Spring football leftovers; Summers closer to being a Steeler?

By Ryan Greene

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 | 1:22 p.m.

On Friday morning, we gave you a list of 8 things to watch for in UNLV's annual spring game.

Of course, what's the point in doing that if there is no follow-up? So now, a look at just how those 8 things played out ...

1) Omar Clayton ... duh While Mike Clausen stole the show by going 10-of-14 for 152 yards and two scores, Clayton, it's been confirmed over and over and over, is still the Rebels' starting QB. And with good reason. His 4-of-7 for 73 yards showing won't blow anyone away, but he looked good. What was most encouraging was seeing him run the ball without hesitation, proving that the torn MCL from a year ago is the furthest thing from his mind.

2) Behind Wolfe and Payne It looks like depth at receiver will again be a luxury for the Rebels. Rodelin Anthony gave more reason for excitement than anyone, with 4 catches for 46 yards and a score. The knock on the 6-foot-5 senior for awhile is that he has a knack for making the spectacular catch, but struggles with the routine grab. He caught both during a stellar cap to an already solid spring. He even showed a flair for the dramatic in attempting to hurdle two defensive backs on an 8-yard sideline route. Didn't work out too well, though. Still, creativity points, indeed.

3) Setting up the defense I can't say I kept numbers on either Brendon Lamers or Kyle Watson in the punting game, but neither blew anyone away. Still, between the two of them, the coaching staff should be able to figure out something serviceable.

4) Can't play like a backup The twos looked pretty decent on both sides of the ball. Not a ton to add here.

5) Speaking of the secondary If the rest of the incoming defensive backs this summer are anything like the juco transfers the Rebels had in camp this spring, then the prospects of the pass defense improving are looking pretty good. Warren Zeigler proved himself to be a viable contender for a starting job when all is said and done, breaking up a fade route to Phillip Payne -- yes, apparently it can be done -- in the end zone. Kenny Brown also broke one up, and Chris Jones had two tackles while looking more like a natural safety than he ever did in 2008.

6) No more Tank While there was nice balance throughout the running backs on the depth chart, if the spring game proved anything, it's that a sight-unseen Bradley Randle will have as good a chance as anyone at landing the starting job once he arrives for fall camp. Imari Thompson and Channing Trotter had some nice moments on Friday, but Chris Brogdon's emergence continues to be the big story. The 5-foot-7 bruising senior took most of the reps with the first team offense and picked up 24 yards on 3 carries. Heck, he resembles Frank Summers more than anyone else in the running, so who knows?

7) Is Malo ready to deliver? Well, he's showing signs of it. He had a sack and was all over the backfield on Friday night. He shows the same fire from his defensive tackle spot as he did a year ago. But now can he deliver when it matters? We'll find out in August. However, there's no reason to think he's dropped off at all.

8) On the ends B.J. Bell was in attendance and watched in street clothes. If we're going by the 'looks good in an airport' test, I'd say he's starting against Sacramento State.

Summers closer to becoming a Steeler?

Former UNLV back Frank Summers' quest for a job in the NFL has been pretty well documented on this site.

First, he blew everyone away at UNLV's Pro Day in early March.

Then, after the Steelers sent running backs coach Kirby Wilson and a pair of scouts to Vegas to watch him perform, they flew him out to wine and dine him, giving the beefy back a tour of the facilities and such.

Basically, Pittsburgh hasn't done too much to play things close to the vest here. And anyone who saw him play in two seasons at UNLV knows that the Tank would fit in perfectly to the Steelers' running back mold.

Last week, the Steelers cut their primary short-yardage back, Gary Russell. Russell scored 3 TDs and had 77 yards on the ground last season for the Super Bowl champs.

Are they clearing some roster space in Pittsburgh?

Boy, it's fun to speculate.