Rebels counting on Miller to come up big in middle

Steve Guiremand

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

At 6-foot-4 and almost 300 pounds, Ahmad Miller is not the easiest guy to push around on the football field.

At least that's what the Rebels are hoping, anyway.

Miller, a junior who began his UNLV career as a defensive end in 1999, is being counted on to help clog up the middle on a Rebel defensive line that was manhandled at times last year.

"He and Anthony Suggs have to hold up the middle for us," UNLV coach John Robinson said. "I think Ahmad can become a great player for us."

Miller and the rest of his UNLV's defensive linemates get a chance on Saturday at Iowa State to show just how improved the defensive line will be in 2000.

A year ago the Cyclones had their way with the Rebels up front, rushing for 319 yards and controlling the ball for almost 39 minutes while grinding out a 24-0 win at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"I got a lot of experience last year," said Miller, who started at end in the game. "I've played tackle before in high school and junior college, so moving back inside from defensive end was no big deal. You just have to get used to getting double-teamed more. And it can wear on you some."

First-year Rebel defensive line coach Craig Wederquist says he has been impressed by Miller's potential.

"I think the thing that Ahmad can bring to that position is that he can be a difference-maker," Wederquist said. "He's got great size and great agility. It's just a matter if he can realize his potential on Saturday afternoon."

"The key to his season is how aggressive he is and if he plays hard," Robinson seconded. "I think he certainly he has a chance to be an impact player for us. A lot of that also depends on how hard he plays and practices every day this year."

Cheetany grew up a couple of hours from Ames in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and played at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge.

"I'm really looking forward to going home," Cheetany said. "Obviously I'll have a lot of friends and family there."

Cheetany figures to be a busy person on Saturday. Besides punting and kicking off like he did in 1999, he'll also handle placekicking duties this year.

"I've never had a player do all three for me before," Robinson said.

Sophomore outside linebacker Tosh Burrus, who entered fall practice listed No. 1 on the weak side, is out with a hamstring injury. Ditto backup tailback Jabari Johnson, a transfer from Washington. And strong side linebacker Tyler Brickell is also going to miss the game with a separated shoulder.

JC transfer LaMar Owens will move into Brickell's starting spot while Shanga Wilson, who originally signed with Arizona out of high school and was one of the stars of fall camp, will start in place of Burrus.

Meanwhile, starting right guard Tony Terrell (broken finger) and right tackle John Greer (sore knee) both will play as will starting strong safety Randy Black (broken finger).

Before departing Las Vegas last week, Ray told Robinson and several players that picking Thomas as the starter was a big mistake.

"He felt like he was the better quarterback, and that's good," Robinson said. "He should feel that way."

Robinson said he would have likely worked Ray in for a couple of series in Saturday's opener if he had stuck around.

"I think Jason could be so excited and hyper that I think he could be exhausted by the end of the first quarter," Robinson said. "I probably would have put Matt in for a couple of series."