO GETTING DEFENSIVE

Cornerback Warren Zeigler was one of three junior college defensive backs brought in early to provide immediate help. The Rebels had better hope the scrimmage is an indication of what's to come.

Zeigler made one interception, nearly had a second pick that was broken up by wide receiver Tate Knutson and denied a touchdown by breaking up a pass in the end zone.

"I still made some mistakes, but I feel like as a whole I got better," Zeigler said. "I think everyone's competing for the No. 1 spot right now. There are no sure things on this football team. We're competing. It's friendly competition, but it's still competing.

"I like days like this."

Sanford said the cornerback position will not be decided this spring because he wants to wait for Quinton Pointer to return in August from right shoulder surgery and for the arrival of junior college transfer Mike Grant. But Zeigler certainly didn't hurt himself with this performance.

"I think it's big," Sanford said. "I think all these scrimmages are big. I think you've got to do it day in and day out. We knew he could play man to man. You've got to be a football player that does everything, and I think he did a lot of good things today."

ONE DEFENSIVE DISAPPOINTMENT

Though defense mostly carried the morning, there was one letdown. The first-team unit allowed third-string walk-on quarterback Les Obie to direct a late touchdown drive.

Sanford said he was disappointed about the drive, adding, "We've got to play better than that on defense."

The 8-yard touchdown pass from Obie to wide receiver Renan Saint Preux was the only score given up by the defensive units. Tailback Channing Trotter's 65-yard touchdown run was called back because of an illegal block in the back. Despite the penalty, Trotter led all rushers with 44 yards on seven carries.

Starting quarterback Omar Clayton completed 2 of 7 passes for 16 yards. Backup Mike Clausen was 5 of 14 for 89 yards.

ALSO IN BLACK

Besides Taumua, tailback Chris Brogdon wore the black jersey. The nominees were wide receiver Phillip Payne, defensive end Isaako Aaitui, linebacker Jason Beauchamp and cornerback Will Chandler.

FEELING GOOD

UNLV suffered no significant injuries in the scrimmage, and hasn't had one all spring. Sanford hopes that trend holds up over the final six spring sessions.

"It's good to come out (of the scrimmage) healthy," Sanford said. "A major positive."

LOOKING AHEAD

The next practice is at 4 p.m. Monday at Rebel Park. It is open to the public. Watch for the next practice update on this blog at about 8 p.m. that day.