Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000 | 10:28 a.m.
If ever a coach deserved to take a week off, it is UNLV head football coach John Robinson.
Not only did he guide the Rebels (8-5) to an improbable Las Vegas Bowl berth and then a 31-14 victory over Arkansas, it was also a physically and mentally draining season for the 65-year-old Robinson.
Robinson had to assume offensive coordinator duties when Gene Dahlquist left to become the head coach of the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe just a week before the season-opener at Iowa State. And those who have watched Robinson during his successful head coaching days at USC could not remember him being anywhere near as active on the field during practice each day as he was this past season for the Rebels.
But Robinson isn't spending this week hitting those after-Christmas sales with wife Linda or vacationing at the beach somewhere. Instead, he is already back at his Lied Athletic Complex office working on UNLV's 2001 football campaign.
"We can't be satisfied (about winning the Las Vegas Bowl)," Robinson said. "In my mind, I'm already starting to plan for next year and to counter (complacency). We're going to be better. This team came within a few points of having a 10-win season.
"Yeah, I was tired at the end of the season ... tired and happy. But I think I would have enjoyed it less if I had had just a more general role in coaching the team."
Robinson said he plans to continue calling the plays next season.
"I have too much fun doing it," he said.
With a quarterback like Jason Thomas returning, why wouldn't it be fun?
"I frankly expect him to be the most improved player on our team," Robinson said of the 6-4, 230-pound transfer from USC who earned Mountain West Conference Newcomer of the Year honors. "He obviously has enormous talent and is a great competitor. He and I both agree there are specific habits he must develop and do better."
Look for the Rebels to air it out more next season as Robinson expands the offense to better utilize Thomas' skills.
"For a long time he was one of the most efficient passers in the country," Robinson said. "I think he has to throw the ball a lot more. We averaged about 20 throws a game this year. We should average about 30-plus next year. We have to expand his role and make him more efficient in some areas."
Here's an early look at how UNLV stacks up for 2001:
Quarterback: Thomas, the team MVP for his three-touchdown pass performance in the Las Vegas Bowl, returns for his junior season with a year of experience under his belt. "I don't think there is any question that he's a Heisman Trophy candidate kind of player," Robinson said. "He has that potential. He's certainly at that level."
Depth could be a problem, however. Seniors Jason Vaughan and Chris Hayward both graduated and sophomore long-snapper Ryan Hanson, who figured to be third string heading into spring, may quit or transfer to concentrate on baseball.
That leaves just talented redshirt freshman Kurt Nantkes to back Thomas up although defensive backs Jamaal Brimmer and Toby Smeltzer both starred at quarterback in high school.
"Nantkes is the future along with Ryan Hanson if he stays," Robinson said. "Like everybody, it seems like you have either too many or too few quarterbacks. A couple of injuries and all of a sudden its scary. But you really can only effectively get two quarterbacks ready to play."
Robinson said it's possible the Rebels could sign a quarterback or two in February's recruiting class.
Running back: Perhaps the most important area when it comes to recruiting the next few weeks.
The Rebels lose two great ones in team offensive MVP Jeremi Rudolph, the school's first back since Ickey Woods in 1987 to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, and powerful Kevin Brown, who rushed for over 800 yards and figures to be a mid-round NFL pick in the spring.
"Those two were just outstanding," Robinson said.
Jabari Johnson, a transfer from Washington, is the front-runner for the starting job. Sophomore Joe Haro also has been moved back to tailback after playing cornerback this past season.
"We're looking in the junior college and high school ranks to bring in another back," Robinson said.
Steady James Wofford graduates at fullback, but sophomore Steven Costa and former Eldorado High star George Gordon both had solid years as backups.
Offensive line: Four of the five starters return but the one loss is a big one.
Right tackle John Greer, a unanimous all-MWC pick, graduates. However, left tackle Brandon Bair, guards Tony Terrell, Shane Wagers and Greg Hulett and center Peter Tramontanas all return.
"The loss of John Greer in terms of leadership and ability will be a blow," Robinson said. "But everybody else will be back. And we have people waiting in the wings who can help there."
Wide receiver: Nate Turner, who caught 74 passes this past season, including eight for 126 yards and two touchdowns in the Las Vegas Bowl, was the Rebels' go-to receiver each of the last two years and his ability to make the tough catch in a crowd will definitely be missed.
But the cupboard is hardly bare.
"Troy Mason (30 catches, including a memorable 54-yard touchdown pass from Thomas in the Las Vegas Bowl) really came into his own and did a really good job for us," Robinson said. "I also can see us spreading the ball around more next year."
Bobby Nero, Charles James, Michael Johnson and tight end DeJhown Mandley all figure to play key roles next season.
Defensive line: Three of the four starters return including first team all-MWC pick Anton Palepoi at defensive end.
"I think our biggest improvement on the team will come defensively," Robinson predicted. "Anton Palepoi will be an All-American next year. And we were impressed with the play of all the other defensive ends as well. It's a formidable group."
Starting nose guard Anthony Suggs departs, but underrated defensive tackle Ahmad Miller and talented sophomore Dietrich Canterberry both return.
"And we think we're going to get some help from the junior colleges and high schools there," Robinson said.
Linebacker: What was arguably the team's biggest weakness entering the 2000 campaign could be one of its strengths in 2001.
"We had some injuries there and it allowed some young people to play," Robinson said. "Ryan Claridge had a great season as a freshman. Shanga Wilson and Tosh Burrus also had good seasons. Lamar Owens is a physical linebacker we think can really be a major contributor for us next year. And James Sunia comes back (from knee surgery)."
Robinson is also high on a couple of redshirt freshmen, Bonanza High product Adam Seward and Tyler Kruse of perennial California prep powerhouse Mater Dei High School.
Secondary: Once again depth figures to be improved here even with the losses of starters Randy Black and Amar Brisco.
Cornerback Kevin Thomas and safety Sam Brandon could both contend for All-American honors.
"Probably the key to the future are two freshman corners, Ruschard Dodd-Masters and Joe Hunter," Robinson said. "Both of them have enormous potential. They're really going to make a difference along with Kevin Thomas and Jamal Wynn.
"Sam Brandon was the MVP on our defense. I think we can use Sam to take advantage of his aggression more than we have where he can become an All-American type of player."
Two other freshmen Robinson has "high hopes" for are former Durango High star Brimmer and Indian Springs special teams whiz Derek Olsen at safety.
Special teams: Preseason All-American punter Ray Cheetany, who also did an excellent job on kickoffs, graduates. He'll be replaced by sophomore Ryan McDonald, one of Robinson's first recruits two years ago.
"Ryan doesn't have as strong a leg as Ray but he gets the ball up in the air and is a very quick punter," Robinson said.
Walk-on Dillon Pieffer returns to handle the placekicking chores.
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