Let’s get physical — UNLV football looks to improve against run

You can get all technical with it. Talk about gap integrity and getting off blocks and not having the edge or not fitting in between the counter or power or continuing to miss tackles.

But physicality isn’t born overnight and UNLV’s football team of late has learned such a lesson.

The Rebels are young up front defensively and it has shown in how opposing teams have run the ball.

Air Force, being typical Air Force, rushed for 430 yards (a 6.9 average) in beating UNLV and winless Northern Illinois went for 240 (a 6.3 average) in a game the Rebels escaped with victory.

UNLV has allowed the second most rushing yards among Mountain West teams.

But the kids are learning.

They’re coming to understand this is a different level.

“A lot of them were able to dominate in high school, but when they get here, they’re playing against guys just as big so they become timid,” defensive line coach Ricky Logo said. “Then you get to learning a new scheme and terminology and their heads are spinning, which causes them to be a little soft. That’s the thing we have to keep pushing through on.

“The game is going fast for them right now. It just takes time. When the game slows down and you have enough reps and game experience, young guys respond. They’re going as hard as possible.”

Young guns

A look at UNLV’s two-deep on the defensive line for its game against Wyoming on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium tells the story. Four freshmen and a sophomore are included.

Names like Poe Purcell and Kal-El Togafau and Eliah Logo and several others are among those facing new lessons each week, on how best to transfer inexperienced minds into a man’s game.

Leadership is key in these instances and the Rebels have such a player in junior Lucas Conti, who has battled injury but still shows his younger teammates how things are done.

“Conti is constantly making these guys understand things by the way he practices and prepares,” Logo said. “The guys follow his lead. By no means are we there.

“It’s a progression. We’re trying to make these guys grow some teeth right now.”

It is no secret how much the NCAA ineligibility of senior lineman Cohen Fuller has hurt the Rebels. He played in all 14 games last season, starting four, and his absence up front on game days has been felt.

“You have an experienced player that leads by example,” Logo said. “It’s like having two Lucas Contis out there. Cohen brought that leadership and work ethic. Still does. You have a kid who isn’t eligible but he goes out there at practice on the scout team and doesn’t complain.

“So when young guys get upset going to the scout team, you see a senior there trying to help our offense. Guys like that will help you win plenty of games. It hurts a lot that he (isn’t eligible).”

More physical

Cam Santee is a linebacker who sees the development of those in front of him. Who understands the physical part of the game isn’t something that immediately translates for most.

“It’s hard just to walk into college and pick it up right away,” Santee said. “Only a few guys are physically gifted enough to do that. Game speed is completely different from practice. You need to get into a rhythm with it.

“The more reps you get, the better. I feel like the coaches have done a really good job helping the (younger players) come along.”

And there is this: UNLV still controls its destiny when it comes to playing for a Mountain West title and perhaps even hosting the game.

“I love it,” Santee said. “We want to be the first team in school history to win the (conference) championship. We have the ability to do it.”

Just get more physical. It matters.

Contact Ed Graney at [email protected]. Follow @edgraney on X.